Comedian Alan Carr has officially entered the aristocracy, revealing he is now a baron after purchasing a £3.25 million castle in Scotland. The 49-year-old entertainer confirmed he holds the rights to the Barony of Ayton title, a distinction dating back to 1324, which was available for acquisition alongside the sprawling estate.
A Turret Era Begins
Inspired by his time on Celebrity Traitors, Carr shared his excitement about the purchase during an appearance on the Staying Relevant podcast with Pete Wicks and Sam Thompson. He declared, 'I'm in my turret era. I want a castle and I'm 50. I'm not going to be around forever. I think 50, I just want to do what I want to do.' Carr emphasised his long-standing desire for a castle, adding, 'I've always wanted a castle. I'm a baron. I'm going to get my own tartan.'
Dispelling Rumours and Planning Ahead
Alan Carr firmly dismissed reports that he had been outbid, stating, 'I have bought it. Someone said someone else has bought it but, no, I have.' He expressed immense enthusiasm for the project, noting, 'I haven’t been this excited about a project for ages. I’ve got the survey now and I’m waiting for the keys to come.' The comedian, who separated from his husband Paul Drayton in 2022 after 13 years, humorously remarked he 'might get a nice man up there' in his new Scottish abode.
Grandiose Estate Features
The property boasts an impressive array of amenities, including:
- 16 spacious bedrooms
- 160 acres of meticulously maintained gardens
- A private miniature railway system
Disney+ Series and Renovation Plans
Carr has secured a seven-figure deal with Disney+ to film a series documenting the transformation of the castle into a luxury hotel and spa. The show, tentatively titled Castle Man, will follow a format similar to his popular BBC home renovation series with Amanda Holden. It is reportedly being produced by Expectation, the company behind Clarkson's Farm, ensuring high production values.
Community Concerns and Postponed Meeting
A public meeting to inform local residents about Carr's ambitious plans was postponed due to an 'unprecedented' number of anticipated attendees. Scheduled for Wednesday at Ayton Bowling Club, the event was cancelled as the venue has a maximum capacity of 120 people. Reports indicate residents are worried about potential restrictions on public access to the castle grounds. In the interim, community members have been advised to submit their queries and concerns to the community council.
Personal Motivations and Future Vision
Alan Carr first disclosed his castle-buying intentions last month on Jonathan Ross' chat show, citing a midlife crisis and a desire for change. He explained, 'I'm buying a castle. I'm having a midlife crisis. I want a turret to call my own. I'm in my turret era. I fancy a move and I loved being in The Traitors castle, so I thought, "I'm going to get myself one".'
Feeling 'lonely' ahead of his 50th birthday in June, Carr envisions the castle as a vibrant hub for visitors and animals. He elaborated, 'I'm moving from where I am at the minute, I want animals there, I want a community thing. I'm lonely where I am. It'll be nice, having people come there and have a cream tea. I want people to come in and have donkeys and stuff everywhere.'
The comedian even joked about introducing wildlife, saying, 'The estate agent said, "Do you want some Highland cows?" I said, "Yeah, stick them on." I want to re-introduce wolves. If I'm a landowner I can re-introduce wolves. That'd be nice. Helps the ecosystem… I read somewhere… maybe I'll have a think about that. I want it to be like a big old zoo, I love it.'
This acquisition marks a significant personal and professional milestone for Alan Carr, blending historical prestige with modern entertainment ambitions through the upcoming Disney+ series.
