When Stef Burgeon and Simon Hunt left behind their fast-paced life in Dubai, they had no idea they’d end up falling in love with a crumbling 16th-century castle in the Scottish countryside.
But something about Kilmartin Castle just clicked. I’ve always been fascinated by people who take huge leaps, and this one paid off in the most magical way.
Ten years, and a whole lot of grit later, they’ve turned that forgotten fortress into one of Scotland’s most enchanting retreats. It’s not just a renovation story, it’s proof that sometimes, your dream home finds you.
1. The first steps
Back when they were still living in Dubai, Stef and Simon took a leap of faith and flew back to Scotland for just three weeks. Their goal? Give the aging castle a much-needed refresh and make it livable enough to rent out short-term.
It was a whirlwind renovation, just enough to stop the place from falling apart and start bringing in a little income. But the more time they spent there, the harder it became to leave.
Before long, they made the big decision to move to Scotland full-time and pour their energy into restoring the castle for good.
2. The Real Work Begins
After four years of grinding away to pay off debt and build up some savings, Stef and Simon finally hit pause on their careers in Dubai.
They packed their bags and spent six unforgettable months exploring Europe, soaking up inspiration along the way. When they returned to Scotland, it was time to get serious. In January 2019, they officially kicked off what would become a massive renovation journey.
One of their first big moments? Repointing the castle’s weathered stone walls, tools in hand, friends by their side, and a lot of hope for what was ahead.
3. Historic Features
The kitchen turned out to be one of the biggest challenges on the ground floor. When Stef and Simon first stepped into the space, it was clear the years hadn’t been kind.
At the heart of the room was an old, deep hearth, once used for open-fire cooking, that gave a glimpse into the castle’s past. But for a space meant to welcome modern guests, it needed much more than historic charm.
Bringing the kitchen into the present meant reimagining everything while still honoring the centuries-old bones of the building. It was no small task, but completely worth it.
4. Embracing The Original
With no flexibility to change the layout of the ground floor, Stef and Simon had to get creative. The rooms had to stay exactly where they were, so the challenge was all about working within those old stone walls.
Instead of seeing limitations, they saw opportunity. Bit by bit, they transformed the once-crumbling kitchen into a dream space for cooking and gathering.
It’s now a perfect blend of old and new, think centuries-old charm with top-of-the-line appliances. The result feels seamless, like the kitchen was always meant to look just like this.
5. A Stylish New Kitchen
Following an architect’s advice, Stef and Simon chose to keep the original walls largely untouched, letting the castle’s natural character shine through. Instead of fighting the space, they leaned into its quirks.
The kitchen now centers around a sleek island fitted with two ovens, perfect for hosting and cooking with ease. Above it, a suspended herb garden adds a fresh, homegrown touch.
And that old fireplace? It’s been given new life as a cozy built-in nook, complete with seating for eight, full of charm, warmth, and a story in every stone.
6. The Grand Hall
The grand hall, located on the middle floor, quickly became one of Stef and Simon’s favorite spaces. Structurally, it was in surprisingly good shape, which made the restoration feel more rewarding than daunting.
Stef remembers sanding back the walls and refreshing the lime plaster, which thankfully had held up beautifully over time. The fireplace, though, was a bit of a puzzle.
No matter how long the fire burned, the room stayed cold. After plenty of expert advice and a bit of trial and error, they extended the chimney, and just like that, warmth finally filled the room.
7. Steeped In Fascinating Stories
One of the most eye-catching features in the grand hall is a portrait that Stef and Simon both adore, a mysterious bearded lady. During the renovation, the painting was accidentally damaged and had to be sent off for restoration.
That’s when things got interesting. The restorer traced it back to 1932, painted by Hélène Detroyat. But the beard? That was added decades later, sometime in the 1960s.
No one knows who made the quirky alteration, but the mix of history and humor only makes the piece more intriguing, and even more beloved by the couple.
8. Spacious Bath
Stef and Simon didn’t just oversee the renovation, they lived and breathed it. As project managers, they made countless calls on every little detail, from finishes to fixtures.
And when it came to the tough, unglamorous tasks? They rolled up their sleeves and got it done. Stef still laughs about the time she hauled heavy concrete tiles up two flights of stairs, only to realize the effort had literally worn the skin off her fingertips.
It was brutal, but seeing the transformation now, she knows every sore muscle was totally worth it.
9. Master Bedroom
Stepping into the upper floor, it was clear the space hadn’t aged gracefully. The bedrooms were worn and weathered, far from anything guests would want to stay in.
But with time, vision, and a lot of care, they gave these rooms a new lease on life. One standout bedroom now beautifully mixes old and new, with a striking feature wall that reveals the original stone beneath layers of plaster.
It’s a quiet nod to the castle’s history, and a perfect example of honoring the past while creating something entirely fresh.
10. Repurposed Dining Room
Throughout the renovation, Stef and Simon found creative ways to stretch their budget—one of their favorite tricks was upcycling whatever they could.
The dining room turned out to be one of the easier spaces to tackle, needing just a few cosmetic updates to bring it to life. At the center of it all sits a stunning dining table that was actually left behind by the previous owner.
Instead of replacing it, they embraced its history, giving it a light refresh and letting it anchor the room with character and charm.
11. Old Meets New
The sink may still sit where it always has, but everything around it has been completely reimagined. Stef and Simon gave it a fresh new look with a sleek birch plywood cabinet and poured concrete countertops that add a cool, industrial feel.
The contrast works beautifully, the clean lines and modern materials breathe new life into the space, while the original character of the castle still shines through.
It’s a perfect example of how they’ve managed to honor the building’s history while giving it a fresh, functional edge.
12. Antique finds
When Stef and Simon first took on the castle, there was only a single bathroom for the entire place. Fast forward to today, and that dusty, rubble-filled corner has become home to a collection of thoughtfully designed washrooms.
One of the standout spaces was inspired by an antique mint green washstand they discovered in Nice, France. Nearly two centuries old, it became the heart of the room.
They paired it with a bold terracotta basin and eye-catching black-and-white floor tiles, creating a space that feels both timeless and completely personal.
13. Beautiful New Events Space
During the winter of 2023, Stef and Simon turned their attention to a new project on the grounds—an enchanting glasshouse designed for unforgettable gatherings.
Tucked among the greenery, it’s become the perfect spot for cozy dinners, where guests can enjoy the estate’s beauty without braving the cold. And they’re not done yet.
The couple has their sights set on more additions, including a dreamy sauna nestled near the wild swimming pond. With views stretching into the woods, it’s a future feature that already feels like the perfect finishing touch.