Our Story
Welcome to the unique destination of Boswell’s Coach House, nestled in the heart of Auchinleck Estate, which has been owned by the Boswell family since 1504.
About Us
We are a family owned and run Estate which comprises of several businesses including Boswell’s Estate Weddings which Rory started over 5 years ago when he built the grand wedding marquee, A Native breed Beef farm (including the iconic Highland Cattle), The Coach House, Coffee Shop & gift shop ( A key stone to the Local community of Ayrshire), country walks and soon to be coming the Farm Shop / Butchery and Bozzie’s Steak House.
The Ethos Behind the Family, has and will always be, based upon maintaining this Historic Estate, to Provide an increased and diverse offering to the local area of Ayrshire and Scotland, and to create an environment that cares for its valued workforce.
Rory Boswell and his Mother Aly Boswell.
History of the Estate
Auchinleck Castle was recorded as being extant in 1241. At that time, the castle was the seat of the Auchinlecks of that Ilk, who had held the barony since at least the 13th century and possibly earlier. The castle, and the barony, remained within the Auchinleck family until 1504 when due to a failing Auchinleck male line, and the marriage of a daughter of Sir John Auchinleck to a Thomas Boswell, the estate and the title were granted to Boswell by King James IV. Boswell assumed the title of laird from that date. It is not known when Auchinleck Castle ceased to be inhabited. The ruins still stand within the grounds of the Auchinleck estate, on the low sandstone cliff which overlooks the confluence of the River Lugar and the Dippol Burn.
The Boswells
In 1591 John Boswell was in trouble with the Privy Council for practising witchcraft, sorcery and enchantments, consulting with witches and taking part in other devilish activities. Richie Graham, the most notorious wizard of his day, admitted to having raised the Devil at Auchinleck. Boswell's response to these allegations was to flee the country.
Auchinleck Old House was built in 1612, and was the home of the Boswell family prior to the building of the current Auchinleck House. Again, the ruins are still standing within the estate.
The "new" Auchinleck House was built 1757 by Alexander Boswell, Lord Auchinleck, 8th Laird of Auchinleck. It later passed on to his son, James Boswell, the biographer of Samuel Johnson. Boswell and Johnson visited the house in 1773 on their way back from their journey to the Hebrides. In 1782, James Boswell became the 9th Laird of Auchinleck. His wife Margaret Boswell catalogued the houses's valuable library of books in 1783. The design of the house has been attributed to Robert Adam, although it may have been designed by Alexander Boswell himself.
June 1932, The Wedding of Jean Campbell Douglas Boswell – Daughter of Col Boswell to Baron Juel-Brockdorff (A Danish aristocrat) At Auchinleck House.
Auchinleck House
Auchinleck House is an 18th-century mansion set in the stunning Ayrshire countryside. It is situated near the town of Auchinleck only 12 miles from Ayr in East Ayrshire. The Auchinleck Estate has been inhabited since the 13th century, and the remains of Auchinleck Castle and Auchinleck Old House stand in the estate. The house is protected as a category A listed building, while the two ruined dwellings are scheduled monuments.
During the Second World War, the then Laird of Auchinleck gave permission for Officers from the armies of Poland, Canada and France to live in Auchinleck House. If you look closely enough you will still see the surrounding pavilions bear the scares of target practice, while Rory’s Grandmother, Lady Boswells recounts the story of the decorative stone pots situated on the Mansions roof, often being replaced from the same fait.
In 1986 the remains of the buildings were turned over to the Scottish Historic Buildings Trust by James Boswell, a descendant of the 18th-century Boswells. The Trust repaired the roof, and thus ensured the survival of the building. Now restored, Auchinleck House is used for holiday lets, and is occasionally open to the public.
