Castle Fraser, (NTS) - Dunecht

Car park; estate trails; shop; tearoom; children's adventure playground and picnic area. Car parking for disabled drivers just beyond front of castle where indicated. Access generally, wheelchairs will be able to gain access to entrance hall and tearoom on the ground floor. Less disabled persons may manage stairs to first floor (and can take wheelchair if able), but beyond this is steep spiral stair. Garden not wheelchair accessible. Toilets off the courtyard.

The 6th Laird, Michael Fraser, began this magnificent castle, one of the Castles of Mar, in 1575. The two low wings contribute to the magnificence of the towers rising above them, making this the largest and most elaborate of the Scottish castles built on the Z plan.
The stunning simplicity of the Great Hall, which occupies the entire first floor, with its striking fireplace immediately, creates an atmosphere of past centuries.
Two great families of master masons, Bel and Leiper, took part in the work which was completed in 1636.
The armorial panel high on the north side is signed 'I Bel'. The castle belongs to the same period of architectural achievement as Crathes Castle and Craigevar Castle.

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