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A Striking 16th Century Castle Near the Moray Firth
DESCRIPTION
Castle of Park is a most attractive and compact residential estate, centred around an exceptional principal house set within beautifully landscaped gardens and mature policy woodlands. Extending to approximately 37 acres, the estate enjoys an enviable position amidst gently rolling countryside, with the Moray Coastline lying to the north.
The Castle is situated at the heart of its grounds, commanding views over its own gardens and beyond to the surrounding woodlands, ensuring both privacy and uninterrupted views. The Burn of Park meanders through the southern portion of the estate, where one of two tranquil ponds can also be found, greatly enhancing the natural amenity and charm of the setting.
Accessed via a private driveway from the north, Castle of Park is an impressive Category A listed property of significant historical and architectural importance. In recent years, the Castle has been sympathetically restored and is now beautifully appointed and decorated, offering a magnificent period home perfectly suited to contemporary living.
CASTLE OF PARK
Approached through a gated entrance, the main drive is flanked by a pond, agricultural fields, policy woodlands with some very fine specimen trees. The drive continues to a gravel sweep at the front of the east side of the house.
Internally the accommodation is comfortable and spacious, set out across four levels. The house features 2 grand reception rooms, 9 bedrooms, 8 bathrooms and a further 2 bedroom attic flat, as detailed on the associated floor plans.
At the heart of the ground floor are two striking barrel-vaulted rooms: one a chapel adorned with hand-painted murals, both rich in character and architectural detail. To the western end of the house, with direct access to the gardens, lies the family kitchen—a warm and welcoming space featuring a four-door AGA, along with impressive built-in dressers and bespoke cabinetry. Completing the ground floor are a range of practical and versatile spaces, including a boiler/drying room, utility room, cloakroom, commercial kitchen, entrance hall, and a games room with a wood-burning stove—perfect for family living and entertaining.
The first floor features two principal reception rooms: the Great Hall and the Drawing Room, both with fireplaces and picturesque views over the gardens. The Great Hall is distinguished by its elegant wood panelling and an impressive painted ceiling depicting the Nine Worthies; King Arthur and Godfrey of Boullon among them. The Drawing Room includes a large wood-burning stove and built-in library shelving. Also on this floor is a versatile office/bedroom with an en suite bathroom, cleverly accessed through a hidden door in the bookshelves. Additionally, there is another en suite bedroom, a separate shower room, and two further bedrooms.
The second floor is home to the principal bedroom suite, which includes a spacious, south-facing bedroom and a large en suite bathroom. There are four additional bedrooms on this floor, two of which have en suite facilities, along with a well-appointed family bathroom.
The third floor comprises a self-contained flat, ideal for guests or staff. It includes a sitting room, two bedrooms, a study, a kitchen, and a shower room.
GARDEN & GROUNDS
The house is set within beautifully maintained gardens that create a truly magnificent setting. Mature shrubs and a variety of spectacular specimen trees line the perimeter, offering both shelter and privacy. Ancient ornamental walks weave through the grounds, created in the time of Queen Victoria and canopied by beautiful specimens of Rhododendrons and azaleas. To the north, the tree collection includes marvellous trees such as California redwood, copper beech and sycamore, some more than 200 years old. Beside the victorian formal garden there is a laburnum walk, two large ponds and the Burn of Park that runs through the property.
To the south-west of the house lies the original walled garden, accompanied by an adjoining orchard featuring apple and plum trees. Directly south of the house, a large expanse of lawn is enhanced by a labyrinth feature encircling a sundial, adding a touch of charm and tranquillity. To the west of the driveway there are three fields used for grazing.
THE PAVILION
Situated adjacent to the castle driveway, the Pavilion Building was constructed in 2018 and offers a versatile and contemporary space. It comprises a large function room, a fully equipped kitchen, and three W.C.s. This impressive structure lends itself to a variety of uses, including hosting events, providing overflow accommodation, or serving as a home office or workshop.
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