Balintore Castle

Kirriemuir, United Kingdom

Balintore Castle occupies an elevated site in moorland above Balintore village. A tower house named Balintor existed on the site in the late 16th century.

It was designed in 1859 by the architect William Burn. A typical example of the Scottish Baronial style, it features an abundance of turreted towers and gables, and a gone oriel window. The main tower is topped by a balustraded viewing platform similar to that of Buchanan Castle.

The centrepiece of the interior is the great hall, and there is also a gallery, bedrooms, dinner service room, women servant’s sitting room, brushing room, beer cellar, lumber room, butler’s pantry, dining room, and a library.

Balintore Castle was commissioned as a sporting lodge by David Lyon, MP, who had inherited a fortune made by his family through investments in the East India Company. Latterly the castle was used only during the shooting season.

In the 1960s it was decided not to repair the extensive dry rot, and it was abandoned. The castle then stood empty until 2007, during which time its condition deteriorated to point of endangering the structure. Balintore Castle has been listed in the Buildings at Risk Register for Scotland since it started in 1990. Angus Council used its compulsory purchase powers to buy it from its absentee Far Eastern owners, and it is now in the hands of a Scotsman who is restoring it and residing there.

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Details

Founded: 1859
Category: Castles and fortifications in United Kingdom

More Information

en.wikipedia.org

Rating

4.7/5 (based on Google user reviews)

User Reviews

Mark Wyness (6 months ago)
Fantastic place to stay.....great to see restoration of such a wonderful building to give you a glimpse of the past.
Ian Mitchell (7 months ago)
This was unlike no other stay we have had. Once in your life you have to stay in a deserted castle. The kitchen wing has been renovated and you stay here. If you like luxury then this may not be what you are looking for but as an experience this was great fun and families would love it. The site and situation is wonderful with excellent views and walks.
marj1st (2 years ago)
What an interesting, magical place! Yes, the Castle proper is undergoing restoration, and yes, castles are cold and drafty and damp, however the old kitchen area has been turned into an air BNB with a kitchen, bedrooms and a really cool bathroom! Luckily giant, fluffy, warm blankets are provided on each bed so it feels like you're snuggling under a giant pillow of mashed potatoes!!! We didn't get cold at all as we slept. I'd recommend getting firewood for the living room, though!
Tam Sime (2 years ago)
Balintore sits in a lofty position with extensive views to the south; it is undergoing restoration after many years of ongoing decay. Some rooms have been refurbished but is the unrestored rooms which are the most telling. The work still to be undertaken is considerable yet the owners commendable enthusiasm may yet prove to be the saving of this old Angus gem.
Jeroen B (3 years ago)
Unique location to stay. The old storage and kitchen wing are nicely renovated into a guest accommodation, with 3 bedrooms. If you have the chance, visit to the rest of the castle is a great experience. The owner is very friendly and will passionately tell you about the progress of the restoration.
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