Benholm Castle

3D Model

Benholm is a notable example of a large neoclassical mansion which unusually incorporates a substantial and well-preserved fragment of a late 15th century tower house. The effect is a striking and unusual design for a house. The stonework detailing of the house is of high quality and complements the stonework of the earlier tower. Whilst the mansion was refurbished internally, the external elevations and plan form of the building are largely unaltered. The result is a structure with a development sequence spanning over 500 years, combining two diverse architectural forms.

The tower house at Benholm was constructed in around 1475 by Sir John Lundie and his wife Isabel Forrester. Ownership passed to a member of the Keith family, the 5th Earl Marischal, by 1559. The cap house to the tower was probably added by the beginning of the 17th century. In around 1660 the estate was purchased by David Scott, Treasurer to the Bank of Scotland, and his wife Margaret Brown.

Canmore ID 36842