At Home at Forter Castle in Scotland with Katharine Pooley
Tag along to Scotland for a behind the scenes visit with award winning British interior designer Katharine Pooley at her 16th century castle. Built in 1560 by James Ogilvy, the 5th Lord of Airlie, Forter Castle burned down not quite a century later. Fast forward several hundred years when Katharine’s father, Robert, bought the property in 1988 subsequently spending several years painstakingly restoring it using local resources to honor its heritage. See how Katharine now oversees the legacy for her extended family and has continued to thoughtfully update it. You’ll learn how the designer has retained the authenticity of the castle’s history while incorporating contemporary creature comforts and luxurious furnishings. Hear how she has overcome hurdles in the renovation such as heat loss, noise and challenging staircases with elegant aesthetic choices that address both form and function. Watch as Katharine explains her clever solution for keeping bedrooms quiet, cozy and elegant and how she has made the spaces warm and welcoming despite their baronial proportions. And learn about the amazing ceiling in the expansive great hall that salutes both the castle’s significant Scottish history and artisanal excellence. Katharine’s passion for her Scottish home is palpable. She has, with her father, worked closely with Scottish Heritage to bring the structure from its sad state of disrepair to the modern yet authentic castle it is today. And Katharine has continued to transform the interiors, melding traditional Scottish country style with fresh yet appropriate furnishings, making it a very personal, comfortable, authentic home for her family and those who choose to stay at Forter Castle. Be sure to also check out Katharine’s chapter in Susanna’s and my book At Home in the English Countryside with Designers and their Dogs. You’ll be inspired, informed and entertained!! For more visit quintessenceblog.com
#interiordesign #castle #hometour #housetour #scottishcastle #interiors #designerhome
The ceiling is stunning!! But the washing machine made me lol!!😁❤️
I loved that too ;-)
Same here. I live in a tiny little adobe home with my washer in the kitchen and the dryer in the dining room. I never knew how to hide them but now I do.
@@EnfinLibreNM We love when viewers see design ideas to make their own!
@@quintessenceblg Oh my gosh...you don't even KNOW just how many ideas I've stol...er....borrowed from your videos. This is absolutely true. I live in an adobe house in a rural area in New Mexico, so of course, everyone expects me to decorate in a southwestern style. Quintessence has given me the confidence to have my own funky style with lots of mixed textiles, designs, etc. About a year ago, I started buying a few pieces of furniture at auctions to re-do my home with and, well, I got hooked. I'm now in the process of opening a vintage/antique store in my village in hopes of showing people they don't have to follow the trend, or buying cheap Walmart/Ikea furniture. Before I've even opened I have people knocking on the door and wanting to buy. I also just had a realtor commission 5 pieces of furniture with the promise of more. Sorry this is so long, but I just wanted you to know that your videos actually change lives.
@@EnfinLibreNM I absolutely LOVE hearing that!! That is so wonderful - much success to you!!
My middle name is Airlie as my ancestors on my grandmother’s side worked for the Ogilvy family, the Earls of Airlie, for generations. This has to be the quirkiest home on Quintessence, it’s one of the oldest and it’s so deeply personal, rooms are attributed to beloved family members who have passed on, her joy and pride in them shone through, it was really touching. Many, MANY British can identify with the saga of the staircase up which no furniture shall pass. I’ve just had that nightmare experience with two beds! An altar that doubles as a laundry is the most hilarious and unexpected thing on this channel too, to wash your sins away. LOL. I wonder what cycle it’s on during a wedding? LOL. Loved it.
Love ALL of this! What an amazing familiar coincidence and so happy you loved visiting Katharine's Scottish family home!
economy
I just loved reading this.
I'd say the spin cycle. (I laughed because I'm related to the Campbells.)
@@EnfinLibreNM LOL
I was just reading "AT HOME" by Susanna and Stacey and a new "visit' notification arrived. Forter Castle, moody and filled with romance, has been lovingly updated by Katharine Pooley honoring her father's restoration with one of a kind rooms. Each tells a story of family members, those living and poignantly those who have passed. There is nothing maudlin or spooky about the castle home. Forter Castle is filled with warmth and character, shining a light on the crafts and products of a proud Scotland. The wool covered walls are a particular luxury in the coziest sense of the word. Susanna and Stacey give us real people and real homes.
Thank you so much Ginny! Such a sensitive and accurate portrayal of the Pooleys' work. And thank you for the kind words - we do try!
Cashmere covered walls!!!! Another transportive marvelous house tour. Thank you 💙🦋💙
So cozy right?! Thank you for watching!!
