Alan Carr's Aristocratic Ambitions After Castle Acquisition
Fresh from his triumph as champion of Celebrity Traitors in November, comedian Alan Carr appears poised to add another prestigious distinction to his collection - the title of baron. The 49-year-old television personality has reportedly secured rights to The Barony of Ayton after purchasing Ayton Castle for a substantial £3.25 million.
From Television Triumph to Turret Dreams
Following his experience filming at the iconic Ardross Castle for Celebrity Traitors last year, Carr decided to invest in his own baroque Scottish residence. The sprawling estate boasts an impressive sixteen bedrooms, extensive gardens covering 160 acres, and even features its own miniature railway system.
The comedian has ambitious plans for the grandiose property, having signed a seven-figure agreement with Disney+ to produce a series documenting the castle's transformation into a luxury hotel and spa complex. However, according to reports in The Sun, Carr is also considering acquiring the accompanying aristocratic title associated with Ayton Castle.
The Baron of Ayton: A Historical Title
An insider revealed to the publication: 'The opportunity came up for Alan to purchase the title along with the castle and, of course, why wouldn't he consider becoming a baron? So now he doesn't just own a castle, he could officially be Lord of the Manor, and can sign off letters using the new moniker.'
The source added that Carr finds the prospect of obtaining this esteemed accolade 'absolutely hilarious' and believes most of his celebrity friends will appreciate the humour in the situation.
The property brochure for Ayton Castle confirms that the barony dates back to 1324 and is available for purchase alongside the estate. It clarifies: 'This is a feudal barony and was associated with the ownership of land and certain historical rights, rather than a title of nobility conferred by the Crown. Offers for the Barony are welcome through the Selling Agents.'
Midlife Castle Aspirations and Animal Ambitions
Carr first disclosed his castle-buying intentions earlier this month during an appearance on fellow Celebrity Traitors alumnus Jonathan Ross's chat show. He quipped: 'I'm buying a castle. I'm having a midlife crisis. I want a turret to call my own. I'm in my turret era. I fancy a move and I loved being in The Traitors castle, so I thought, "I'm going to get myself one".'
The beloved comic explained he was feeling 'lonely' approaching his fiftieth birthday in June and envisioned the castle becoming a destination people would visit, filled with animals resembling 'a big old zoo'. He elaborated: 'I'm 50 this year - I know I don't look it - and I just want one. I know it sounds very grand. I'm moving from where I am at the minute, I want animals there, I want a community thing. I'm lonely where I am. It'll be nice, having people come there and have a cream tea. I want people to come in and have donkeys and stuff everywhere.'
Carr even joked about reintroducing wolves to the estate, stating: 'The estate agent said, "Do you want some Highland cows?" I said, "Yeah, stick them on." I want to re-introduce wolves. If I'm a landowner I can re-introduce wolves. That'd be nice. Helps the ecosystem... I read somewhere... maybe I'll have a think about that.'
Renovation Reality Series and Streaming Success
Last week, Carr confirmed he will renovate the centuries-old estate into a functional residence, with the process documented in his new Disney+ series. The show, currently titled Castle Man, will follow a similar format to his popular BBC home renovation programme with Amanda Holden and is reportedly being produced by Expectation, the company behind Clarkson's Farm.
Carr commented on his purchase: 'Some men when they have a midlife crisis buy a Lamborghini or grow a ponytail, but me - I want my very own castle. Since I was a boy in Northampton, I've always dreamt big, and have always been enchanted with the history and romance of a stately home. As I turn 50, I feel it's time, all I want is a turret to call my own — get me over that drawbridge.'
The comedian continues to experience high demand following his Traitors success, with reports indicating he's already secured another streaming project - The F*** List on Amazon Prime Video. According to The Sun's TVBiz column, he will join fellow comics including Jack Dee, Tom Allen and Joanne McNally as they travel to experience activities people recommend before death.
The four-part series will feature visits to locations across England and Scotland, plus international destinations like Iceland and the Canary Islands. An industry insider noted: 'This is huge news for Alan who everyone thought would be snapped up by the Beeb after The Celebrity Traitors. But now he has been signed up for a show with Disney, another with Prime Video and he already has a third in the pipeline with Netflix. Plus, he's currently riding high thanks to the success of Secret Genius on Channel 4. It seems telly bosses can't get enough of him.'
