House of Schivas, 16th-century tower house in Tarves, Scotland.
The House of Schivas is a 16th-century tower house in Tarves with an L-shaped plan and a circular stair tower projecting from the north side of the main block. The structure retains its original vaulted basement with a kitchen connected to two cellars through a vaulted passage system.
The building was constructed during the Renaissance and passed through the hands of several Scottish noble families over time. George Lord Gordon acquired the property in 1467 and became a significant figure in its later history.
The hall displays traditional Scottish architectural elements such as aumbries, a garderobe, and a chapel recess with a crucifix and monogram. These details reveal how residents integrated religious practice and daily routines into their living spaces.
The building is visible from multiple angles and clearly shows its defensive features on the exterior. Visitors should be aware of uneven floors and narrow stairs inside, which are typical of the period's construction methods.
Four distinct groups of shot holes surround the main doorway, revealing the building's former defensive strength. The offset wing was strategically positioned to provide additional protection for the entrance and confuse potential attackers.
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