Scottish castle with a global magnetism.

Fully restored with respect for original architect Robert Adam (widely considered one of Britain’s most important neoclassical designers), the 18th-century estate stands on hallowed ground with a rich history: the site of the former Seton Palace, once a favoured retreat of Mary Queen of Scots.

In a world where many castles lean heavily into the past, Seton distinguishes itself by the precision of its reinvention. The restoration did not merely preserve the building’s spirit, it reimagined its purpose. The stonework has been painstakingly renewed, turrets and parapets rebuilt by skilled stonemasons, and every curve of the structure's dramatic silhouette respected. 

Internally, the transformation is no less exacting. Hidden within curved oak-panelled doors, beneath silk-lined dining rooms and along secret staircases, lies a harmony of heritage and innovation. Historic elements are balanced by a suite of contemporary comforts: an entertainment-ready kitchen, a gymnasium, cinema, wine cellar, and a billiards room evoke the layered personality of a home that entertains and embraces.

Current owner David Fam was living in Sydney before falling in love with the castle, describing its initial draw as something close to fate. “I’ve always been fascinated by historical architecture and the rich heritage that comes with it,” he says. “Seton Castle offered an unparalleled opportunity to preserve and enhance a piece of Scotland’s past while creating a unique space for modern living.”

This living experience is defined by volume and intimacy in equal measure. Thirteen bedrooms spread across the main residence and three additional dwellings, including romantic turret suites and guest cottages, cater to both familial privacy and generosity of hosting. A library, music room, office, study, and stables (complete with a foaling stable and coach house) reinforce the integrity of the estate. The Stable Bar - Seton’s private tavern nestled within the original tack room - adds a warm, communal charm rarely seen in properties of this calibre.

Textile choices throughout the interiors speak of craftsmanship and intent: jacquard velvets, embroidered silks, Scottish wools, and French oak flooring are seamlessly integrated alongside custom furnishings and cabinetry. The result is an environment that feels lived-in yet meticulous, opulent without theatricality.

The building’s ability to capture natural light is an unexpected feature, as it moves through arched Georgian windows, or as it strikes the 15th-century stone bridge that leads into the estate. The curved walls and hidden passageways are less affectations of the past than they are invitations into a slower, more deliberate rhythm of living.

It is this balance - between spectacle and serenity, past and present - that underpins Seton’s enduring appeal. And though its location is unequivocally private, the castle is far from remote. The heart of Edinburgh lies within a 30-minute drive, and the celebrated golf courses of East Lothian are virtually on the doorstep. The nearby village of Longniddry offers rail connections to the city, while the coastline affords both stunning vistas and active pursuits, from sailing and surfing to traditional game shooting. 

David, who ended up moving here from Sydney, speaks to the emotional resonance of the shift. “The relocation was indeed a significant decision,” he reflects. “But the romanticism and charm of Edinburgh, the stunning natural landscapes and the warmth of the people made the transition not just manageable, but inspiring.”

There are few homes in the world that can be described as transformative. Seton Castle is one of them - a home that doesn’t simply impress, but moves. It asks not to be admired from afar, but to be experienced, understood, and lived in deeply.

And for the right custodian, it offers something truly rare: not only a place in history, but the opportunity to shape (and be shaped by) its future.

View the listing: Seton Castle, Longniddry