There are plenty of things to keep an eye on while watching The Traitors. The whispered conversations, the round table and the inevitable accusations. But working in the fireplace industry, there’s something else I can’t help noticing: the fireplaces.
The interiors of Ardross Castle, where the British series is filmed, are full of character. Dark carved timber, rich colours, traditional furniture and some magnificent stone and marble fireplaces.
I’ve taken a closer look at the fireplaces seen in The Traitors and picked out some of the closest designs available from our own range here at Bonfire.
View all of our stone fireplace designs
Estimated reading time: 10 minutes
Table of contents
- Where is The Traitors fireplace?
- 1. The grand Tudor style stone fireplace
- 2. The ornate white marble fireplace beneath the portraits
- 3. The traditional rooms and dark timber interiors
- Which Bonfire fireplace looks most like The Traitors?
- How to recreate The Traitors fireplace look at home
- Can you install a castle style fireplace in a modern home?
- Find a fireplace similar to The Traitors at Bonfire
- Frequently asked questions
- Sources and image references
Where is The Traitors fireplace?
The Traitors, presented in the UK by Claudia Winkleman, is filmed at Ardross Castle near Alness in the Scottish Highlands, north of Inverness.
The 19th century castle is famous for its Scottish Baronial architecture and dramatic interiors. Several rooms feature traditional fireplaces, with everything from restrained stone arches to highly decorative marble surrounds.
Two designs are particularly recognisable from published photographs of the castle: the large Tudor-style stone fireplace and the ornate white marble fireplace beneath the contestants’ portraits.
See the original castle interiors – Photographs and background information: House & Garden – Inside Ardross Castle
1. The grand Tudor style stone fireplace
This is probably my favourite fireplace from the castle.
The pale stone opening sits beneath a substantial carved timber structure, creating a striking contrast between the natural limestone colouring and the dark woodwork.
Its slightly pointed arch has a distinctly Tudor and Gothic influence. What I particularly like is that the stonework itself is relatively restrained. The scale of the fireplace, together with the timber panelling, creates the impact.
It’s exactly the sort of design that works well in a traditional country house, period cottage or a room with darker painted walls.
Original fireplace photograph – View the stone fireplace and traditional castle interior in the following feature: View The Traitors interiors – Ideal Home
Original photography remains with its publisher. The image is linked rather than copied without permission.
Our closest match: Elizabethan Limestone Fireplace
For me, the The Elizabethan is one of the closest matches in our collection.
Or bath stone, such as our Hardwick fireplace
It’s a classic Tudor inspired design with a pointed arched opening and recessed detailing above the arch. Made in Bianco Avorio limestone, the fireplace has a 59 inch mantel shelf and beautiful traditional proportions.
Although it’s not a replica of the original castle fireplace, it has many of the same architectural qualities.
In a room with oak panelling, antique furniture or deep green walls, it would look particularly striking.
Another option: Brinkburn Limestone Fireplace
Another design worth considering is the The Brinkburn.
Inspired by the Neo Gothic architecture of Brinkburn Priory in Northumberland, this substantial 60 inch limestone fireplace has a simple, architectural appearance.
It’s available in honed and antique style finishes, with the aged finish particularly suited to traditional country house interiors.
If you want something that captures the atmosphere of Ardross Castle without reproducing the Tudor arch exactly, this would be an excellent choice.
2. The ornate white marble fireplace beneath the portraits
Another recognisable fireplace is the decorative white marble surround seen beneath the framed portraits of the contestants.
This is a completely different style from the large stone fireplace.
Rather than relying on simple architectural proportions, the marble mantel features elaborate ornamentation and sculptural detailing. It creates the feeling of a grand historic drawing room.
The white marble is particularly effective against the surrounding wall finishes and gilt framed portraits.
It’s a good reminder of just how much decorative detail can be achieved with natural stone.
Original marble fireplace photograph – The portrait gallery fireplace is visible in published coverage of Ardross Castle: See the original marble fireplace – House & Garden
Our closest decorative match: Acanthus Marble Fireplace
If you like the more decorative marble fireplace featured in the programme, I’d suggest looking at the The Acanthus.
Made from natural Statuary marble, this substantial 69 inch fireplace surround combines classical proportions with beautifully carved detailing.
View Our La Rochelle Fireplace
It isn’t the same fireplace found at Ardross Castle, but its ornate character makes it a strong alternative for homeowners wanting a grand traditional feature.
It’s particularly suited to formal sitting rooms, period townhouses and larger chimney breasts.
A simpler marble alternative: Alderney Arabescato
For something a little less decorative, the Alderney in Arabescato marble is another beautiful option.
Its traditional bolection profile is inspired by classical architecture, with the natural grey veining of the Italian marble adding character and movement.
It doesn’t have the intricate carving of the original fireplace, but it shares the same sense of elegance and permanence.
It’s an excellent choice for homeowners wanting a traditional marble fireplace that works equally well in modern and period interiors.
