Hey, friends. Today I would like to take you to another ‘off-the-beaten-path’ place. You probably know by now that those spots are my favorite. There is something fun about seeing things that the typical tourist doesn’t. Mr. C and I discovered this one entirely by accident. Today I’m going to take you to see Redhouse Castle.
Redhouse Castle is a 16th-century ruin located about a mile from Longniddry in East Lothian, Scotland. Mr. C and I were on our way to Tantallon Castle that day, and as we whizzed by on the B1377, I remember shouting, “Wait! Go back! I think we just passed a castle.” We turned around, and sure enough, it was. We were delighted to find that although located on private property, the ruin sits adjacent to a small garden center with a lovely little tearoom. We made a note to stop back by on our way home later that day.
Despite sitting abandoned since just after the Jacobite uprising in 1745, Redhouse Castle remains remarkably well-preserved. The four-story, red sandstone tower house is missing its roof, but the shell is still very much intact, giving you a sense of what it must have been like in its day. The castle sits on a rectangular courtyard that once housed a garden within its walls.
It is quite likely that during medieval times, Redhouse served as a hospital. The property belonged to the Douglas family; however, the Laing family acquired it in 1607.
From the Laings, the castle eventually passed through marriage to the Hamilton family. Because of George Hamilton’s involvement in the Jacobite uprising of 1745, he forfeited his property and was executed for his part in the rebellion. Redhouse fell into ruin, despite being purchased by Lord Elibank and then going to the Earl of Wemyss.
Today Redhouse remains privately owned and is not maintained in an official capacity. There is, however, nothing prohibiting you from taking a peek at this fascinating piece of history. Just be sure you understand that it is at your own risk.
When you stop to see Redhouse, be sure to look the pretty things growing in the greenhouse and order a nice cup of tea from the ladies in the tearoom.
Redhouse Castle and the nursery and tearoom were a terrific discovery. So glad we found ourselves on the B1377 that day!
Cheers,
Great article, Wendy. I love the photos and will have to try to get there and check it out someday.
Thanks, Debbie. How’s your trip planning going?
I booked it. I won’t see everything I would like to, this time at least. But I did a tour which I decided would probably be best for this trip. It’s only 4 months away and I can’t believe I’m finally going to go!
I think you made a good choice. I’m excited for you!
An old castle, a garden centre and a tearoom, what a magnificent trio. Is that a slice of lemon drizzle cake in the last picture?
It is and I agree. My happy place.
What a lovely spot to have tea and cake and buy plants… Redhouse looks like it would have been a great set for “Outlander.”
Ha, I hadn’t thought of that but you are right!
I too love to go off the beaten track! Nice of your hubby to turn around and check it out. I love the old door with the Latin above it. My character in my children´s travel books would be curious to know what was behind it.
Hmmm, maybe she should look into that! 🙂