Interview with Andrew Loyd of Loyd & Townsend Rose

Andrew Loyd co-founded Loyd & Townsend  Rose in 1999 in order to promote Scotland‘s finest houses and castles for private and corporate use. He previously spent 10 years in hotel management for top London properties, followed by 8 years managing private estates for some prominent New York families, which took him throughout the US and Canada. What is it that  you do exactly?

We let Scottish houses  and castles for private vacation rentals and arrange every facet of their stay. A typical day is spent answering a whole range of enquiries from interested parties and also arranging the actual visits for guests who have booked. This includes a mass of different services that they may require and which we have to ensure is laid on for their arrival. These include catering arrangements, transport needs, musical entertainment, sporting fixtures and cultural sightseeing.

What do you enjoy most about what you do?

Meeting the guests at the airport, escorting them to the Castle and seeing the kids faces when they are running around the property. Arranging all the little details so that our guests have a really memorable stay is hugely satisfying and something that I take great pride in. Also exposing them to hidden gems is always fun. No one really works in high end travel for the money. It’s more about the pursuit of excellence.

What would you say are the 3 best places you’ve ever stayed?

1. The Three Chimneys  on Skye 2. A small modest hotel in the hills of Sri Lanka 3. The Cipriani in Venice …wonderful service and delicious food every time!

What’s been your most memorable dining experience to date?

Eating grouse cooked by my grandmother. Cooking game is a skill many famous chefs have never mastered but my grandmother could cook grouse for just the right amount of time with the juices dripping down onto a piece of fried bread and two strips of bacon on top of its breast. Heaven!

Have you rubbed shoulders with the rich and famous, either through your work or your travels?

I managed the private estates of various Wall Street tycoons for eight years and met many famous people during that period. We have also had a few famous clients staying in our Castles. My lips are sealed!

What currently ranks highest on your travel wishlist?

North Island in the Seychelles. Know nothing much about it but from pictures and feedback, it just looks magical and the perfect escape from a Scottish winter.

Thanks, Andrew. Apparently, the secret to cooking grouse is to do it quickly on a high heat: 350-400 °F for 15 minutes should be all that’s required  – any longer and it can be a disaster.