A country castle, perfectly positioned in Fife for golf holidays and touring Scotland
This castle stands on a bluff above the River Eden in the beautiful countryside of Northeast Fife. It is just 6 miles from St Andrews. The castle, first mentioned in 1160, was traditionally occupied by the bishops of St Andrews or their bailiffs. In the 16th century it was substantially rebuilt by the Learmonth family, and reached its its apogee in the early 16th century when it was the home of John Spottiswood, archbishop of St. Andrews and chancellor of Scotland. His son Robert, president of the Lords of Session, and grandson, John, were both executed by the convenanters for their support of Montrose and the royalist cause. The castle has been the site of an earlier Scottish parliament (in 1335) has withstood a siege (by regent Morton’s men in 1575) and has been visited by royalty (James VI and I escaped here in 1583). The castle fell into ruin in the 19th century, and was rebuilt as a family home by the current owners between 1993 and 1996.
The castle has three towers, two round and one square. It is built on 4 floors. On the first floor there is a well equipped kitchen with an Aga and gas cooking facilities. This opens into the Great Hall, which is stone-flagged and lined with portraits of characters associated with the castle. On the top floor there is a picture gallery, which runs the length of the castle, and a study.
The castle has 6 acres of grounds, which includes a herb garden, parterre, mown meadow and woodland walk down to the River Eden. The walled courtyard includes a viewing tower and garage with cover for two cars.
