Monday, January 27, 2014

A Scottish Castle


Inveraray Castle in Scotland

I have fallen in love with a castle and, if you are a fan of Downton Abbey, you can probably guess which one. It is the romantic Scottish castle featured in the third season of "Downton Abbey." Right out of a fairy tale, it captured my imagination from its very first appearance on the screen. And later when I spent a little time looking at images online, I was truly smitten. This is the castle where the Crawley family go to stay with Lord Grantham's cousins. It is the family home of Lady Rose, the rebellious and spirited young woman who comes to live with the Crawleys at Downton. The episode (A Journey to the Highlands) was filled with iconic Scottish images: breathtaking countryside, bagpipers, highland reels, and lots of tartan. The castle known as Duneagle on the show is Inveraray Castle in real life, the ancestral home of the Duke of Argyll. He lives there with his wife and children. If you are a fan of Scotland, take a look at these dreamy images of Inveraray Castle and its grounds in western Scotland. They will have you longing to plan a trip to the Scottish Highlands.


The countryside alone is enough to satisfy any lover of Scotland




But the castle itself is right out of a fairy tale




Covered with snow, it becomes a winter wonderland



And in the spring, it looks lovely and inviting

The running river

A walkway

The Duke and Duchess of Argyll, pictured with their children, have opened the castle to the public

Inside: the Armoury Hall Fireplace that greeted the Crawleys upon their arrival


The saloon

The state dining room

The old kitchen

The MacArthur bedroom

The Aray Bridge


The stunning view from the castle



And speaking of Highland beauty, the clothes worn by Lady Rose in this episode are a dream. The hats, the tweeds, the rich colors. Reflecting the time and place, her clothes are breathtaking!




I love this new "Downton Abbey" character; her independence and rebellious spirit feel like a breath of fresh air.

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Inveraray Castle is located in the county of Argyll in western Scotland, on the shore of Loch Fyne. It has been the seat of the Dukes of Argyll and the Clan Campbell since the 17th century. The castle is open to visitors from April 1 - October 31. Go here to find out more. If you are planning a trip to Scotland, this would be a wonderful place to add to your itinerary.

All photos of Inveraray Castle via here

12 comments:

  1. It's so beautiful--I'd love to visit! I like Lady Rose, too!

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  2. It looks stunning ! The grey granite against the lush green countryside...just breath taking.
    I can see why you have been smitten. Lady Rose is quite refreshing, I love her spirit and energy.

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  3. Love your photos!I agree right out of a fairy tale…………
    I must get to SCOTLAND as my maiden name in RANKIN and it has SCOTTISH roots!

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  4. It's wonderful that Inveraray Castle is a real place. How often we appreciate something special on 'the screen' only to find out it's the work of an imaginative computer graphics artist. No wonder we love Downton Abbey- it feels real because in a way, it is. A beautiful post Sunday.

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  5. I love that castle too. I saw a special about it recently. Seems the Duke and Duchess do without servants, nannies etc. Very down to earth, they even work in the gift shop etc.

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  6. Been there!
    But not inside. Yes, I'll add that to the next visit.
    Truly atmospheric countryside.
    xo

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  7. Beautiful photographs! I love castles. I drive my husband crazy when traveling. A castle in the area will attract me like a magnet. Oh how I wish hats were as popular as they once were. A beautiful post, Sunday.

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  8. It blows my mind that a family actually lives there. I would never leave home if I lived at Inveraray Castle!

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  9. Sunday, this castle attracted me to when I first saw it on DA. Although I have been to Scotland many times and have seen many castles I have not had the pleasure to visit this one. I now have it on the top of my list.

    Although I enjoy Rose as a new character I find myself annoyed that her storyline continues to be the same. I would like to see her in a relationship or doing something other than planning a party, partying or getting into trouble. I think she is underutilized.

    Have a great day!

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  10. Ciao, sono capitata sul tuo blog per caso ed ho visto
    che anche tu sei amante dell'Inghilterra come me!
    Magnifico il Castello del post, l'ho visto su "Downtown Abbey"
    e l'ho trovato mozzafiato. Io vado in Inghilterra due volte l'anno ma,
    non mi stanca mai.
    A presto
    Love Susy x

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  11. Very beautiful. I love Rose's clothing and all the beautiful colors in the photos you've shown. I've not seen this episode yet, but getting there.

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  12. So many lovely foray's into beauty in your posts!

    most precious of thoughts,
    hbh
    http://theacquisitionofstarlight.blogspot.com

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