Stobo Castle facts for kids

Stobo Castle

Stobo Castle is a beautiful old building found in a place called Stobo in the Scottish Borders. It's in an area that used to be known as Peeblesshire. Long ago, the land where the castle stands belonged to the Balfour family. Later, in 1767, it became the main home for the Graham-Montgomery family, who were important people known as Baronets. The castle you see today was built between 1805 and 1811. Two architects, Archibald and James Elliot, helped design it. Today, Stobo Castle is a popular health spa where people go to relax and feel good. The castle itself is a very important historical building, protected as a "Category A listed building," which means it's of special national importance. Its beautiful gardens are also recognized in a national list of important parks and gardens in Scotland.

The Story of Stobo Castle

Stobo Castle is connected to something called the "barony of Stobo." A barony is like a very old title or area of land that has been passed down through families for hundreds of years, going all the way back to the 1100s!

From Old Tower to New Castle

Before the current Stobo Castle was built, there was an older tower house on the same spot, known as Hill House. Around 1750, the Stobo land was owned by the Murrays of Tweedsmuir.

In 1767, a judge named James Montgomery bought the Stobo estate and its barony. He was a very important lawyer and judge in Scotland. He was given the special title of "Baronet" in 1801. When he passed away in 1803, his son, also named James, inherited the estate. This younger James decided to build a brand new house. He hired the architect James Elliot to design it.

Stobo Castle was built between 1805 and 1811. It was designed in a "castellated style," which means it looks like a castle with towers and battlements, even though it was built as a grand house.

Changes Over the Years

Later, in 1849, a special covered entrance for carriages, called a "porte-cochère," was added to the castle. This was done by Sir Graham Graham-Montgomery, 3rd Baronet, following a design by John Lessels. Sir Graham also had the castle's gardens redesigned in 1872 by John Hay, making them even more beautiful.

In 1905, an English cricket player named Hylton Philipson bought Stobo. He loved gardening! He created amazing water gardens and terraces with a Japanese style. He also made three large lakes on the estate. After Philipson died, the estate was sold again in 1939 to the Countess of Dysart.

Stobo Castle Today

After World War II, the large estate was divided up. In 1972, many of the castle's old belongings were sold at an auction. In 1975, the Winyard family bought Stobo Castle. They had a great idea: they turned it into a health resort, a place where people could go to relax and improve their well-being. In 2003, a big new part was added to the castle, including more hotel rooms and a swimming pool, making it an even better spa.

Because parts of the land were sold off, the old "barony of Stobo" title is now separate from who owns the castle or the land around it.

Images for kids

• 

  Stobo Castle