Royal residences: Balmoral Castle 🏴
All seemed to breathe freedom and peace, and to make one forget the world and its sad turmoils. - Queen Victoria, 1848
Balmoral Castle is a private royal residence located in Aberdeenshire, and is owned personally by King Charles III. Unlike many other royal properties in the United Kingdom, Balmoral is not part of the Crown Estate but belongs directly to the monarch.
The history of the estate dates back to the 14th century. It is believed that Robert II of Scotland had a hunting lodge in the area. Around 1390, a house was built on the site by Sir William Drummond. Over the following centuries, the estate passed through several notable families, including the Gordons and later the Farquharsons, who were known for their support of the Jacobite cause and involvement in the uprisings of 1715 and 1745.
In the late 18th century, the estate was acquired by James Duff, and in 1830 it was leased to Sir Robert Gordon, who made significant alterations to the original building in the Scottish baronial style. After his death, the lease returned to the estate’s owner, and shortly afterwards, in 1848, Prince Albert arranged to acquire the lease on behalf of Queen Victoria. Victoria quickly grew fond of the property, describing it as peaceful and relaxing.
The estate was officially purchased in 1852. However, the existing house was considered too small for the royal family and their staff, so Prince Albert commissioned the construction of a new castle. Designed by William Smith, the new granite building was completed in 1856, and the original structure was later demolished. Balmoral soon became one of Victoria’s favorite residences, where she spent long periods each year, especially after Albert’s death.
The tradition of using Balmoral as a royal retreat continued with future monarchs. George V made further improvements to the estate in the early 20th century, including the development of formal gardens. Over time, Balmoral became closely associated with the royal family’s private life and seasonal routines.
Today, the Balmoral Estate includes more than 150 buildings, such as lodges, cottages, and other facilities, in addition to the main castle, which contains around 52 bedrooms and numerous reception rooms. The estate remains an important summer residence for the royal family, who traditionally spend time there each year.
Although it is a private home, parts of the estate are open to the public. The gardens and grounds can be visited from April to July, before the royal family arrives for their annual stay. Visitors also have limited access to the interior of the castle, typically being allowed to see the ballroom, along with a gift shop and café available on site.
