Castledown
Well-known member
Visited Buchanan in December '08 and it proved to be a fantastic explore.
A bit of Historytaken from 'Scotland's Endangered Houses':
Designed by William Burn in 1850 and constructed by 1852. It replaced an earlier building known as Buchanan Palace which was burnt down in 1850. The castle used to have six staircases but has been a shell since 1954 when the roof was removed, floors stripped out and the contents auctioned off. It acted as a hotel in the 1930's and as a hospital in WWII. Rudolf Hess, Hitler's deputy leader, was temporarily imprisoned at Buchanan Castle during the war.
The Castle is now surrounded by loads of modern houses, some so close the castle is actually in their gardens! There is also quite a large golf course in the grounds. I was a bit perturbed by the number of houses so close to the ruin but it was still an excellent visit. I suspect a wing to the left of the main tower has been demolished (judging from old photos) but the castle is still immense. It just goes on and on with surprises around every corner! I purposefully put off visiting Buchanan until the Winter, if I'd gone in the summer it would have hardly been visible through all the trees that have grown around it. The sunlight was beautiful too.
Hope you enjoy!
Front Elevation:
Dormer Windows:
Around the side:
Staircase:
One of the principal rooms I should think:
One of the huge metal beams totally cracked:
The main hall:
Grand fireplace in the entrance hall:
Leading to one of the two internal courtyards:
A bit of Historytaken from 'Scotland's Endangered Houses':
Designed by William Burn in 1850 and constructed by 1852. It replaced an earlier building known as Buchanan Palace which was burnt down in 1850. The castle used to have six staircases but has been a shell since 1954 when the roof was removed, floors stripped out and the contents auctioned off. It acted as a hotel in the 1930's and as a hospital in WWII. Rudolf Hess, Hitler's deputy leader, was temporarily imprisoned at Buchanan Castle during the war.
The Castle is now surrounded by loads of modern houses, some so close the castle is actually in their gardens! There is also quite a large golf course in the grounds. I was a bit perturbed by the number of houses so close to the ruin but it was still an excellent visit. I suspect a wing to the left of the main tower has been demolished (judging from old photos) but the castle is still immense. It just goes on and on with surprises around every corner! I purposefully put off visiting Buchanan until the Winter, if I'd gone in the summer it would have hardly been visible through all the trees that have grown around it. The sunlight was beautiful too.
Hope you enjoy!
Front Elevation:
Dormer Windows:
Around the side:
Staircase:
One of the principal rooms I should think:
One of the huge metal beams totally cracked:
The main hall:
Grand fireplace in the entrance hall:
Leading to one of the two internal courtyards:
