Johnstone Castle, Category B listed tower house in Johnstone, Scotland.
Description
Johnstone Castle is a tower house with three main stories and a Gothic tower wing that extends one level higher than the primary block. The structure displays architectural features spanning multiple periods, showing how it evolved from defensive stronghold to residential dwelling.
History
The castle was built in 1560 for the Houston family of Milliken and served as their principal residence. The family acquired additional lands in 1773 and carried out major expansions in the early 1800s before most surrounding structures were demolished in the 1950s to make room for housing development.
Culture
The castle received composer Frederic Chopin in 1848, during which he experienced a carriage accident but emerged without injuries.
Practical
The castle can be viewed from public streets surrounding it, with information boards providing historical context along the way. Access to the interior is restricted, but the exterior architecture and its setting among modern houses are fully visible from the surrounding area.
Did you know?
The medieval tower stands isolated among modern post-war residential terraces, creating a striking contrast between centuries of architecture. This unexpected juxtaposition illustrates how a single historic structure can endure while everything around it transforms.
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide. Discover all places nearby (Renfrewshire).
Gleniffer Braes
2.2 km
Thomas Coats Memorial Baptist Church
5.1 km
Stanely Castle
3.4 km
Coats Observatory
5.2 km
Craigends Yew
4 km
Paisley Museum and Art Galleries
5.2 km
Russell Institute
5.5 km
Laigh Kirk, Paisley
5.4 km
Lands of Elliston
4.5 km
High Street drill hall, Paisley
5.1 km
Paisley, Oakshaw Road, John Neilson Institution
5 km
Christian Social Action Centre
5.4 km
Paisley High Church
5.4 km
The Bull Inn
5.4 km
Houston and Kilellan Parish Church
5.2 km
Kilbarchan Steeple
2.9 km
Macdonald's Fountain
3.1 km
Johnstone, Quarry Street, High Parish Church
831 m
Houston, South Street, Mercat Cross
5.3 km
Sma' Shot Cottages
5.4 km
Paisley, 56 Oakshaw, Peter Brough District Nurses' Home
5.1 km
Houston Square Bandstand
1 km
Garthland Bridge
3.9 km
Paisley, Underwood Road, Railway Viaduct
5.3 km
Paisley, 76 High Street, Army Careers Information Office
5.1 km
Kilbarchan, Steeple Square, Steeple And Steeple Buildings
2.9 km
Johnstone, Houston Square, War Memorial
1 km
Johnstone, Tower Road, St Aidan's Roman Catholic Church
212 mDiscover hidden gems everywhere you go!
From secret cafés to breathtaking viewpoints, skip the crowded tourist spots and find places that match your style. Our app makes it easy with voice search, smart filtering, route optimization, and insider tips from travelers worldwide. Download now for the complete mobile experience.
A unique approach to discovering new places❞
— Le Figaro
All the places worth exploring❞
— France Info
A tailor-made excursion in just a few clicks❞
— 20 Minutes