Alan Carr, who went from plotting and banishing rivals on The Celebrity Traitors to owning the show's stunning castle, has given an exclusive update on his new home. The comedian admitted the renovation is “a bit of a slog” but teased a string of surprises.
Exclusive Update From the NTAs
Speaking at the National Television Awards, Alan said: “The castle is looking great its a big of a slog, but I'm loving it it there. I have so many surprises and I cant wait for people to see it next year. I cant give too much away but its going to be a lot of fun, it's been stressful, but fun. There's a café coming too!”
Alan, 50, bought Ayton Castle in the Scottish Borders for £3.25million after his stint on The Celebrity Traitors. The Gothic Revival property dates back to 1845 and boasts 17 bedrooms, 160 acres of gardens and parkland, and even its own narrow-gauge railway.
Plans for a Café and Community Shop
A planning application has been submitted to Scottish Borders Council to convert vacant potting sheds in the walled garden into a community café and estate shop. The plans also include public toilets, staff welfare facilities and storage. The sheds are currently in a “severely derelict state”, according to a heritage impact statement.
The estate also features a dramatic five-storey Great Tower, wood-panelled rooms, enormous windows, fireplaces, fountains and maintained gardens. A new Disney+ series is being planned to follow Alan's attempts to transform the ageing estate, with the working title Castle Man.
Midlife Crisis and a Menagerie
At the time of purchase, Alan joked: “Some men when they have a midlife crisis buy a Lamborghini or grow a ponytail, but me, I want my very own castle.” A recent sale was held for hundreds of items, including creations from the Branxton Cement Menagerie, though one unlucky cow failed to attract a buyer.
Knight Frank, which marketed Ayton Castle, previously described it as “a truly extraordinary property”. Its director Edward Douglas-Home said: “Ayton Castle is a truly extraordinary property, widely regarded as Scotland's finest example of Gothic Revival architecture.” He added: “Its dramatic five-storey Great Tower, remarkable stonework and exceptional period detailing place it among the country's most important historic houses.”
The estate also contains cottages and lodges which could potentially be rented out, meaning Alan's new home could make him some money back. For now, though, the former Traitors winner faces the challenge of turning 17 bedrooms, 160 acres and a battered potting shed into a castle fit for Alan Carr.
