Castle Forbes facts for kids
Castle Forbes is a beautiful country house built in the 1800s, located near Alford in Aberdeenshire, Scotland. It's designed in a special style called Scottish baronial architecture, which looks a bit like a castle!
The land around Castle Forbes, known as the Vale of Alford estate, is huge – about 6,000 acres. The Forbes family has lived here for more than 600 years, which is a very long time! The first house on this spot was called Putachie.
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Building Castle Forbes
The current Castle Forbes, which overlooks the River Don, was started in 1815. The 17th Lord Forbes wanted a new home. He hired an architect named Archibald Simpson to design it.
Who Built It?
During construction, there were some problems. The older part of the house, built around 1731, started to crack. Because of these issues, Archibald Simpson was no longer in charge. Another architect, John Smith, who was the City Architect of Aberdeen, finished the building.
Castle Forbes Today
Today, Malcolm Forbes, the 23rd Lord Forbes, lives at Castle Forbes. Sometimes, guests can even stay there! The estate is a great place for outdoor activities.
Fun Activities at the Estate
You can enjoy fishing in the nearby river or play a round of golf on the estate's grounds. It's a peaceful place with lots to do.
A Special Perfumery
In 1996, an old dairy building on the estate was turned into something quite unique: a small perfumery. This is where they make perfumes!
Important Features
Castle Forbes is recognized as an important historical building. It's a "category B listed building," which means it's protected because of its special history and architecture.
Gardens and Landscapes
The beautiful grounds around the castle are also very important. They are included in the Inventory of Gardens and Designed Landscapes in Scotland. This means the gardens and designed areas are recognized for their historical and artistic value.
Ancient History Nearby
To the north of the castle, there's an even older piece of history: a prehistoric stone circle. This shows that people have lived in this area for thousands of years!
