Tower of Hallbar, Tower house in South Lanarkshire, Scotland.
Tower of Hallbar is a five-story stone structure with a square base and exceptionally thick walls that give it a fortress-like quality. The restored building displays the robust proportions typical of Scottish defensive towers from the medieval period.
The tower arose in the 1500s when royal orders required defensive structures on Scottish estates. The property changed hands in 1581 when it passed to the Stewart family.
The tower sits on land that once fell under strict royal building rules meant to strengthen Scotland's defenses during the 1500s. Visitors can still see the heavy stone construction that reflected these historical requirements.
The restored tower now operates as holiday accommodation, making its interior accessible to guests. The site sits away from main roads, so planning your arrival in advance works best.
Inside sits a low-vaulted cellar accessed from the basement, a typical safety feature of medieval construction. A winding staircase connects all five levels, showing how the designer packed remarkable vertical organization into this compact fortified building.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
