Castle Of Park, Cornhill, Banff, Aberdeenshire, AB45

A Striking 16th Century Castle Near the Moray Firth

Description

DESCRIPTION

Castle of Park is a most attractive and compact residential estate, centred around an exceptional principal house set within beautifully landscaped gardens and mature policy woodlands. Extending to approximately 37 acres, the estate enjoys an enviable position amidst gently rolling countryside, with the Moray Coastline lying to the north.

The Castle is situated at the heart of its grounds, commanding views over its own gardens and beyond to the surrounding woodlands, ensuring both privacy and uninterrupted views. The Burn of Park meanders through the southern portion of the estate, where one of two tranquil ponds can also be found, greatly enhancing the natural amenity and charm of the setting.

Accessed via a private driveway from the north, Castle of Park is an impressive Category A listed property of significant historical and architectural importance. In recent years, the Castle has been sympathetically restored and is now beautifully appointed and decorated, offering a magnificent period home perfectly suited to contemporary living.

CASTLE OF PARK

Approached through a gated entrance, the main drive is flanked by a pond, agricultural fields, policy woodlands with some very fine specimen trees. The drive continues to a gravel sweep at the front of the east side of the house.

Internally the accommodation is comfortable and spacious, set out across four levels. The house features 2 grand reception rooms, 9 bedrooms, 8 bathrooms and a further 2 bedroom attic flat, as detailed on the associated floor plans.

At the heart of the ground floor are two striking barrel-vaulted rooms: one a chapel adorned with hand-painted murals, both rich in character and architectural detail. To the western end of the house, with direct access to the gardens, lies the family kitchen—a warm and welcoming space featuring a four-door AGA, along with impressive built-in dressers and bespoke cabinetry. Completing the ground floor are a range of practical and versatile spaces, including a boiler/drying room, utility room, cloakroom, commercial kitchen, entrance hall, and a games room with a wood-burning stove—perfect for family living and entertaining.

The first floor features two principal reception rooms: the Great Hall and the Drawing Room, both with fireplaces and picturesque views over the gardens. The Great Hall is distinguished by its elegant wood panelling and an impressive painted ceiling depicting the Nine Worthies; King Arthur and Godfrey of Boullon among them. The Drawing Room includes a large wood-burning stove and built-in library shelving. Also on this floor is a versatile office/bedroom with an en suite bathroom, cleverly accessed through a hidden door in the bookshelves. Additionally, there is another en suite bedroom, a separate shower room, and two further bedrooms.

The second floor is home to the principal bedroom suite, which includes a spacious, south-facing bedroom and a large en suite bathroom. There are four additional bedrooms on this floor, two of which have en suite facilities, along with a well-appointed family bathroom.

The third floor comprises a self-contained flat, ideal for guests or staff. It includes a sitting room, two bedrooms, a study, a kitchen, and a shower room.


GARDEN & GROUNDS

The house is set within beautifully maintained gardens that create a truly magnificent setting. Mature shrubs and a variety of spectacular specimen trees line the perimeter, offering both shelter and privacy. Ancient ornamental walks weave through the grounds, created in the time of Queen Victoria and canopied by beautiful specimens of Rhododendrons and azaleas. To the north, the tree collection includes marvellous trees such as California redwood, copper beech and sycamore, some more than 200 years old. Beside the victorian formal garden there is a laburnum walk, two large ponds and the Burn of Park that runs through the property.

To the south-west of the house lies the original walled garden, accompanied by an adjoining orchard featuring apple and plum trees. Directly south of the house, a large expanse of lawn is enhanced by a labyrinth feature encircling a sundial, adding a touch of charm and tranquillity. To the west of the driveway there are three fields used for grazing.

THE PAVILION

Situated adjacent to the castle driveway, the Pavilion Building was constructed in 2018 and offers a versatile and contemporary space. It comprises a large function room, a fully equipped kitchen, and three W.C.s. This impressive structure lends itself to a variety of uses, including hosting events, providing overflow accommodation, or serving as a home office or workshop.

Location

SITUATION

Castle of Park has a desirable position situated 6 miles from the Moray Coastline. A private and secluded estate, Castle of Park occupies a sheltered position on the northside of Corn Hill. The surrounding landscape is typified by its striking coastline and gently undulating farmland. The area is renowned for its milder climate, low rainfall and its production of malting barley which supplies many whisky distilleries in the region.

The nearby town of Portsoy offers a wide range of amenities, including a small supermarket, garages, a doctor’s surgery, restaurants, hotels, and primary schooling. It is also well known for its annual Traditional Small Boats Festival, held each summer and attracting visitors from far and wide. Scenic boat trips from Macduff or Cullen can be arranged to spot the famous Moray Firth Dolphins. The hamlet of Cornhill is renowned for its annual Highland games and its UK champion Tug of War team.

Private schooling is available at Gordonstoun (private co-educational, day and boarding) which lies 35 miles to the west.

The area has excellent communications. The A96 lies only 6 miles to the east which is the main road connecting Aberdeen and Inverness. Both cities offer domestic and international f lights as well as a daily direct railway service to London including the Caledonian Express sleeper train. More locally the train can be taken from Keith (13 miles) to either city.

Moray is a popular tourist destination both domestically and internationally. Famous for its rich history in food and whisky production, it is home to over half of the distilleries in Scotland.

The area is also known for its field sports including driven pheasant and partridge days, there are also a number of well managed grouse moors close by with hill and deer-forest stalking also available. The nearby Rivers Spey and Deveron offer renowned salmon and sea trout fishing.

Castle of Park is well positioned to access a wealth of walking, hiking and cycling opportunities, including those offered along the Moray Coastline and Cairngorms National Park that attract many national and international visitors to the region each year. Away from the hills, there are numerous golf courses in the county with a two well renowned courses locally at Duff House Royal and Royal Tarlair.




Acreage: 37 Acres

Directions

DIRECTIONS

From Aberdeen take the A96 north, turn right onto theA97 just before Huntly. Follow the road for approximately 10 miles to Aberchirder. Turn left onto the B9023 towards the village of Cornhill. Castle of Park is situated off this road on the left, approximately 1 mile before Cornhill.

The postcode for sat nav purposes is AB45 2AX.

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Additional Info

HISTORICAL & ARCHITECTURAL NOTE

Castle of Park is a striking three-storey-and-attic residence with a rich and complex history, showcasing elegant mid-Georgian features and harled walls. Its origins trace back to 1292, with the core structure likely built in the 1530s by the Lords Saltoun. Over the centuries, it evolved through multiple phases under the Saltouns, Gordons, and later restorers.

By the early 17th century, the house had a T-plan layout, later transformed into an H-plan during major Georgian remodelling in 1717–1723. Notable additions include the grand three-window bows, a castellated tower from 1829, and a stair-tower entrance added in 1918.

The southwest front retains the original arched entrance and heraldic panels, while the southeast and northeast façades reflect Georgian symmetry and refinement. Inside, the house features spacious bow-windowed rooms, simple 18th–19th century plasterwork, Neoclassical fireplaces, and a charming Scots Renaissance-style minstrels’ gallery.

Sir Adam Gordon of Glenbuchat became the first Laird of Park in 1623. Sir William Gordon, third laird of Park, found for the Jacobites during the Jacobite uprising of 1745. He was captured by the English at the Battle of Culloden, imprisoned and later executed. The new owner will be the 19th Laird / Lady of Park.