Castle Fraser History
Michael Fraser erected Castle Fraser between 1575-1635 with assistance from Master Mason, Thomas Leiper.
Castle Fraser was known as Muchall-in-Mar until 1695. The castle was completed by his heir, Andrew Fraser, 1st Lord Fraser.
The main block is a Z-plan tower of five stories, to the north of which is a courtyard with double-storeyed ‘Laigh Biggin’s’ and gateway.
The tower has a square and round projection. The latter is of the castle’s most notable features and the roof is reached through an attractive cap-house.
It affords excellent views not only of the surrounding countryside but also of the turrets and roofs of the adjoining buildings.
Tours of the Castle Fraser take one through the vaulted kitchen and light hall.
On the first floor is the great hall with its large fireplace, laird’s lug, and the original doorway, which is now blocked. On the same floor are the dining room and the Peacock Parlour or smoking room.
The latter room is located in the round tower but is square in shape. On the third floor are the Green, North, Worked, and Tower rooms, which are mostly bedrooms.
The fourth floor has the Pink Room, Red and Blue Turrets, and the library (the largest room in the castle). This has a decoration from 1839 when the architect John Smith altered it.
Descending by a second stair one reaches the Bailiff’s Room on the second floor. This has a squint, which looks down into the great hall. A small room adjoining is said to have been a chapel.
Castle Fraser remained in Fraser’s ownership until 1921 when it was bought by the 1st Viscount Cowdray for his son, Hon. Clive Pearson. It passed to his daughter, Lavinia, who married Major Michael Smiley. They gifted the castle to the Trust in 1976.
Castle Fraser Location
Castle Fraser Address: Kemnay, Aberdeenshire AB51, UK. Get help with directions using the map provided below: