Couple spend lockdown alone in 800-year-old castle with cinema, spa and 83 guest rooms

A young couple have spent coronavirus lockdown in a medieval castle with a spa, cinema, and 83 guest rooms.

Laura Jamieson and Michael Smith have been the sole occupants of 800-year-old five star hotel, Ashford Castle, in county Mayo, Ireland, for nine weeks.

The huge property has a tea boutique and so-called 'wine tasting tunnels'.

Laura, 23, and Michael, 28, usually live in nearby Cross and commute to the hotel - where they first met three years ago - for work.

But they moved into the castle when lockdown began to maintain its buildings and 350-acre estate until the time comes for tourists to be allowed to visit.

Laura, from Surrey, England, told the Guardian: "It’s been surreal.

"We’ve been incredibly fortunate that we were able to have this experience. It’s the most amazing place."

Michael, who manages the estate, added: "We’re finding out stuff not only about work but about each other. It’s something we’ll look back on with fond memories."

But they admitted it's not all as glamorous as it may sound.

They are responsible for keeping the massive property clean - vacuuming, flushing 160 toilets and dusting chandeliers.

Laura said it's strange living in the castle alone and they are looking forward to getting their guests back.

She said they can sometimes hear floorboards creaking and were 'wary' at first.

But now they have settled into their home - which friends have been jealous of.

The castle is due to reopen on July 20, at which point the couple says it will be time to go 'back to reality' and to their more modest home.