Royal Residences: Balmoral Castle
Balmoral Castle is a grand residence located in Aberdeenshire, Scotland. It has been a favorite retreat for the British Royal Family since it was purchased by Queen Victoria and Prince Albert in 1852. The castle has been passed down from monarch to monarch and has seen significant renovations and improvements over the years. Today, it is one of the most important residences of the Royal Family and continues to be a popular tourist attraction.
History of Balmoral Castle
Balmoral Castle was originally built in the 15th century by Sir William Drummond, who was given the land by King Robert II of Scotland. The original structure was a simple tower house, and the estate was known as Bouchmorale. Over the centuries, the castle passed through the hands of various owners and underwent several renovations.
In 1830, the estate was acquired by Sir Robert Gordon, who commissioned architect William Smith to design a new house in the Scottish baronial style. The new house was completed in 1856 and included a tower, turrets, and battlements. This was the castle that Queen Victoria and Prince Albert fell in love with during a visit to Scotland in 1848.
The Queen and Prince purchased the estate in 1852 for £31,500, and they began a program of extensive renovations and improvements. Prince Albert was particularly involved in the design and construction of the castle and its grounds. He added a ballroom, a dining room, and a library, and he designed the beautiful gardens and landscaped the surrounding area.
The couple spent every summer at Balmoral, and the Queen described it as her "dear paradise in the Highlands." They also invited members of their family to stay with them, and Balmoral became a favorite retreat for the Royal Family.
Specs of Balmoral Castle
Balmoral Castle sits on an estate that covers 50,000 acres of land. The castle itself is a large, sprawling structure that includes 52 rooms, including 19 bedrooms and eight bathrooms. The castle has four stories and a tower that rises 100 feet above the ground. It is made of granite and features turrets, towers, and battlements that give it a distinctive Scottish baronial style.
The interior of the castle is just as impressive as the exterior. The rooms are furnished with beautiful antiques, paintings, and tapestries, many of which were collected by Queen Victoria and Prince Albert. The castle also houses a collection of weapons and hunting trophies, which reflects the Royal Family's love of outdoor pursuits.
Royals Who Have Lived at Balmoral Castle
Since Queen Victoria and Prince Albert purchased Balmoral Castle, it has been a beloved retreat for the Royal Family. Many monarchs and members of their families have spent time at Balmoral, and it has become one of the most important residences of the British monarchy.
Queen Victoria and Prince Albert spent every summer at Balmoral, and they made significant improvements to the castle and its grounds. They also invited their family to stay with them, and Balmoral became a popular retreat for the Royal Family.
After Queen Victoria's death, Balmoral passed to her son, King Edward VII. He continued to use the castle as a summer residence, and he also made several improvements, including adding a swimming pool and tennis courts.
King George V inherited Balmoral after his father's death, and he and his wife Queen Mary continued to use it as a summer residence. During World War I, the castle was used as a hospital for wounded soldiers.
King George VI and Queen Elizabeth (the Queen Mother) also spent time at Balmoral, and Queen Elizabeth II has visited the castle every year since her coronation in 1953.
Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip spent many summers at Balmoral, and it has been a favorite residence of several other members of the royal family, including Prince Charles and Princess Anne.
Balmoral Castle is a cherished home of the British royal family, and its rich history and stunning natural beauty have made it a beloved destination for generations of royals. With its impressive specs, unique style, and rich history, Balmoral Castle is truly a one-of-a-kind residence that has captured the hearts of the British people and the world.
Subscribe to get notified when we release our new posts! If you’re on Instagram or Twitter, follow us @duchandbaron, and you can find our podcast by searching ‘The Duchess and the Baron’ on your podcast platform or listen here. Please let us know your thoughts in the comments below and give us a 'Like' if you enjoyed reading the post! Toodle-pip 👋
~ The Duchess & The Baron