Medieval Scottish Airbnb castle is named 'hottest property' in the UK and Ireland

A 16th-century Scottish castle has been named the ‘hottest property’ in the independent UK and Ireland accommodation sector.

Kilmartin Castle, in Scotland’s rural Argyll, was handed the accolade last night at a virtual ceremony for the 2022 Eviivo Awards, dubbed the ‘Oscars of independent accommodation’.

Each award winner was announced by surprise guest David Hasselhoff, who named Jules Murray at KVM Serviced Apartments in Cambridgeshire as 2022’s ‘Unsung Hero’ and Catherine Cummings at Kiltariff Hall Country House in Northern Ireland as ‘Outstanding Host’.

Kilmartin Castle, in Scotland’s rural Argyll, has been named the ‘hottest property’ in the independent UK and Ireland accommodation sector

Kilmartin Castle was named hottest property at a virtual ceremony for the 2022 Eviivo Awards, dubbed the ‘Oscars of independent accommodation’

Kilmartin Castle was built in 1550 during the legendary reign of Mary Queen of Scots.

The property was an abandoned semi-ruin from 1790 until 1990 when a couple spruced it up over 10 years and ran it as a B&B.

Stef Burgon and Simon Hunt bought the property for £330,000 in 2014 when they lived and worked in Dubai (Stef as a radio presenter and Simon as an ad agency creative director) and rented it to holidaymakers remotely.

Stef Burgon and Simon Hunt bought Kilmartin Castle for £330,000 in 2014, then transformed it

Stef and Simon refurbed Kilmartin Castle with the help of architects, skilled restorers and builders, and a dollop of determination

Pictured here is one of the turret ensuite bathrooms at Kilmartin Castle, complete with a rain shower and heated floor

At the end of 2018, they moved in and spent seven months renovating it with the help of architects, skilled restorers and builders, and a dollop of determination.

MailOnline Travel’s review of Kilmartin Castle, which can be booked through Airbnb and Sawday’s, said: ‘It’s Game of Thrones hipster chic. An imposing, dramatic, thick-walled fortress – but with mod cons, delightful luxury boutique touches and a splash of cool (this is a castle where guests can spin vinyl).

‘Plus, it has laid-back, welcoming, bonhomie-infused owners who you’ll be chatting to like old friends within minutes.’

Ben Shea Smart Home in Morayshire, Scotland (pictured), was shortlisted in the Hottest Property category

Merry Harriers, Surrey, was in the running for a 2022 Hottest Property gong

Outstanding Host winner Catherine Cummings, from Kiltariff Hall Country House in Northern Ireland

The other properties in the running for the ‘Hottest Property’ gold medal were Laythams Holiday Lets Retreat (The Lakehouse), Lancashire; Chambers of Distinction County Antrim, Northern Ireland; Ben Shea Smart Home, Morayshire, Scotland, and Merry Harriers, Surrey.

The other hosts in the mix for the Outstanding Host gong were Tina Lovatt at Parkets House B&B, Powys, Wales; David Looney at Tatler Jack, County Kerry, Ireland; Lauren and Keith Elstob at The Blue Bell Inn, Northumberland, and Karen Twist at Kinlochewe Hotel in Scotland.

The Unsung Hero shortlist comprised Delphine Delaveau at Robin Hill House, County Cork, Ireland; Sheila at Bay Horse Inn, North Yorkshire; Tamsin at The Bridge House, Dorset, and Tracey Toulmin at Bryn Woodlands House in Conwy, Wales.

The winners were selected by a panel of industry experts, who judged each finalist across a number of different criteria, with each winner collecting a grand prize of £1,000 to put towards their property.

Michele Fitzpatrick, CEO at hospitality software company Eviivo, added: ‘We were overjoyed with the high standard and volume of entries we received for this year’s awards. It was great to see so many hosts and hoteliers across the board – from B&Bs and independent hotels to self-catering rentals, apartments and alternative accommodation providers – all doing such a brilliant job.

‘Congratulations to all the winners on their well-deserved wins.’

For more visit eviivo.com/week-of-the-host/winners2022.

WINNERS AND SHORTLISTED ENTRIES IN THE 2022 ‘OSCARS OF INDEPENDENT ACCOMMODATIONS

HOTTEST PROPERTY

Winner

Kilmartin Castle – Argyll, Scotland

Finalists

Laythams Holiday Lets Retreat (The Lakehouse) – Lancashire, England

Chambers of Distinction – County Antrim, Northern Ireland

Ben Shea Smart Home – Morayshire, Scotland

Merry Harriers – Surrey, England

OUTSTANDING HOST