Castle of Park is one of the newest castles to join Celtic Castles
Castle of Park is one of the newest castles to join Celtic Castles.
It is a lovely 16th century property that has been lovingly restored by the current owners, with antique furniture and a collection of British Romantic Art.
The castle features three individually designed bedrooms, all very luxurious and each with its own character. The property is located just over an hour's drive from Aberdeen, and just under two hours' drive from Inverness. It is surrounded by nature and woodland, offering peace and tranquillity to all guests.
Castle of Park features its very own 'Breakfast Room', which is open from Monday to Saturday between 10am - 4pm. and offers morning coffee, breakfast, light lunches, afternoon tea, evening meals and even live music.
Whilst staying at the castle, you can explore the the charming local villages, castles and homes of the Banffshire Coast.
The coast offers a wide range of attractions that will entertain both adults and children; from a great fishing heritage, historical roots, spectacular coastline, wildlife, aviation heritage, shopping, whisky-tasting and traditional eating experiences.
You will be able to find, amongst other things, one of Scotland's oldest distilleries, the Glenglassaugh Distillery.
It is also home to the Macduff Marine Aquarium, the Museum of Scottish Lighthouses and the Banff Museum, one of Scotland's oldest museums.
So while you may chose to have a fun-packed day exploring the surroundings, you can rest assured that you will be returning to your own very peaceful castle.
And there is a whole lot more...
INSIDE
On the reception floor, there are two large sitting rooms; the central reception room is the great hall with an open fire, panelling, Medieval-painted ceiling and three window seats looking out to the front aawns and the swimming pool. This is also where you will find the grand piano and there is enough room to dance a Scottish reel! There are sofas and comfy chairs arranged around the fire, and if you'd prefer to eat upstairs for any of your meals, the owners can arrange to have a table brought up.
The drawing room gets the morning light through its Georgian windows; it also has a wood-burning fire to keep you warm in the evenings if you want to relax in front of the TV or enjoy some of the board games on offer.
The library is used as a bedroom when there are 14 guests in residence, but for smaller parties, it reverts back to its original purpose, home to an extensive collection of art history books.
On the ground floor, as well as the kitchen and the breakfast room, there is a billiard room with wood-burning fire, vaulted dining room (seating 6/8) and chapel.
The pavilion, an external games room, is located across the north lawns and can be used for bigger parties, ceilidhs, ping pong and yoga.
You'll find the kitchen well-equipped with a commercial electric hob and oven, dishwasher, freestanding freezer with ice maker, commercial fridge, panini maker, coffee maker, microwave, air fryer and bread maker.
HISTORY
The estate was granted by King Alexander II to a Norman knight, Sir Walram de Normanville, in 1242. The castle may have foundations dating back to the early 13th century, but the Z-plan tower house, as we know it, was built in 1536.
Throughout the 1700s the castle underwent a number of extensions, and in 1829 a Gothic tower was added. No further additions have been made to the castle proper, but in recent years a swimming pool was built in the front lawn...for those brave enough to take a dip!
LEISURE
In the daytime, guests can wander through the extensive grounds, which include ponds, a burn, rhododendrons, azaleas, a laburnum walk, a rose garden, a labyrinth, ancient woodland, croquet lawn and meadows. In the evening, enjoy a local whisky in front of a roaring fire. The estate has its own fold of Highland cows and a small muster of peacocks.
There is an endless pool for swimming and an external pavilion that can be used for games on a wet day or for meetings, events or parties.
Parking FREE
Wi-Fi FREE
enquiries@castleofpark.co.uk
- Weddings
- Swim camps