A magnificent neo-classical house, designed by architect James Playfair for Charles Gordon of Cairness and Buthlaw. The house was built in 1790 to replace a smaller house built only 9 years previously. When Playfair died before the house could be finished the construction was completed by Sir John Soane.
Cairness,
Lonmay,
Grampian,
Scotland,
AB43 8XP
Imposing 600 year old mansion. Mary, Queen of Scots, Bonnie Prince Charlie and Cromwell all visited here. Interpretive centers: kitchen of 1825, 1820's general store, clockmaker and printer, all with costumed workers. History research centre. Magnificent oak panelled library. Georgian gardens.
Callendar Park,
Falkirk,
Central Scotland,
Scotland,
FK1 1YR
Castle Fraser is one of the finest stately homes in Scotland, built around a fortified tower house, set in glorious countryside. The castle was begun in 1455 by Thomas Fraser, who called his fortified house the Castle of Muchil-in-Mar. In 1575 Michael Fraser of Stoneywood rebuilt the castle as a much larger Z-plan house.
Sauchen,
Inverurie,
Grampian,
Scotland,
AB51 7LD
The central tower of the castle, set amongst beautiful Highland scenery, is a 14th century keep. 17th century wings have been added. Cawdor is the title promised by Shakespeare's witches to Macbeth, and legend makes the castle the place where Duncan was murdered. Massive walls and drawbridge. Original great hall is now the drawing room. Many fine tapestries including 17th century ones depicting the life of Noah. 17th century four poster bed has original velvet hangings. Stunning stone fireplaces and antique furniture. Country park.
Nairn,
Highlands,
Highlands and Islands,
Scotland,
IV12 5RD
A large country house near Lanark, built in 1844 by the Cranstoun family, head of Clan Cranstoun, on a site by the River Clyde. The architect was Sir Edward Blore, who created a beautiful family home in the new mock Tudor style that was just then gaining popularity in Scotland.
Lanark,
Strathclyde,
Scotland,
ML11 9TQ
A Georgian country house built by William Adam in 1729, and incorporating bits of an earlier house dating to at least the 14th century. Craigdarroch was the seat of the Fergussons of Dumfriesshire for over 6 centuries. More famously, it was the home of Annie Laurie, the real-life woman behind the love song of the same name.
Craigdarroch,
Moniaive,
Dumfries and Galloway,
Scotland,
DG3 4JB
These gardens were the lifetime achievement of the late Sir James and Lady Burnett. There are 3 ¾ acres with eight superb walled gardens that include herbaceous borders and many unusual plants. Beautiful colour, interesting shapes and designs are incorporated in the gardens. The Pool Garden contains yellows, reds and purples while the formal Fountain Garden focuses on blues. There is a Rose Garden and a topiary garden. The Golden Garden is a memorial to Lady Burnett. A double herbaceous border separates the Camel and Trough Gardens. There is a White border and a June border. The great yew hedges date from the early 1700's. Visitor Centre with exhibits and displays. Grounds, nature trails.
Banchory,
Grampian,
Scotland,
AB31 3QJ
Situated on a cliff top on the water's edge. Remodeled by Robert Adams in 1772-1790 for the 10th Earl of Cassillis. Noted for its elegant oval staircase, circular saloon, painted ceilings and friezes. Collection of pictures, 18th century furniture and armoury. 565 acre park contains deer park, courtyards, ponds, gardens, orangery, woodland walks, extensive Visitor Centre.
Maybole,
Strathclyde,
Scotland,
KA19 8LE
Home of the Earls of Rosebery. This house, built in 1815 in the Tudor-Gothic style, is full of art treasures - tapestries, 18th century French furniture, portraits by Gainsborough, Reynolds, Raeburn and others, 16th and 17th century Scottish furniture and a collection of porcelain. The Napoleon room houses a collection of furniture, paintings and memorabilia related to Napoleon. The entrance hall has a notable hammer-beam ceiling.
South Queensferry,
Lothian,
Scotland,
EH30 9TQ
An elegant country house, the home of the Grants of Rothiemurchus for centuries. The Doune stands beside an ancient motte, or hill fort (Doune comes from 'dun' for a fortified place). The house dates to the 16th century, and was probably built by the Shaw family.
Rothiemurchus,
Aviemore,
Highlands and Islands,
Scotland,
PH22 1QH
The Tower of Drum was built as a hunting lodge by Alexander III around 1280. The king called on Richard Cementarius, Provost of Aberdeen, to oversee the building of his lodge. Cementarius created a sturdy tower over 70 feet high, with walls fully 12 feet thick. Within a secret chamber in the thickness of the wall was the castle well.
Drumoak,
Banchory,
Grampian,
Scotland,
AB31 3EY
A Douglas stronghold, home of Dukes of Buccleuch and Queensberry. Elegant pink sandstone turreted castle, built 1679-91 around an original castle. Beautifully situated among wooded hills. Paintings by Leonardo, Holbein and Rembrandt, collection of French furniture. Carvings by Grinling Gibbons. Bonnie Prince Charlie stayed here on his retreat northwards on Dec. 22, 1745, and there is a collection of his memorabilia. Extensive gardens and woodlands.
Thornhill,
Dumfries and Galloway,
Scotland,
DG3 4AQ
Perched on remote Black Point with spectacular sea views. A Maclean stronghold. The oldest part dates from 13th century, razed in 1756 by the English. Rebuilt as a home in 1911.
Craignure,
Isle of Mull,
Strathclyde,
Scotland,
PA64 6AP
Benedictine priory founded by Queen Margaret in 1070's and elevated to abbey status by David I in 1128. Substantial remains of church, domestic buildings and palace. The western part of the building is the nave of the Abbey church, and the eastern end is the parish kirk. Favorite place for burial of Scottish royalty, including Malcolm Canmore, Queen Margaret and Robert the Bruce - a commemorative brass is found on the floor of the abbey. Adjacent royal palace was the former guesthouse of the abbey. James VI gave the palace to his wife, Anne of Denmark.
St Margaret Street,
Dunfermline,
Fife,
Scotland
Dunninald is a castellated country house in a marvellous location overlooking Boddin Point on the east coast of Scotland, near Montrose. There has ben a settlement here since at least the Iron Age. The name Dunninald comes from the Gaelic for Dun - ard, meaning a castle in a high place. A more common local name is Black Jack, a term whose origins are lost in the mists of time.
Montrose,
Tayside,
Scotland,
DD10 9TD
Home of the Earls of Sutherland. French style turreted castle with a keep dating from around 1300 and additions from 17th-19th centuries. Gives a picture of Victorian Scottish living. Fine furniture and china, paintings and silver. Beautiful formal gardens modelled after those at Versailles. Beach and woodland walks.
Golspie,
Highlands,
Highlands and Islands,
Scotland,
KW10 6SF
Lochside setting, dramatic scenery. Home of Chiefs of MacLeod for 800 years. Alterations made in mid 19th century. Dunvegan's Fairy Flag is reputed to have magical powers. Legend says a MacLeod married a fairy, and, when she returned to her people, she left behind the flag to protect the family from harm. Clan mementos, ancestral portraits, dungeon. Flora MacDonald lived here at one time.
Dunvegan,
Isle of Skye,
Highlands and Islands,
Scotland,
IV55 8WF
