Husband and wife dream team and co-conspirators, Alastair Ewing and Anne Nguyen have curated the ultimate old world, new world, social-media friendly retreat at Dunskey Estate in Scotland. Sure, you’ll see the rolling green hills of what most Americans associate with Braveheart or a Gerard Butler rom-com (who stayed here, by the way). But what you’ll discover once you arrive at Dunskey Estate is a multi-cultural and whimsical cast of characters in a mansion fit for a (Instagram verified) queen.

Cheers!

The owners, Alastair and Anne, make you feel like you’re family immediately. Yes, yes the 23 room estate is awe-inspiring and makes you suddenly want to take up drinking Scotch and stalking game. But the contemporary and bohemian vibes of new elements like the Magic Room and the Rave Cave (aka the ultimate late night dance party location) makes the estate perfect for any event, from black tie to Burning Man decompression. Besides the century old art, plush furniture and too-good-to-be-true views, my favorite touch of decor upon entering was Rebecca Traister’s book Good and Mad:The Revolutionary Power of Women’s Anger. When I asked what the deal was, the General Manager told me that feminist ideals are a core tenant to Dunskey’s culture. Start calling me Khaleesi, because I’m about *this* close to going by full Queen of Dragons and moving into this castle permanently (obviously, we’re talking sister Khaleesi before that unfortunate and unmentionable ending).

Rave Cave

Back to the castle. When I asked Alastair (heir to the Dunskey Estate) his favorite type of guest, he responded, “The ones that come to us with crazy ideas.” He’s particularly proud of how many times he’s jumped into officiate a wedding at Dunskey Estate, which is pushing 3 at the moment. “The essence of a great officiant is whimsy, and of course, love.” He says. Sure, I’ll toast to that.

So, what’s to do at Dunskey anyway? Well, you can enjoy the AA Rosette chef, which is equivalent to a Michelin star in the United States. Whether you’re into Vietnamese pho or Venison chilli or the most gourmet version of fish and chips you’ll ever come across, the Dunskey team will keep you well fed. The first meal I had was the aforementioned chilli of which Alastair told me was caught “right over there” pointing to the hills situated just outside of Dunskey’s front lawn. Farm-to-table, indeed.

Fish and Chips

Oh and want to cut down on your carbon footprint while traveling? The floral arrangements, the meat, and the produce are all sustainably-sourced. Finally, a flower crown I can get behind. Speaking of which, Anne, the queen of (and brains behind) Dunskey sourced dozens of ornate head pieces from her travels around the world and others she commissions from Etsy. Anne encourages guests to visit the Magic Room before nightly dinner parties where you are invited to dress in something whimsical, as something other than yourself. Carbon-neutral flowers serve as center pieces for the dining table and are truly jarring in opulence.

Enjoying the lush land.

As enchanting as Dunskey’s estate is, venture beyond the lush forests and secret gardens carefully tended to by quirky resident horticulturist, Gaby Reynolds who has worked on the grounds since 2002. The botany expert is currently overseeing rewilding efforts, but in her spare time, she designs jewelry. Gaby says she and local artisans focus on fusing sustainability with their craft. “You can’t sit at home and expect Galloway to come to you, you have to go to Galloway”. And so began our journey to the Mull of Galloway just 45 minutes South of Port Patrick. Gaby and her cohort of sustainable designers are largely inspired by the sea. She introduced us to her fellow artist friend, Linda Irving. Linda is a felt based artist who relies on felt, silk and wool to create patterns in her art. She eco dyes felt hats, book covers, and scarves to reduce waste.  “You are surrounded by the sea on all three sides. It’s such a big factor in our lives that you can’t ignore it” she whispered. The atmospheric story-book quality of the South is a great way to experience the tranquil remoteness experienced by locals.

Dunskey Exterior

Coming from New York, the botany and sheer amount of nature in eye-shot everywhere at Dunskey Estate can throw any tech-obsessed coastie into a full-blown existential crisis. What I’m trying to say is that while concrete jungles may be my yin, Scottish castles are officially now my yang.