A new lease of life for the Vaulted Cellar

From a crucial coal store to a unique, laid-back entertaining space, the Vaulted Cellar has seen its fair share of uses and transformations over the years.

During the Victorian era, the only way of heating the Castle was through open fires positioned within its many rooms. As a result, a ton of coal was required to keep the fires roaring every day. In this period, the Vaulted Cellar, which sits just off the courtyard to the east of the Castle, was used to store vast amounts of coal.

The initial transformation of the Cellar took place when Thirlestane Castle first opened to the public in 1984 when it was repurposed into an exhibition space. The Vaulted Cellar became home to the Border Country Life exhibition, which many of the guests and visitors enjoyed over the years.

Today the Vaulted Cellar, which has recently undergone another revamp, provides a unique and informal entertaining space. Equipped with a double-sided woodburning stove, a rustic bar, soft furnishings, and comfy chairs, it is the perfect cosy space for our accommodation, wedding, and private function guests.

The Cellar is ideal for a variety of events, from small gatherings to memorable dining experiences, whiskey tastings, or music recitals, with its vaulted ceilings providing excellent acoustics. Celebrations can spill out into the courtyard, where a marquee can be erected with level access available. No matter the occasion, the Cellar’s blank canvas allows our guest’s creative freedom to design their perfect space.

The quirky space is perfect for making unforgettable memories with family and friends. We can’t wait to see this incredible space being used by our guests for years to come, as it bends and adapts to fit in with the ever-changing building uses and styles.