Secret Panic Room Concealed Behind Dual Bookcases in £3.8M Scottish Castle Hits Market
19th-Century Scottish Castle with Panic Room Hits Market for £3.8M
[Image 1: Ormiston Castle exterior, surrounded by lush grounds]
Ormiston Castle, a stunning 19th-century estate in West Lothian, Scotland, is now on the market for £3.8 million. Located just 30 minutes from Edinburgh, the renovated six-bedroom property spans 15 acres and offers luxury amenities like an equestrian center, tennis court, private cinema, and even a Scottish pub. But its most intriguing feature? A hidden "panic room" concealed behind a bookcase.
A Secret Safe Haven
[Image 2: Disguised bookcase door leading to panic room staircase]
Featured on Channel 4’s Britain’s Most Expensive Houses, the castle’s tour revealed a cleverly disguised panic room. Real estate expert Mark Coulter showed journalists Kirsty McLuckie and Pam a military-grade secure space hidden behind a bookcase. Equipped with an iPad to control the house and contact authorities, the room left the guests bemused. Kirsty joked, “I prefer the idea of escaping boring guests over masked intruders!”
Luxury Living
[Image 3: Opulent principal suite with living area and marble bathroom]
The castle’s lavish interiors include a grand principal suite occupying an entire wing, complete with a marble bathroom and dressing room. For entertainment, the property boasts a cinema room (“bonkers,” Kirsty remarked) and a bar stocked with Scottish whiskies. Outside, the grounds feature a tennis court and equestrian facilities.
A Labor of Love (and £3.7M)
[Image 4: Dining room with 10-seat table and Venetian chandeliers]
Current owner Juliet Bentley purchased the castle in 2020 for £1.65 million but spent £3.7 million renovating it. Highlights include £100,000 Murano glass chandeliers and energy-efficient upgrades that cut utility bills. “It’s like a brand-new house with original features,” she told The Times. Despite the investment, she insists she’s “making no money” from the sale.
Bonus: London’s £80M Penthouse
[Image 5: Knightsbridge penthouse pool with city views]
The TV episode also showcased a £80 million Knightsbridge penthouse, London’s priciest listing. The 9,500 sq ft space includes a 10m pool, sauna, and Hyde Park views. Agent Josh Marks noted, “Everyone wants a piece of London,” though it’s likely to become a billionaire’s seldom-used second home.
[Image 6: Castle’s equestrian center and scenic countryside]
Britain’s Most Expensive Homes airs Wednesdays at 9pm on Channel 4, offering a glimpse into the UK’s ultra-luxury property market. Ormiston Castle, with its blend of historic charm and modern security, epitomizes this elite tier—perfect for those seeking a private “Balmoral” with a hidden escape route.
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