I know, right? Decades ago, I worked in an old robber baron house in Boston that had this hideous orange flocked wallpaper. Turned out it had been painted over and was pressed platinum (!) underneath. But this seems even more extravagant!
@@patriciasalem3606 Amazing but yes, I think I would prefer this.
What a beautiful job she has done for her family. What a gift her father left and she carries on. Really love the cashmere lined walls - so gorgeous. Stunningly beautiful. Don’t you just love beautiful homes & the wonderful people who live there ? Makes me sooooooooo happy.
Yes, you know I do!! Why we love what we do!! So glad you do too!
What made this castle a home for me was when she showed us the chapel, then lifted the altar cloth to reveal a washing machine. That is pure home sensibility and fodder for so many puns!!
A truly masterful job on the inside Katherine. Delightful to see the generations enjoying this family home.....
Indeed! Glad you enjoyed!
Very cozy, indeed! Charming. Such care to every detail. Details such as the turret are what is so wonderful about so many old structures in Europe.
WOW!!! WOW!!! WOW!!! Nobody could have told me I'd see a castle that looks sooooo comfortable on the inside!!! I mean, those walls covered in fabric and the oversized furniture make the place look soooooooo incredibly cozy!!!!!!! LOVE, LOVE, LOVE it!!!!!!!! 🤎🤎🤎🤎🤎🤎🤎🤎🤎🤎🤎
Happy to introduce you!! Katharine did an amazing job!
I watch and wait for Quintessence- This is my new favorite. The house- is absolutely to die for. The turret, the kitchen the plaid accoutrements- perfect.
Thank you!! So happy to hear that!
I saved this for a cozy viewing and Im so glad I did !!! Loved it Ladies will re-watch to savor it !!
Thank you!! So glad you loved!
OMG, what a stunning home and I can imagine Prince Charming arriving on his steed to whisk me away. See what the imagination can do in that castle.
What a lovely castle home & decorations. A very beautiful, relaxing environment near Balmoral. I wish I could afford a place like that! Right now, I can only dream...
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This home is stunning! How blessed you were to get to visit it and take us along. Thanks.
Indeed and our pleasure!
What a lovingly restored house. Beautiful
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Wonderful! So cozy, with the amazing historic details. Lucky Susanna! I could putter around that place forever. A lovely treat, once again. Thank you.
Indeed! Glad you enjoyed!
Quintessence 'At Home ' is the best series on KZhead. The homes are always fabulous! I enjoy each of the videos immensely.
Thank you so much!! So glad you enjoy!
👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾amen Daniel
@@tiffanycurtis4794 thank you!!! Much appreciated! 🙏🏻
Fabulous home. One of my favourite fearures was the ceiling in the Great Hall. I also loved the kitchen, featuring the mule for milk, and the Laird's room. But my favourite room was Julian's room, where Katharine now sleeps, with its sweet little writing nook. The castle is also located in a beautiful scenic area.Please tell Karharine thanks from me for showing us her beautiful family home. This was my favourite video ever from Quintessence, I thoroughly enjoyed the tour. ❤
Delighted to hear that!! It is a beautiful area of Scotland!
You know it's going to be a good day when you discover a Quintessence video in your queue! This was a labor of love to restore this - and what a legacy to her children. Thank you for taking us along. Beautiful.
Thank you Susan!! So glad you enjoyed the visit!
You are superb custodians of this magnificent home! Seeing the deceased brother’s room was very moving.
They truly are!!
Wow, absolutely stunning. What a treasure of a home and or castle. 😍
It really is!
Thanks a Thousand to Mrs. Pooley for giving this castle a great amount of historic integrity, and sharing her charming work with this show. The idea to cover the walls with wool material is ingenious, and that Tudor-style ceiling is amazing, my compliments to the artist! And the chapel! What can be said about it other than, "Is it okay to covet a chapel?", ha ha!
LOL! Thank you - so glad you enjoyed the visit!
A stunning building. I love the painted ceiling. Thank you for the video! Have an amazing week!
Our pleasure and same to you!
What a piece of treasure! Thank you so much for sharing.
Our pleasure! Glad you enjoyed!
What a fabulous piece of history! I absolutely love the idea of cashmere wall coverings! How luxurious! So many beautiful furnishings! 😍🥰😍
Love the history and upholstered walls as well! Glad you enjoyed.
Fabulous video of Katharine's tour and Susanna and Stacey's stay at the castle. I love the cozy decorating while keeping the family history displayed.
So glad you enjoyed!! 🙏🏻
This is ABSOLUTELY the BEST HOME TOUR... WOW... LOVE the History and all of the quirky little nooks!!! What an AMAZING Heritage... Which all members having their own personal space to rest!!! Adoringly GORGEOUS....
