Upon entering the castle, guests immediately find themselves in the heart of this grand edifice. The Great Hall, with its vast stone fireplace and mahogany book- shelves, is no hyperbole. It spans the entire width of the castle and is filled with intricate, antiquated personal touches that include antique books, an antler candelabra and crystal goblets that glimmer below wrought iron chandeliers. Two large classic sofas face the fireplace next to wing back chairs that have been upholstered in the finest goatskin leather. A dining table that seats 16 can also be found in The Great Hall, making it the perfect setting for a grand dinner with loved ones.

Arguably two of the most significant touches in The Great Hall are the handpainted ceiling mural and the Pooley swords that hang elegantly over the stone fireplace. The mural, which depicts scenes from the traditional Scottish song The Bonnie House of Airlie, was done by artist Jenny Merridew over the course of six weeks. “Jenny first prepared the timbers to give them a limed oak look,” Katharine explained. “The paint used is a high-density pigment that dries with intense colour and a completely matte finish. Observant eyes may look closely at the mural and see the rich narrative that it traces of the castle’s visual history.”

Mounted elegantly above the inlet log fireplace are two sets of Pooley swords that feature crimson detailing. These fine swords are traditionally forged British weapons that meet the rigorous standards of the British and Commonwealth Armed Forces. A personal touch, these blades come from Robert’s own enterprise. After discovering a passion for swords during his time in aviation, he swore to help protect the invaluable practice of sword making. Today, Pooley Swords is considered a major player in the industry; it provides swords, dirks and lances to the armed forces of Great Britain and Her Majesty’s Commonwealth.

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Up through a narrow staircase at Forter Castle, guests are led to the various bedrooms that have been refurbished by the father-daughter duo. There are six in total, five of which have been named after the Robert Pooley children. Each of them reflects a distinct personality that also mirrors its namesake. The colours of the room, for example, is indicative of the sex of the bedroom’s eponym. “My sister has a gorgeous lavender-coloured room,” Katharine explained. “That of my brother, Julian’s Room, is navy blue with hound’s-tooth cashmere on the walls.” Julian’s Room also features printed cushions and chequered throws.

Sebastian’s Room, named after another of Katharine’s brothers, houses many interesting wood and antique furniture. These complement the room’s stately leather armchair, setting off a refined atmosphere. Robert’s Room, on the other hand, incorporates built-in bookcases and a deep buttoned sofa. It is often considered to be the castle’s best hideaway by those who enjoy solitary time.

Katharine’s own room balances the feminine and the masculine with rich purple hues and a carved wooden four-poster bed. Her sister’s room, Samantha’s, is an inviting boudoir furnished with buttoned stools, a dressing table and a cosy armchair warmed by the fireplace nearby. 

On the same floor as these five rooms is the spectacular Laird’s Room, which houses a king-sized four-poster bed by Ralph Lauren. Its open-plan bathroom comes with a roll top bath and a free-standing brass Drummonds shower. Katharine shared that the four-poster bed in the Laird’s Room had to be sawn to pieces and winched up through the window as the entire structure could not fit through the narrow stairwell. Sophisticated and intimate, Laird’s Room also offers guests a spectacular view of the undulating Highlands.

In the basement of Forter Castle lies the Chapel. Couples around the world have travelled to Scotland to celebrate intimate weddings at this very location, which can welcome up to 24 guests. The terrain that surrounds Forter Castle is also popular among travellers and locals for its vast array of daytime activities. These include horseback riding, golf, mountain biking and skiing in the winter. Katharine recommended a visit during the late summer months when the hills come alive with blooming wildflowers. November is also a choice time for those seeking to host events, as the Highlands are framed with delightful autumnal trees and romantic sunset views.

The father-daughter duo, who share a very close relationship, are lauded for having rebuilt a local monument in Scotland. Although they were unsure at first, Katharine admits that she loved working with her father. “We are very close and I share his passion, vision and tenacity. We work well together,” she says.