While the idea of staying in a castle sounds rather splendid, they do tend to be rather large places and if you're only a small group, it's easy to get overwhelmed. The solution, then, is to simply stay in the best section, as is the case with this penthouse apartment inside Dunksey Castle. Built at the turn of the twentieth century for industry magnate and Member of Parliament Charles Lindsay Orr Ewing, there are some original features to be found inside, such as a cast-iron bathtub now filled with plants, baronial fireplaces and salvaged mirrors. However, the rest of the living quarters are thoroughly modern. with plant-themed artwork, velvet furnishings and plush rugs. The master bedroom is particularly spectacular with the bay windows, four-poster bed and bathtub in the corner. It's possible to see the sea and the village of Portpatrick from here, and it only takes twenty minutes on foot to reach these. Elsewhere on the estate, there are lochs, waterfalls and even a maze to explore.

Home truths:
*There's plenty of room for parking on the premises and charging electric vehicles is possible
*A cot, high chair, baby bath, children's tableware and toys, baby monitor, safety gates, fireplace guards and babysitter recommendations can be provided if required
*There's an elevator to reach this apartment and the home is step-free once inside
*A maximum of one dog is allowed with prior approval, although this will come at an additional cost of £60
*Picnics and chef-cooked meals can be delivered to the apartment at an extra cost
*The host requests that no shoes be worn inside due to the underfloor heating
*The home has a private entrance