Join Katharine Pooley at her Highland retreat ‘Forter Castle’. Decorated for a traditional Scottish Christmas, it is a magical sight to behold.
The castle’s heavy, fortified, oak and iron front door is adorned for Christmas with a wreath made from beautiful seasonal foliage and, either side of the doorway, a pair of candlelit hurricane lanterns.
The hand-painted ceiling of the great hall is the perfect, richly-hued, backdrop for a large Christmas tree, decorated in bronze and silver baubles from Katharine’s collection.
Each place setting is prettily decorated with foliage, candelabra, silver elephant figurines by Patrick Mavros and Katharine’s fine, silver-edged, porcelain china.
A roaring open fire creates an inviting atmosphere, evocative of the castle’s romantic (and battle-torn) past, Katharine has hung garlands of foliage from the ceremonial swords above the impressive, stone mantlepiece.
Views from turret windows are of the snowy Glenisla hills beyond, whilst in the basemen, a private family chapel, with a vaulted ceiling, little pews and candlelit alter, is the perfect location for a simple, seasonal blessing or carols.
Each of the seven family bedrooms has its own, distinct, personality, reached by a private staircase, Katharine’s father’s bedroom is a vision of rich fabrics and finely carved antiques.
Higher in the castle, up the main stone, spiral staircase, the imposing ‘Lairds room’ is unforgettably grand. A striking combination of ruby-red bed drapes, tweed-clad walls and an antler chandelier ensure a memorable Christmas even sleep.
Roaring fires, decanters full of fine malt whisky and luxuriously comfortable furnishings ensure that Christmas at Forter Castle is always a cozy affair.
As the snow swirls around the surrounding heather-clad hills, Katharine and her family toast to your health and happiness.
Slainte!
