Balcaskie House

Balcaskie House is a three-story residence with a U-shaped layout, tall corner towers, and crow-step gables on its north-facing elevation. The building sits on an estate in Carnbee and displays detailed stonework and architectural features throughout its facades.

William Bruce purchased the estate in 1665 and rebuilt the original fortified house into an expanded residence from 1668 to 1674. This transformation reflected changes in how Scottish landowners designed their homes during the later 1600s.

The gardens reflect French Baroque design and align toward the Bass Rock across the Forth estuary. Their planting schemes were created by W. A. Nesfield and show how the residents shaped the land around their home.

Visitors can walk around the estate to view the house exterior and explore the gardens at their own pace. The grounds offer clear sightlines across the Forth estuary, making it easy to understand the layout and the alignment of features.

The property remains the seat of the Chief of the Name and Arms of Anstruther, preserving a direct link to Scottish aristocratic tradition. This role gives the house its continuing importance in family and regional history.

Location: Fife

Location: Carnbee

Architects: William Bruce

Website: http://balcaskie.co.uk

GPS coordinates: 56.22239,-2.76807

Latest update: December 11, 2025 18:07