Clan Rising
Stobo Castle today

Scotland · Still standing

Stobo Castle

Stobo Castle is an early 19th‑century castellated country house at Stobo in the Scottish Borders, built 1805–1811 to designs by Archibald and James Elliot. The house is a Category A listed building and sits in extensive designed grounds that include terraces, Japanese‑influenced water gardens and three large lakes. The property faces the River Tweed near its junction with the Lour Burn and today is operated as a health spa and hotel.

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Photograph via Wikimedia Commons

Its prime

1905

Today

Still standing

As it stood in 1905

What Stobo Castle looked like in its prime.

A large early‑19th‑century castellated stone country house with battlemented roofline and a prominent entrance porte‑cochère on the main front. The composition reads as a landscaped country seat rather than a medieval keep, set behind formal terraces that descend to water features and three broad estate lakes. Broad lawns and specimen trees frame the approach; the River Tweed and the junction with the Lour Burn lie close by, visible from the lower garden levels. The house appears complete and in active use.

Its story

The story of Stobo Castle.

Stobo Castle is the seat of the barony of Stobo, a feudal lordship created in 1577 with origins reaching back to the twelfth century. The estate belonged to the Murrays of Tweedsmuir around 1750, and in 1767 it was bought by James Montgomery, the judge who served as Lord Advocate and, from 1775, Lord Chief Baron of the Scottish Exchequer.

The present castle went up between 1805 and 1811 under the architects Archibald and James Elliot. In 1905 Stobo was sold to the English cricketer Hylton Philipson, and in 1939, after his death, to Wenefryde Scott, 10th Countess of Dysart. The estate was subsequently sold in seven lots and broken up, the barony of Stobo is now held independently of both the castle and its lands.

The Winyard family purchased the castle in 1975 and established the health resort it remains today. Stobo is a category A listed building operating as a health spa, its grounds, facing the River Tweed near its junction with the Lour Burn, included in the Inventory of Gardens and Designed Landscapes in Scotland.

Step inside

7 places to explore in 1905.

The record describes 7 distinct spots at Stobo Castle, including the full exterior approach. Create your own photoreal reconstruction and explore every one, more scenes means more rooms, more angles, and more of the place to stand in.

Approach from the B712Porte-cochère and main entranceTerraced Japanese‑influenced water gardensView from one of the three estate lakesRiver Tweed bank near the Lour Burn junctionHotel extension and swimming pool areaMature horse‑chestnut specimen in the grounds

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Whose castle

Clans who held Stobo Castle.

The families that held Stobo Castle for a decade or more across its history, follow a name to its clan.

  • Murray

    The Stobo estate was owned by the Murrays of Tweedsmuir around 1750.

  • Montgomery

    Bought by James Montgomery, Lord Advocate, in 1767; held until the sale of 1905.

  • Scott

    Bought in 1939 by Wenefryde Scott, 10th Countess of Dysart.

Nearby

Landmarks within reach of Stobo Castle.

Rosslyn Chapel, Roslin, ScotlandChurchRosslyn Chapel, Roslin28 km awayTynecastle Park, ScotlandStadiumTynecastle Park36 km awayMurrayfield Stadium, ScotlandStadiumMurrayfield Stadium37 km away

Questions about Stobo Castle

What is the history of Stobo Castle?

Stobo Castle’s history begins with the barony of Stobo, a feudal lordship created in 1577 with origins dating back to the twelfth century. The present house was built between 1805 and 1811 for the Montgomery family. It later passed to Hylton Philipson in 1905, Wenefryde Scott in 1939 and the Winyard family in 1975, who established a health resort.

Why was Stobo Castle built, and what was it used for?

Stobo Castle was built as a castellated country house and residence for the Montgomery family. Its later purpose changed when the Winyard family established a health resort there in 1975. It is now operated as a health spa and hotel, with a later extension incorporating hotel rooms and a swimming pool opened in 2003.

Where is Stobo Castle?

Stobo Castle is at Stobo in the Scottish Borders, in the former county of Peeblesshire. The estate lies on the B712 and faces the River Tweed near its junction with the Lour Burn. Its grounds are included in the Inventory of Gardens and Designed Landscapes in Scotland.

When was Stobo Castle built?

Stobo Castle was built in the early 19th century, between 1805 and 1811. The present building began in 1805 and was completed in 1811. The site record does not record a first-raised year for the earlier buildings on the site.

Which family or clan held Stobo Castle?

The Murrays of Tweedsmuir held the Stobo estate around 1750. James Montgomery bought the estate and its barony in 1767 and held it until the sale of 1905. Wenefryde Scott, 10th Countess of Dysart, bought it in 1939 and held it after Hylton Philipson’s death.

What did Stobo Castle look like in its prime?

Stobo Castle is a large castellated stone country house with a battlemented roofline and a prominent entrance porte-cochère. Its formal terraces descend towards Japanese-influenced water gardens and three broad estate lakes. Broad lawns and specimen trees frame the approach, while the River Tweed and the Lour Burn junction lie close to the lower gardens.

Is Stobo Castle still standing, or is it a ruin?

Stobo Castle is still standing and intact. It is a Category A listed building and remains in active use as a health spa and hotel. A large extension containing new hotel rooms and a swimming pool was opened in 2003.

Who built Stobo Castle?

Stobo Castle was commissioned by James Montgomery’s son and designed by the brothers Archibald and James Elliot. James Elliot was Archibald Elliot’s brother and partner, and the present house was constructed between 1805 and 1811. The porte-cochère was added in 1849 to a design by John Lessels.

Can you visit Stobo Castle?

Stobo Castle is operated as a health spa and hotel, so it is in active use as a visitor accommodation and resort. Its grounds include Japanese-influenced water gardens, three large lakes and formal terraces. It is also protected as a Category A listed building.

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