Hatton Castle, Aberdeenshire

In the early 14th century Robert the Bruce granted the lands, then known as Loscraigie, to Patrick de Monte Alto.[1] Mowat is the anglicisation of de Monte Alto.[2] The Balquholly name was adopted some time before the 16th century.[3] Records indicate there was a castle (spelt Balquholy) on the lands in the early 1500s, but it is likely it may have an earlier date.[4] Purchased by Alexander Duff of Hatton in 1709 – although the contracts were not finalised until 1729[4] – ownership has remained with members of the family into the 21st century.[5]

Construction of the present castellated mansion began in 1812 and was completed by 1814;[6] it was at this time the name was changed to Hatton Castle.[7] It has a round tower at each corner and incorporates sections of the ancient building.[7][lower-alpha 1] The stone-built mansion has three storeys plus a basement and an attic.[5] A wine cellar and gun room are in the basement.[5] The ground floor hall has a glass cupola set above a stone staircase that provides access to the first floor.[5] There are two bedrooms on the first floor and seven on the second floor;[5] the attic contains four additional bedrooms, a bathroom and storage space.[5]

The mansion was designated a category A listed building by Historic Scotland on 28 November 1972.[8] The gardens are included in the Inventory of Gardens and Designed Landscapes in Scotland and assessed under the historical and architectural sections as outstanding.[4]

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