View The Alderney Arabescato or the View The Salisbury Bolection
3. The traditional rooms and dark timber interiors
Of course, the fireplaces are only part of what makes Ardross Castle so memorable.
Many of the interiors feature carved timber, traditional wallpaper, tartan fabrics and furniture that looks as though it has been collected over generations.
The darker woodwork makes the pale stone fireplaces especially prominent.
Published photographs show several atmospheric rooms, including the billiards room, although not every fireplace visible in the television programme has been individually identified.
For that reason, I wouldn’t suggest there’s a definitive list of every fireplace used throughout the series or claim that we have exact replicas of each original.
Explore more of the castle – See Ardross Castle interiors – House Beautiful
Which Bonfire fireplace looks most like The Traitors?
| Fireplace | Why it suits the look |
|---|---|
| Elizabethan | Traditional Tudor arch and pale limestone |
| Brinkburn | Neo-Gothic influence and aged stone character |
| Acanthus | Decorative carved white marble |
| Alderney Arabescato | Classical marble with distinctive natural veining |
If it were my choice, I’d start with the Elizabethan for the large Tudor style fireplace. For the ornate marble mantel, the Acanthus would be the first design I’d look at.
How to recreate The Traitors fireplace look at home
You don’t need to own a Scottish castle to introduce some of this character into your home. It’s really about choosing the right materials, proportions and surrounding finishes.
Choose limestone or marble
Natural limestone is ideal for a traditional stone fireplace. Its soft colouring works particularly well against oak panelling and darker walls.
Marble offers a more decorative appearance, especially when the surround has carved ornamentation.
At Bonfire we offer a wide choice of natural stone fireplaces, including Portuguese limestone, Aegean limestone, Carrara marble, Arabescato and bespoke materials.
Get the proportions right
The fireplaces at Ardross Castle are large, but it’s important to choose something proportionate to your own room.
A fireplace that’s too large for the chimney breast can overwhelm the space, while something too small may lose the architectural impact you’re trying to achieve.
The mantel length, opening dimensions and hearth all need to work together.
Choose the right fire
A traditional open fire and basket can look wonderful within a suitable stone surround, but it’s not the only option.
Depending on the property, a wood burning stove, gas fire or electric fire may be more practical.
The chimney, flue, ventilation, hearth and appliance clearances must all be considered as part of the installation.
Don’t forget the room around it
Dark green and burgundy walls, warm timber, antique mirrors, framed artwork and traditional furnishings can all help create the atmosphere of Ardross Castle.
A few carefully selected details often work better than trying to recreate an entire castle room.
Can you install a castle style fireplace in a modern home?
Absolutely. Traditional stone fireplaces aren’t exclusively for listed buildings or historic country houses.
We’ve supplied traditional limestone and marble fireplaces for period cottages, Victorian and Georgian properties, and contemporary homes where the owners wanted a more classical feature.
With the correct dimensions and an appropriate fire or appliance, a traditional fireplace can be an attractive addition to many different types of home.
Find a fireplace similar to The Traitors at Bonfire
At Bonfire, we’ve been helping homeowners choose beautiful fireplaces since 2003.
We’re an independent, family run fireplace specialist based near Reading, Berkshire, offering design, supply and installation services.
Our collection includes traditional limestone and marble fireplace surrounds, bespoke hearths, slip sets, wood burning stoves, gas fires and electric fires.
If there’s a particular fireplace from The Traitors that you’ve fallen in love with, send us a photograph and we’ll help you explore the closest available options.
Browse Our Stone Fireplace Collection
Alternatively, visit our showroom near Reading or call us on 0118 970 1717.
Frequently asked questions
The fireplaces featured in the British television series are located at Ardross Castle near Alness in the Scottish Highlands.
One of the best known designs features a Tudor style pointed arch and pale stone surround, beneath carved timber panelling. Another prominent fireplace features ornate white marble.
The makers of the historic fireplaces have not been reliably established. However, similar Tudor, Gothic and classical fireplace surrounds are available from specialist suppliers.
The Elizabethan is one of the closest matches for the Tudor arched fireplace. The Acanthus or Salisbury Bolection is a decorative marble alternative for the portrait gallery style.
Yes. We provide fireplace design, supply and professional installation services across selected areas including Berkshire, Hampshire, Surrey, Oxfordshire and London.
Not necessarily. Depending on the design and property, suitable electric or certain gas fire arrangements may be possible without a conventional chimney.
Sources and image references
- Ideal Home – The Traitors inspired interiors
- House & Garden – Ardross Castle interiors
- House Beautiful – The Traitors filming location
- BBC News – Ardross Castle
This is an independent interior design article inspired by the architecture featured in The Traitors. Bonfire is not affiliated with the BBC, Studio Lambert or Ardross Castle. Product comparisons are stylistic suggestions rather than claims that the original fireplaces are available for sale.
