Re-Imagined Historical Country House Retreat

Balmule House has roots and features that stretch back over 500 years yet has a dramatically transformed interior, designed and crafted with every modern convenience. Set amidst 30 acres of grounds just north of Dunfermline, the ancient Capital of Scotland, Balmule House provides the highest standards of luxury accommodation in opulent surroundings. With several stunning reception rooms, beautiful formal gardens and picturesque views in all directions, we have the perfect venue for your getaway or special occasion. Rarely will you ever find a building with such a rich heritage. Nor will you often see a home with such quality and comfort built into every last detail. To find both in one home is simply unheard of. So while the solid stone walls of this Fife tower house hold the history of every past resident, this is no museum piece. This is a living, breathing home for you to enjoy. Over the years and from one generation to the next, every owner has lent their own personality and personal touches to the character of the building, writing their own chapter in the story of Balmule. Once, Balmule stood to protect its owners against 15th century hostility. As centuries passed by, new owners gave the house new form and function – each adding their own chapter to it's history. It was built for one of Fife’s most prominent families – the Wardlaws, who had been members of King Malcolm’s court in the 12th century and had played a key role in establishing St Andrew’s University in the 15th century. Balmule House was passed through the generations before being sold on as the Wardlaws’ fortunes faded. James Alexander, who bought the house in 1837, was no doubt grateful for the stout walls, when cloth workers marched on the house from Dunfermline, rioted and set a fire that would surely have destroyed a lesser construction. That didn’t stop him making his own additions, and he added two new wings either side of the original tower – giving the house a shape much closer to the one we see today. Since the Alexander family sold on the house in 1950, the house has had several owners, from a textiles manufacturing company to the rock band Big Country’s lead singer – who used one of the outbuildings as a recording studio. Today’s owner, has brought the house into the 21st century, with a programme of renovation work that brings out original features in their former glory – against a backdrop of modern technology, high-quality finish and absolute comfort. Look on Balmule House and you’ll see a fixed and firm structure, sound and solid in construction. But look at its 500 year history and you’ll see a building that has grown with time, changing with the landscape and the generations of residents. From the original tower house, extra wings have been added and the defensive measures phased out. Many rooms have changed in function and in form, while outbuildings have been added, gardens constructed and old features reconditioned. Balmule’s most recent owner, who bought the house in 2008, has been hard at work bringing a unrivalled standard of modern luxury to the property – with no expense spared on the refurbishment and modernisations. The character and craft of the 500 year history remains, but today this is a home that offers cutting-edge convenience and ultimate comfort.