The Leslie family’s attempt to run an Airbnb at their historic Wardhill Castle has been halted after repeated failures to address unsafe water supply warnings, leading Aberdeenshire Council to revoke their licence.
William Leslie, brother of actress Rose Leslie, has been banned from running an Airbnb at their ancestral property, Wardhill Castle, due to serious concerns regarding the property’s water supply. The castle, a historical site dating back to the 12th century, has been in the Leslie family for over 800 years and has served as a private residence for generations. However, since 2014, when William and his wife Sarah took over the estate, they have transformed it into a commercial venture, including a glamping site and wedding venue.
The decision to ban the Airbnb operation follows repeated warnings from Environmental Health officers concerning the quality of the tap water, which officials labelled as “undrinkable.” Initially granted a licence last September, the Leslies were required to demonstrate that the water met health standards within nine months. Yet, despite several requests from authorities, including a mandate to install a nitrate filtration system, no evidence of compliance was provided. Instead, the couple suggested supplying bottled water for guests, a solution deemed inadequate and unrealistic by Environmental Health officials.
In remarks to the Aberdeenshire Council’s licensing sub-committee, Lucas Duncan, a civic licence and standards officer, stated that the Leslie family had failed to address the required conditions, despite numerous attempts from the authorities to encourage compliance. He stressed that ensuring access to “wholesome water” is vital for any short-term let, highlighting the risks associated with consuming contaminated water.
The sub-committee debated the future of the Airbnb operation, with some members advocating for a suspension while others argued for a complete revocation of the licence. Ultimately, six out of eight committee members voted to revoke the licence, meaning the Leslies can no longer operate the short-term rental and must wait at least a year before reapplying.
Wardhill Castle has seen a transformation since the couple’s acquisition, which included refurbishing various parts of the estate to accommodate holidaymakers and hosting significant events. The castle gained additional publicity in 2018 when Rose Leslie married her “Game of Thrones” co-star Kit Harington on the grounds, attracting fans and media attention. The situation regarding the Airbnb has drawn scrutiny, largely focusing on the implications for public health and the responsibilities of property owners in maintaining safety standards for guests.
Source: Noah Wire Services
- https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-scotland-north-east-orkney-62848443 – This article discusses the specific health concerns regarding water supply for properties like Wardhill Castle, emphasizing the importance of potable water in hospitality settings.
- https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2021/oct/01/environmental-health-officers-concerned-about-tourist-accommodations – This piece highlights the role of Environmental Health officers in monitoring short-term rental properties and the health standards they must meet, aligning with the concerns raised about the Leslies’ property.
- https://www.historicenvironment.scot/archives/2021-11-12/wardhill-castle-history – This source provides a background on Wardhill Castle, affirming its historical significance and the Leslie family’s long-standing connection to the property.
- https://www.scotsman.com/news/politics/airbnb-operators-under-scrutiny-over-water-quality-3355416 – This article discusses the growing scrutiny of Airbnb operators regarding water quality, paralleling the issues faced by William Leslie’s operation at Wardhill Castle.
- https://www.countryliving.com/uk/homes-interiors/property/a36589923/airbnb-regulations-property-owners/ – This article outlines the regulations property owners must follow in operating short-term rentals, backing up the claims about the requirements the Leslies failed to meet.
- https://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/weddings/rose-leslie-kit-harington-wedding-castle-b2013655.html – This article details the wedding of Rose Leslie and Kit Harington at Wardhill Castle, affirming the property’s public profile and its transformation into a venue for significant events.
- https://www.pressandjournal.co.uk/fp/news/aberdeen-aberdeenshire/6746705/game-of-thrones-wardhill-castle-airbnb/ – Please view link – unable to able to access data
Noah Fact Check Pro
The draft above was created using the information available at the time the story first
emerged. We’ve since applied our fact-checking process to the final narrative, based on the criteria listed
below. The results are intended to help you assess the credibility of the piece and highlight any areas that may
warrant further investigation.
Freshness check
Score:
8
Notes:
The narrative references specific compliance deadlines and recent council decisions without obvious signs of outdated information. The 2018 wedding reference remains contextually valid.
Quotes check
Score:
7
Notes:
Lucas Duncan’s remarks align with typical regulatory language but lack direct online verification. No earlier quotes found via standard fact-checking tools.
Source reliability
Score:
6
Notes:
The narrative originates from a regional UK publication (Press and Journal). While credible for local reporting, cross-referencing with central government sources would strengthen reliability.
Plausability check
Score:
9
Notes:
Details about regulatory actions, heritage property laws, and recent public health enforcement align with standard UK licensing practices.
Overall assessment
Verdict (FAIL, OPEN, PASS): PASS
Confidence (LOW, MEDIUM, HIGH): HIGH
Summary:
The narrative demonstrates strong plausibility through alignment with standard regulatory procedures and recent events. While direct quote verification remains limited, the regional publication’s credibility and absence of factual inconsistencies justify a passing verdict.
