Craigievar Castle in Aberdeen
Craigievar Castle, nestled on a picturesque hillside in Aberdeenshire, is a quintessential fairy-tale Scottish tower house that enchants visitors of all ages. Its charming pink exterior, adorned with small turrets, conical roofs, crow-stepped gables, round oriel windows, ornamental stone cannons, and decorative zigzag consoles, makes it one of the most photographed and beloved castles in Scotland.
The estate’s history dates back to 1457 when it was first recorded in documents under the ownership of the Mortimer family. Today, Craigievar Castle stands as a seven-story symbol of both practicality and prestige. Due to the scarcity of timber in the Highlands, architects ingeniously maximized every inch of space beneath its compact roof, creating a uniquely vertical and functional design.
Inside, the Great Hall is a masterpiece of Renaissance craftsmanship, featuring intricate plasterwork, a grand Stuart coat-of-arms above the fireplace, and beautifully carved wall panels. A secret staircase leads to a small hidden room above a window in the Great Hall, part of a complex network of stairs that adds intrigue to this historic residence.
Construction of Craigievar Castle began in the Scottish Baronial style around 1576, and the building was largely completed by William Forbes circa 1626. Remarkably, the castle’s exterior has remained virtually unchanged since then. It remained a family home until the 1960s, blending cosy interiors with rare antiquities and historical artefacts that give visitors a glimpse into centuries of Highland life.
With its fairy-tale charm, rich history, and stunning architectural details, Craigievar Castle is a must-visit destination for families, history enthusiasts, photographers, and anyone seeking a magical experience in Aberdeenshire.
