The Bonnie House of Airlie
Forter Castle came into my family’s possession in the late 1980s when my beloved father, Robert, realised his dream of restoring a piece of Scottish history. He had been hiking past the castle ruins along the Cateran Trail and was inspired to restore it to its original glory.
A tower of fire-blackened stone with two mature trees growing through its centre, the way marker along this ancient route had seen better days. He insisted upon recreating the original layout, and careful observation of scarring in the stones gave subtle clues to the past structure. My family worked together to find the most experienced craftspeople from all over Scotland and sourced authentic materials and antiques to dress the unique spaces found in the castle today.
Forter Castle holds a special place in my heart for celebrating family milestones, and I am delighted others can embrace the same sentiment for their significant occasions. As we dive headfirst into the festive season and take a moment to appreciate all that we are grateful for, I am very thankful for the journeys I have shared with my family. Whether travelling abroad or nestling in the countryside, we always make space for quality time, and I am filled to the brim with gratitude that we get to share meals, laughter and memories year after year.
The Great Hall
At the heart of Forter is our Great Hall which spans the length of the castle. An inlet log fireplace dominates one side whilst mahogany shelving displaying antique books borders the other. A sweeping dining table for sixteen is the centrepiece of the room and the setting where we have celebrated many occasions.
Looking up, a painted ceiling mural depicts the traditional Scottish song “The Bonnie House of Airlie.” I commissioned artist Jenny Merredew to create the piece. The ballad recalls the destruction of Forter Castle and my brother Sebastian often amusingly belts out the ballad at family gatherings.
There is nothing I love more than preparing a roast in the morning, allowing it to slow-cook as we spend the day walking in the surrounding hills and then returning as the sun begins to set to dress the table ready for a formal sit-down supper.
Forter Castle is available to rent all details to rent my Highland retreat can be found here at www.fortercastle.com
Katharine Pooley is renowned worldwide for the beauty of her extraordinary interiors. Established over 19 years ago her London-based, luxury, interior design studio creates innovative designs and exquisite, award-winning, spaces worldwide. Recently named as “British Interior Designer of the Decade” and“International Designer of the Year”, Katharine’s design vision is limitless and unconstrained by genre. Overseeing her team of 49 interior designers and interior architects, her personal approach ensures every detail of every project and product is exquisitely realised and impeccably finished. This is at the heart of the studio’s ethos: dedication to clients; meticulous attention to detail; and creation of beautiful, unique spaces. Her breath-taking interiors range in scale and style, from traditional country estates to contemporary homes, hotels, luxury spas, modernist beach villas, historical palaces, traditional castles, ski chalets, planes and yachts.
