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Aberdeenshire,
Scotland The builders The present building was started in 1575 and the project completed with the addition of the two courtyard wings in 1636. Two Fraser lairds were concerned, Michael the 6th and Andrew the 7th. as well as members of the northeast's two most notable families of master masons, the Bells and Leipers. The castle remained Fraser property until the early 20C when the new purchasers embarked on a programme of restoration, before the final donation to the National Trust for Scotland in 1976. Exterior The glory of Castle Fraser lies in its elevations. Here, bare lower walls contrast with the flourish of decorative detail at roof level while harling sets off the sculptured granite work. As the visitor approaches from the car park, the layout of this Z-plan castle becomes apparent. The central block, distinguished by a magnificent heraldic achievement, is adjoined by towers, one round and one square (Michael Tower) at diagonally opposite corners. The two-storey service wings, flanking the courtyard, serve to emphasise the height of the main buildings. Above the stepped and highly decorative corbelling, a variety of traditional features - turrets, conical roofs, crow-stepped gables, chimney stacks, decorative dormers and gargoyles - is deployed to achieve a harmonious composition. The pleasing combination of such features is the essential charm of this local style and a testimony to the talent and skill of the master masons. The lantern and balustrade are essentially Renaissance features but the deco-rative effect as a whole is Scotland's unique contribution to Renaissance architecture. Interior Of particular note are the Great Hall and the suite of rooms in the Round Tower reserved for the laird's family. The rooftop balustraded area affords a view of the surrounding farmland and of the walled garden. If you would like to visit this area as part of a highly personalized small group tour of my native Scotland please e-mail me: |
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