with it's own sinter past ... this is Scotland and if it had a 14th Century tower, a drawbridge and a dungeon it had a sinister past.
Stick a "Be Mind Full" over the front door on a new 1672 crest
and extensions ... now it is home for a aristocratic family.
A tad more regal now!
Country estate gates
Nice little family home of the Cawdor family
The early Thanes of Calder – an old spelling of the place name – were appointed Sheriffs and Hereditary Constables of the royal castle of Nairn. This fortification, founded by William the Lion in 1179 was sited to command the ford over the river Nairn near the sea.
The early Thanes of Calder – an old spelling of the place name – were appointed Sheriffs and Hereditary Constables of the royal castle of Nairn. This fortification, founded by William the Lion in 1179 was sited to command the ford over the river Nairn near the sea.
That castle has since vanished without trace. The family had another residence at Old Calder which, according to the Exchequer accounts, was last repaired in 1398. Again, not much remains of that building apart from faint crop-marks.
It was at this time that the building of the present Cawdor Castle began.
A new, more efficient site was chosen. The imposing, rectangular tower-house consisted of four storeys and a garret with one entrance to the outside world. Positioned on the upper first floor level; the perfect design to keep out unwelcome visitors.
Still home to the Cawdor family to this day and lovingly filled with beautiful furniture, fine portraits, intriguing objects and amazing tapestries the Castle has evolved for over 600 years.
A modern day lady in waiting!
It was at this time that the building of the present Cawdor Castle began.
A new, more efficient site was chosen. The imposing, rectangular tower-house consisted of four storeys and a garret with one entrance to the outside world. Positioned on the upper first floor level; the perfect design to keep out unwelcome visitors.
Still home to the Cawdor family to this day and lovingly filled with beautiful furniture, fine portraits, intriguing objects and amazing tapestries the Castle has evolved for over 600 years.
A modern day lady in waiting!
Lived in look ... nice to visit a home as a home not just a historical recreation.
Cawdor Clan Tartan Carpets ... as you do!
Lady Cawdor's Bedroom
To own a house like this today with all the upkeep they really have to be open to the public to generate some $ for the ongoing maintenance. The Lady of the house moves to a smaller castle down the road for the summer and opens to us stickybeak tourists.
Thanks Lady Cawdor for a small glimpse into the history and how you live today.
One of the modern garden structures through out the garden
A Judy pound in the fountain for Judy
Hedge trimming would be several gardeners full time jobs
The colours on a dull day just pop
It just all looks so amazing!
ReplyDeleteWow did you both feel like Robin Hood and Maid Marion. Castles, enchanted forests, hairy men lurking behind magnificent conifers. and how's about that thistle I hope a seed inadvertently got stuck it the tred on the bottom of your shoe.
ReplyDeleteAll I can say my lovely's is BOARDER SECURIETY
Deletehave you not seen that TV show they can find a seed that you ate in yesterdays seedy bread loaf!!!!!