Begun in the latter part of the 14th century as a family stronghold, this Scottish tower house was surrounded by legend, myth and superstitition from its earliest days. Over the last six centuries these tales have been woven together with a number of grisly events involving the Campbells to produce a fascinating family history, waiting to be revealed within the walls of an equally intriguing building.

Sited on a solid foundation, supposedly chosen by a donkey, the tall rectangular tower was constructed around an ancient holly tree, the petrified remains of which can be found in the vaulted basement. In the mid 15th century a Licence to fortify Cawdor Castle was granted by James II of Scotland, at which time an extension to the tower was added as well as crenellations and turrets, the entire structure being enclosed by curtain walls. Some 200 years later the basic tower house had been incorporated into a new complex of additional domestic ranges, and the internal arrangements of Cawdor Castle had been brightened with natural daylight, colour and luxurious furnishings.

Cawdor Castle had evolved into an impressive mansion, grey and still a little foreboding in appearance, but with an inner warmth and cosiness firmly installed behind that harsh façade. Fires were roaring from handsome fireplaces, huge rich tapestries adorned the thick stone walls, and a library of books enriched the status and decor of Sir Hugh Campbell's home.

Following the death of Sir Hugh in 1716, Cawdor Castle was virtually abandoned by his successors for the next century. While they preferred to live at other properties in London and Wales, the Scottish estate was managed by factors who undertook minimal maintenance work on the neglected house. A devastating fire In 1819 resulted in the loss of many family portraits, and this prompted the 1st Earl Cawdor to provide some on-site accommodation for the factor. By 1826 a new house had been annexed to Cawdor Castle, and further extensions and improvements were carried out during the remainder of the Victorian era. Despite the alterations and general redecoration, the core of Cawdor Castle remains very much influenced by Sir Hugh's remarkable 18th century transformation.

Perhaps Cawdor Castle's association with Shakespeare's 'Macbeth' is little more than a romantic notion, but this becomes almost insignificant as the real appeal is in the building, the location and the turbulent history of the Campbells. This really does remain a private fortress in the Highlands, situated amongst some densely wooded landscape, yet having some beautiful gardens and a timeless charm that cannot fail to delight visitors from all walks of life.