Alan Carr, 49, is embarking on an entirely new chapter of his life — and this one involves owning a £3.25 million Scottish castle! 🏰 The beloved comedian has just purchased the Ayton Castle in Scotland, complete with the title of The Barony of Ayton, a title dating back to 1324. Alan, who is about to turn 50, is diving headfirst into what he describes as his “turret era.” 🏰💫
In an exciting chat on the Staying Relevant podcast, Alan revealed his deep passion for this new venture, saying: “I’m in my turret era. I want a castle, and I’m 50 this year, so I just want to do what I want to do.” He’s even planning to get his own tartan as part of his newly acquired noble title.
But this isn’t just about acquiring a piece of history; it’s about building something special. The sprawling estate features a 16-bedroom mansion, 160 acres of land, and even its own miniature railway! 🚂 And Alan has some ambitious plans to turn it into a luxury hotel and spa, with a Disney+ series documenting every step of the renovation process. Castle Man, as the series is called, will take viewers on a journey of transforming this centuries-old estate into a working home, much like his previous show with Amanda Holden. 🛠️
While the stunning property might seem like a dream come true, it hasn’t come without its challenges. Alan was thrilled to buy the castle, and despite some reports suggesting he had been outbid, he firmly stated, “I have bought it. I haven’t been this excited about a project for ages. I’ve got the survey now, and I’m waiting for the keys to come.” 🔑
But as with any grand endeavor, local residents have voiced concerns. A meeting to inform the community of Alan’s plans had to be postponed due to overwhelming interest — more people wanted to attend than the venue could accommodate. Some locals are worried that public access to the grounds of the castle could be restricted as a result of Alan’s plans. However, the comedian has reassured them, saying that he intends to make the estate a place for everyone to enjoy.
As for the fun details, Alan has big plans for the property, including adding animals like donkeys and Highland cows to the grounds. “I want a zoo, I want people to come in and have a cream tea,” Alan revealed. “The estate agent asked me if I wanted some Highland cows, and I said, ‘Yeah, stick them on.’” He even joked about reintroducing wolves to the land, adding: “If I’m a landowner, I can reintroduce wolves. That’d be nice. Helps the ecosystem… I read somewhere. Maybe I’ll have a think about that.” 🐺🐐
This dramatic turn in Alan’s life follows a period of personal change, including his split from his husband Paul Drayton in 2022 after 13 years of marriage. Alan has opened up about feeling “lonely” and wanting to create a space where people can gather and visit. “I want animals there, I want a community thing,” he said. “I want to create something where people can come, and maybe have donkeys wandering around. It’ll be nice to have people visit, and I think it will fill a big hole in my life.” 🐴❤️
Alan’s plans for his new castle life have already sparked excitement among fans, especially with his quirky, heartfelt approach to the renovation. Whether it’s the luxurious surroundings or his playful plans to introduce wildlife, this project has all the makings of a must-watch series — and it’s a fresh start for Alan as he embraces life in his “turret era.” 🏰✨
The Castle Man series will give fans an inside look at the transformation of Ayton Castle into a luxury getaway, capturing the essence of Alan’s bold new life. It’s clear this chapter will be full of laughs, animals, and plenty of surprises.