Thanks you!! So glad you appreciated all the history!
Thank you Quintessence for another great video. The castle is a hidden gem. What a great idea for the walls, sounds so cozy. You have the best wardrobe too. I’ll bet your bag has a story of it’s own.
Our pleasure!! I'll let Susanna chime in on her outfit and bag! - Stacey
I love how this one was narrated by the owner! It’s so enjoyable hearing from the occupants without interruption and in their own words. Great job editing Stacey!!
How magical it must be with the siblings and cousins all in residence. The children must have so many wonderful adventures!
They do!!
I've just lifted my jaw off the floor to say thank you for sharing all these properties with their fascinating stories and to express my amazement that this channel doesn't have more subscribers.
Well thank you so much!! 🙏🏻🙏🏻
So much love and warmth went into restoring her castle. She did her father proud. Thank you for sharing. I really enjoyed this one. Xoxo
So glad you enjoyed - thank you!
This lady has done a magnificent job in every single room! It is absolutely gorgeous and I love the idea of the fabrics on all the walls to keep it warmer although with such tick walls you would think it helps keeping the house from the harsh Scottish winter. The tones in every single room are perfectly chosen as well. A big congratulations to her and her father!
Agreed! Glad you enjoyed!
This was interesting to hear about the personal side to the interior. For any Uk viewers, this castle was very recently featured on the tv programme Extraordinary Escapes with Sandi Toksvig . I was excited to see a local home to me featured on Quintessence , thank you! 🏴
You are most welcome! Love Scotland!
Absolutely lovely. Wonderfully restored. Thank you for allowing us to view this.
Our pleasure! Glad you enjoyed.
What an amazing place. Good for them for re-creating and preserving it
We agree!
It's so nice to see that a wreak of a building has been restored with as much of the original room divisions left in place. I love the wool lined walls - a callback to the wool tapestries that would have originally hung there. The collaboration with a local mill is brilliant. Thank you for the tour. - Cathy (&, accidently, Steve), Ottawa/Bytown/Pimisi
Our pleasure!! Glad you enjoyed!
Thank you for this moment of joy you've brought into our troubled world And what lovely castle and place to call home. And I love your travel bag Susanna. Wonderful vlog as always.
Thank you and I’ll let Susanna know that you liked her bag! - Stacey
Thank You so much Susan & Stacey, what a delight. What a stunning interior of Katharine., great respect. My Ancestors are from Scotland and seeing this video filled my heart with such joy.
So glad to hear it. Thank you!! 🙏🏻
What a lovely family home. My family is just as large and I have always said we need a castle so we can all live together. Such a cozy castle, which we all know was a difficult task. Her father is legendary for renovating their home.
They are so lucky to have such a wonderful family retreat and a talented father/daughter combo to execute it!
Absolutely stunning! So grateful for those kinds of people who restore these amazing buildings and share them with the world. What a lovely space for a wedding!!! I loved the little chapel with the hidden washer. So sensible.
Remarkably lovely tour. The castle is so large that there must yet be rooms and areas which haven't been restored. It would've been amazing to have seen these areas which on sight would've told many historical stories. ...Thank you for providing the public an opportunity to view parts of this modernized historic castle.
Everything there was to see we showed you! It’s all vertical tower!
@@susannasalk7153 The castle interestingly appears much larger with more space than shown, such as a basement or attic areas one would assume...castle dungeons are kind of legendary as are secret tower rooms hidden away up flights of narrow stairways and such. ...I did enjoy this tour however and find these wondrous castles to be fascinating in appearance and with their history.
This was tremendous! Thanks for another wonderful private visit. And I had to laugh, too, because I‘m actually house-hunting in Provence this week, and I was just wondering how I would ever get my furniture up the narrow stone staircase in the ancient house I visited today. (I‘ve now realized that I‘ll have to leave the big pieces behind!)
Unless you want to cut them like Katharine did! ;-) Happy house hunting.
What a cozy, magical world you have taken us to this time. You make all my dreams come true. Simply beautiful!
Happy to hear that - thank you!
Just amazed at the dedication to restore the castle!! Such vision and practical solutions! Washing machines are the perfect height for an “alter”! 🤣😂👍🏽👍🏽 Enchanted from start to finish, and actually would love to see more of this beauty 🏰 Thank you for sharing!
Our pleasure and so glad you enjoyed!
Loved this. What a beautiful home the lady has created
I love castles!!! I saw this and just smiled because my most favorite places are castles!! Thank you so much for showing this ... as always amazing!!!
