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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Details

Founded: 16th century
Category: Castles and fortifications in United Kingdom

More Information

en.wikipedia.org

Rating

4.9/5 (based on Google user reviews)

User Reviews

John Third (15 months ago)
Thank you, John and Sue, for being the perfect hosts. The castle exceeded our expectations and we all had a fantastic time exploring the castle and finding out about its unique history.
Janice Mitchell (16 months ago)
A fantastic place to spend time. We had THE best weekend last week celebrating a golden wedding with friends and family. Enjoyed hearing the history of the castle..we can highly recommend it..
Skittle 12Xu (18 months ago)
What a fantastic place! John and Sue were lovely hosts and made sure we were very welcomed and settled. The castle is superb and we all had a great time just roaming the halls and enjoying the sunlit rooms. The wood fired hot tub was used and enjoyed on a daily basis, as was the fabulous hot tub. Would highly recommend and would definitely return! Thank you John and Sue x
francisdapro (19 months ago)
Absolutely class place to stay. Brilliant grounds to walk around on, it was a fun surprise to find a rope swing! The castle is good fun exploring for the first time. There is a few fireplaces and a piano, so if your like me it's easy to keep entertained. The Pool table is okay, none of the cues have any tips on them so if Ur serious bout pool bring your own cues!
Neil T (19 months ago)
Stayed here with a group of friends. Great hosts and the castle was amazing. Sauna was a nice new touch from last vist
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