Lews Castle, Victorian country house in Stornoway, Scotland.
Lews Castle is a Victorian country house in Stornoway on the Isle of Lewis in the Scottish Outer Hebrides. The Tudor Gothic architecture shows in sandstone walls, several towers, and ornate details across the entire facade.
James Matheson had the building erected between 1844 and 1851 after he acquired the Isle of Lewis with funds from his trade in China. During World War II, the estate was renamed HMS Mentor and served as a naval base for Supermarine Walrus aircraft.
The ground floor houses a museum displaying six Lewis Chessmen pieces and exhibits about the Western Isles' maritime and agricultural traditions. The rooms show how life on the Hebrides has been shaped by the sea and farming for centuries.
The park grounds can be visited daily, and the restored ballroom is open to visitors. The ground floor has a cafe with refreshments and a view of the gardens.
The interior of the building was largely renewed after a fire in 1918, while the outer appearance remained mostly intact. Today, part of the house operates as a hotel, while other areas are available for public events and tours.
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