Our pleasure!
The ceiling is my favorite part, and the outside is gorgeous. The interior is lovely but very contemporary. I think I would also want modern conveniences but would love to see more period pieces and design.
I love the ceiling too and there are many period antiques mixed in with more contemporary pieces.
As a long time viewer of Quintessence, this posting was rather out of the norm but as usual…highly entertaining! Katharine Pooley has all the charm one would expect of a Scottish Lass…voice was mesmerising! Thank you, Susanna for your post (and video sound was superb!)
So glad you enjoyed!!!!
Glad you enjoyed it!
Wonderful new intro .. and fabulous Castle with it's history! She is a lovely woman with a beautiful voice! I can't image having to cut furniture in half to put it upstairs! That's what it's going to take to take it out as well. Thanks for sharing. Wonderful!
Yes, no worries about theft ;-) Glad you enjoyed!
When I first saw this particular video, I thought "hmm?" But then I decided to watch it, and I was pleasantly surprised at the classic Scottish beauty of Forder Castle, especially the interior decor and the colors used, which suits the style of the building. Plus the amazing views of the Scottish countryside! Thank you Susanna, thank you so much again for yet another one of your most enjoyable visits to another very interesting home!
So glad you enjoyed! - Stacey
First shot of the castle, I literally gasped at the beauty. This tour is a bit different from what you typically do, and I love it. Beautiful and stunning. Each time you upload a video, I am transported into a world of beauty and love. Thank you.
Yes, this was a little different - we like to keep our viewers on their toes ;-) So glad you enjoyed and thank you - so glad you love our channel.
This is an amazing restoration. Truly breathtaking. No detail has been overlooked and no expense spared. Every time there was a room change, the new room was my favorite until the following room appeared. The magnificent ceiling was a brilliant idea as were the upholstered walls. Even though the castle is so formal, this would be a great place to kick off you wellies and sit with a good book and a favorite dog. And maybe a great glass of scotch. There really should be a book written about the castle’s history and it’s restoration.
Thank you and o glad you enjoyed the visit!!
I absolutely loved this video! I love the show "Outlander" and this castle reminded me of the castles in that show's early time period. The castle was so lovingly restored and decorated and it was interesting to hear about each bedroom's occupants. Her brother that passed away looked a bit like John Kennedy Jr. I could stay there and read and drink tea for hours!
So glad you enjoyed! Katharine has imbued such a warm family spirit!
That’s beautiful. I am fascinated how her father turned a ruin into such a wonderful home. Very inspiring!
It is indeed!
What a beautiful home of historical significance. Exquisitely decorated and maintained. What a fun idea to think of actually living in a castle! Thank you for a very special tour!
Our pleasure! Glad you enjoyed it!
Magnificent! What a commitment, every single thing custom or broken apart & reassembled. I don’t think I saw one straight line on a single wall. So much fabric on every surface. How on earth do you decide what to clean next (and HOW do you do it??)
I just love love love this channel! Been watching for years now and am always so thrilled to get the notification. Thank you Susannah and team!
Thanks so much for your continued viewership! 🙏🏻🙏🏻 - Stacey (behind the camera)
The ceiling in the Great Hall is fabulous. What a wonderful tour!
Thanks so much!
I really enjoyed that tour. I am glad the precious castle was so beautifully and lovingly restored. When my granddaughter was younger l helped her to build a representation of a castle for school. I almost feel as if it has come to life.
Gorgeous! Everything is lovingly done and love the tribute to her father and brother.
So glad you enjoyed!
How wonderful that this castle was saved. I'm sure it was no small task bringing it back to life, but history will live on within these walls. Great video.
Exactly!! And thank you!
Oh joy! What a treat to enjoy this lovely castle. The rooms are stunning 🤩. There’s a special Love that was put into the room she sleeps in. She definitely cherished her brother and it shows in the serenity and beauty of that space. Thank you Susana for sharing with us all.
Agreed! So glad you enjoyed! - Stscey
Thank you Stacey. The camera work was exceptional 🤗
@@axdarey thank you but I’m afraid this was the first episode I was not on set for, although I assembled all the visual assets and did all the color grading and editing.
@@quintessenceblg well you did a fantastic job with all the editing and technical work. I’ve always loved the quality you’ve brought to all the previous videos. Always beautifully shot.
@@axdarey thank you!! Your observations are much appreciated!
Well Susanna that made me homesick, although my family is never likely to own a castle! So beautiful! Covering the walls in cashmere was really inspired. Would have loved to see what they did with the gardens.
