Colliston Castle, Arbroath, United Kingdom

Colliston Castle is a 16th-century Z-plan tower house, altered and extended in the 18th and 19th centuries. Colliston was part of the lands of Arbroath Abbey from its foundation in the 12th century. On 25 July 1544, David Beaton, Abbot of Arbroath and Archbishop of St Andrews, granted the lands of Colliston, Knives, Park of Conon, and Guthrie Hill, to John Guthrie and his wife Isobel Ogilvie. Colliston was retained by the Guthries until the late 17th century, when it passed to the Gordon family. By 1820 George Chaplin was in possession of Colliston, and was succeeded by his nephew George Robertson Chaplin of Auchengray, and then George Chaplin Child Chaplin, M.D. He died in 1883, and was succeeded by Mr Peebles of Somerset House, London. It was purchased in 1920 by Major R.F.D. Bruce, whose wife continued to live there after his death. It was sold several times during the 20th century, and most recently in 2011. The house is currently available for holiday rentals. It is a category B listed building.

The original Z-plan part of the castle of Colliston bears the date 1583 (sometimes misread as 1553). It consists of a main block with two round towers projecting at opposite corners, and a stair turret rising in one of the re-entrant angles between the main block and tower. This tower, which also houses the entrance to the castle, is corbelled out at the top to form a gabled watch-chamber. The plan is similar to Claypotts Castle and is amply provided with wide splayed gun-loops and circular shot-holes for defence. The wall heads and the entire upper storey were remodelled several times and are not original. A later doorway is dated 1621, and the north and east wings were added in the 18th and 19th centuries.

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Castles and fortifications in United Kingdom

User Reviews

Andy Dawson (6 months ago)
Beautiful castle set within peaceful surroundings. Chap who owns it is an absolute gentleman too

Gavin Davidson (14 months ago)
It'll be 25 years since I spent new year here in 1994. What a fantastic stay after meeting one of the family members on a trip to Venezuela.

Maria Pickering (2 years ago)
We visited last May 2018 for my sister & brother in law who re-took their marriage vows we had a heatwave while we were there, the castle is amazing beautiful inside & out brilliant hot tub & great surroundings would definitely recommend to anyone “beautiful” place x And god bless the piper he carried on playing in the sweltering heat

Gillian Nash (2 years ago)
An amazing place to stay, a beautiful castle inside and out.

Sonia Dixon (3 years ago)
Had an amazing stay here. The castle has charm and character. Situated in a remote spot but just a few minutes drive from shops. Beds are comfortable, Bath and showers are good and the castle was warm. Hot tub was amazing and the owners are very friendly and welcoming. Gave us a tour and the keys and were available by phone in case we had any problems (which we didn't)

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