Drumlanrig Castle

Drumlanrig Castle is a composite courtyard-plan castle, dating primarily to the mid-16th and later 17th centuries, with intermittent additions and alterations. A significant re-modelling occurred between 1679 and 1689, likely based on a design by Robert Mylne, transforming it into a Renaissance mansion. James Smith was the supervising architect, with William Lukup serving as master of works. The castle features square angle towers rising five storeys in height, connected by recessed ranges one storey lower.

The north elevation is constructed of pink ashlar with pedimented openings, while the remainder is rubble-built with ashlar dressings. The north elevation exhibits a stepped roofline. The main entrance is set within a richly-carved projecting square bay, incorporating a horseshoe stair replaced circa 1860 by Howitt, surmounted by a cupola and ducal coronet. Carving on the bay was carried out by Peter Boyse and Cornelius Van Nevern. An arcaded, vaulted, and balustraded terrace, which may incorporate or re-use earlier work, fronts the ground floor. A front hall, originally an open loggia, was glazed in 1813 by William Elliot. The apexes of the pedimented windows touch the cill or break into the band course above, and giant Corinthian pilasters define the inner bays. The three remaining elevations are comparatively plain, with most windows altered, indicating changes in floor levels. Blocked openings include two gun ports, potentially within the earliest fabric. Corbelling, balustrades, uneven rope moulding, and irregularly placed spouts adorn the wall heads. Angle bartizans incorporate asymmetrically placed openings, quatrefoils, or panels containing quatrefoils. A canted balcony, possibly by Smith, and steps featuring fine wrought ironwork by James Horn of Kirkcaldy (with outer flights potentially by Howitt) are present; a sundial by Thomas Wynne of London, dated 1692, is also included. A courtyard is located at principal floor level, with a stair turret in each angle inscribed with various dates. Ornamented leadwork and corniced stacks, some original and some rebuilt, are also features. Principal roofs are shallow-pitched, with bell-cast turret roofs; all are leaded.

The interior includes alterations such as a circa 1930 renovation of the original dining and drawing rooms and picture gallery, but substantial 17th-century features remain. These include re-arranged panelling and wooden carvings, some potentially by Grinling Gibbons. A state bed chamber is said to be unaltered, with fine panelling and hanging tapestries. A grand timber stair, dating from 1696-7, features barley-sugar balusters. Ceilings by William Burn are also present. The ground floor is vaulted. A cellar is located in the south-east tower.

A walled court to the north incorporates square end pavilions (originally bell-cast), balustrades and banded square piers, along with long flanking blocks and parallel coachhouse/stable ranges primarily constructed by William Burn and William Atkinson extending west. Garden terraces and ornamental urns, the latter ornately carved from white marble with ashlar bases, complete the setting.