Absolutely lovely restoration. Wool fabric covered walls. wowie
Yes!! A lovely aspect of the renovation.
Always a beautiful, thoughtful, design oriented video. Much appreciated.
🙏🏻🙏🏻 and thank YOU for watching!
Very beautiful! The furnishings go so well in the castle and create a level of warmth that I wasn’t expecting.
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Hello! What a beautiful home. A castle full of family feelings! A piece of art in every detail! Thank you so so much! Until your next one!!!
Our pleasure!! So glad you enjoyed and stay tuned!
I love this castle home. It is very special, and the personal touches make it all the more endearing.
Agreed! 👍🏻🙏🏻
Such a unique home! Thank you for the extensive tour! I thoroughly enjoyed it!
Our pleasure!
Magnificent! Thank you for taking us on this tour.
Our pleasure!
I loved the washing machine in the chapel most of all! XD Amazing project, thanks for bringing it back to its former glory!
Katharine and her father did an amazing job!
What a beautiful stylish and amazing home once more Quintessence has fined a wonderful place love the way it was styled l do look forward to each video that Quintessence showcase the host and the team are amazing
Thank you so much!!
Beautiful video as usual, Quintessence never disappoints. Love seeing these historical homes.
Thank you so much!! So glad!!
@@quintessenceblg I found it disrepectful that you put your "booted" feet up on the furniture in such a beautiful place. And you did it twice. At the very least, take your boots off. No manners.
Made Scottish castle living look cozy and comfortable! A beautiful place.
As castles go, it seems a manageable size. Perfect!
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I would probably lie on the floor and look up at that painted ceiling all day. It's magical.
Isn't it incredible?!
Is it just weird me? Or does anyone else love your theme music 😊
LOL thank you but yes, others have also said they love!
I love this video! With fall around the corner, I so enjoyed getting a peek at this wonderful castle and it’s cozy interior. What a treat.
How clever to think of cutting furniture in half...glueing pieces back...BRILLIANT !
I love the airplane and the car ride and the little doggy that always meet you at the door.
Such a different style of interior & approaching design for Katharine vs her projects for others. I love the rich history & heritage these homes have for families
Yes, a wonderful family retreat with warmth and history!!
What a treat that was! Really interesting to hear the history of the home.
Glad you enjoyed that!
This castle is stunning !!! I love all the decor, beautiful job !!!
Thanks so much! Glad you enjoyed!
Those suffering from the injection’s side effects are not just nameless figures on a page, reports OAN. For example, Angelia Desselle from Louisiana could barely stand after her shot and suffers from a neurological disorder that, according to doctors, is the result of the vaccine. Likewise, Shawn Skelton from Indiana has been debilitated and lost control of her body since the Pfizer shot,”
Such a magnificent lovingly restored castle. Imagine getting married there! Thank you Susanna and Stacey❤❤
Just when I think it couldn't get any better, it does! Love your channel!
Thank you so much!!
I love her attention to detail and beautifully done in staying true to the castle yet upgrading it for modern times. Amazing.
Beautiful castle,just gorgeous, thank you for sharing your story ❤ love from Texas USA 🇺🇸 ❤
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Fantastic! The scenery, well I'm speechless...
Glad you enjoyed it!
One of my favorite properties Quintessence has shown to date. However, one complaint the video was so short. Would loved to have a longer visit and see more of the property.
Agreed. I would love to see the outside areas.
What an exquisite home! I love the chapel!
Glad you enjoyed!
Susana this has to be my favorite home tours I’ve seen on your channel and they all are spectacular! Maybe it’s because I have a fondness for Scotland and castles but this was beautiful!
Oh my. How absolutely gorgeous. What a beautiful restoration of the old castle...and has so much warmth in the presentation and interiors. The verdant views surrounding it are breathtaking. These tours are a real treat! Thank you so much, for showcasing these magnificent homes.
You captured the castle!
So nice to have a calm tour on Quintessence rather than the host constantly interrupting. Amazing home with such history. Lovely
Wow - the looks of a real castle with all the modern conveniences inside! Best of both worlds. BTW old Ogilvy looks like a tough old bird.
It is!
She really is a pro now at halving & quartering furniture!!!!!
Indeed!
Effortless home. Even if there’s 15,000 design decisions it just seems as if it’s always been lovely. Just to take it all in it’s a q😉 quiet WOW❤️
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Covering the walls with wool blankets from local mills is next level genius.
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I descend from the MacGregor Clan and know all about the Campbells Clan. I love, love, love this castle 🏰 I hope to make it to Scotland one day 💕💕💕
Love Scotland--and this video.
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