Abergeldie Castle, Tower house in Crathie and Braemar, Scotland
Abergeldie Castle is a stone tower house with a rectangular layout standing on the south bank of the River Dee, featuring a round corner tower on its southwestern side. The walls measure four feet thick, giving the structure a solid, fortress-like appearance.
The Gordon family acquired this property around 1482 and built the current structure around 1550 under Sir Alexander Gordon of Midmar. During the 1800s, Prince Albert leased the estate, establishing a connection with the British Royal Family.
Prince Albert leased the estate in 1848, establishing a connection with the British Royal Family that continued through regular visits until 1970.
The castle sits in the elevated Dee valley, positioned roughly two miles from nearby Balmoral Castle to the west. Access is typically limited, so visitors should check ahead before planning a visit.
A late Bronze Age standing stone rises from the castle lawn at about 6.5 feet high, marking the site's occupation spanning thousands of years before the castle was built. This ancient marker shows that people have gathered and lived in this spot for far longer than any structure here.
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