Duntarvie Castle, Category A listed country house in West Lothian, Scotland.
Duntarvie Castle is a three-story country house with four-story stone towers at both ends and balustrades capping the flat roofs. The rectangular main block integrates these prominent corner towers into its overall composition.
James Durham received the lands in 1588 and built the castle while serving as Chamberlain under royal authority in the Linlithgowshire region. The structure arose during a period of economic stability for Scottish nobles with connections to the crown.
The building displays Scottish Renaissance design with its balanced layout and corner towers that were typical of wealthy Scottish estates in the 1500s. Such symmetrical plans reflected the status and sophistication of their owners during this period.
The castle underwent restoration work in 1994 but suffered structural damage in 1995 when part of the east tower collapsed. Visitors should be aware that the building is a scheduled monument with potential access limitations.
The castle contains an unusual straight staircase connecting the ground and first floors, departing from the typical spiral designs of the period. This choice shows a more practical approach to interior space by its builder.
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