Balmoral Castle
| Balmoral Castle | |
|---|---|
Balmoral Castle from the south lawn | |
Interactive map of the Balmoral Castle area | |
| General information | |
| Status | Completed |
| Type | Royal residence |
| Architectural style | Scots baronial revival |
| Location | Aberdeenshire, Balmoral Estate Ballater AB35 5TB, Scotland |
| Coordinates | 57°2′27″N 3°13′48″W / 57.04083°N 3.23000°W |
| Construction started | 1853 |
| Completed | 1856 |
| Owner | King Charles III |
| Height | |
| Architectural | 100 ft 0 in (30.48 m) (Great Tower) |
| Technical details | |
| Material | Granite and slate |
| Floor count | Largely two- and three-storey |
| Design and construction | |
| Architect | William Smith (City Architect of Aberdeen) |
| Developer | Queen Victoria and Prince Albert |
| Other designers | John Thomas (Sculptor) |
| Main contractor | M. Stuart |
| Website | |
| www | |
Listed Building – Category A | |
| Official name | Balmoral Castle with Parterre and Terrace Walls |
| Designated | 12 March 2010 |
| Reference no. | LB51460 |
| Official name | Balmoral Castle |
| Designated | 1 July 1987 |
| Reference no. | GDL00045 |
Balmoral Castle (/bælˈmɒrəl/ bal-MORR-əl) is a large estate house in Aberdeenshire, Scotland, and a residence of the British royal family. It is near the village of Crathie, 9 miles (14 km) west of Ballater and 50 miles (80 km) west of Aberdeen.
The estate and its original castle were bought from the Farquharson family in 1852 by Prince Albert, the husband of Queen Victoria. Soon afterwards, it was found that the house was too small, and the current Balmoral Castle was commissioned. The architect was William Smith of Aberdeen, and his designs were amended by Prince Albert. Balmoral is the private property of King Charles III, and is not part of the Crown Estate. It was the summer residence of Queen Elizabeth II, who died there on 8 September 2022.
The castle is an example of Scottish baronial architecture, and is classified by Historic Environment Scotland as a category A listed building. The new castle was completed in 1856, and the old castle demolished shortly thereafter.
Successive members of the royal family have added to the Balmoral Estate, and now it covers an area of 53,680 acres (21,725 ha) of land. It is a working estate, including grouse moors, forestry and farmland, as well as managed herds of deer, Highland cattle, sheep and ponies.