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EastEnd House
Eastend House, a striking castle at the southern boundary of Carmichael estate,
was originally on a separate estate occupied by a branch of the Carmichael family
who separated from the senior line around 1500.
It had been in the possession of the Carmichael family and their heirs since records
began when it was put up for sale in 1988 and acquired by Chief Richard Carmichael
in 1989. Eastend comprises a 37 room mansion house of four floors with the oldest
visible part of the building, which is claimed to have a much more ancient nucleus,
being an early 16th century keep (a fortified tower). To this were added tall crowstepped
wings to the east and west in 1673, and these in turn were joined up on the south
by a typical 18th century bow-fronted addition which completely obscured the keep
on that side. In the mid 19th century large “Scottish baronial” extensions were
added to the west.
The building is listed on the “Castles of Scotland” map and is a listed historic
building, Category B. In addition to terraced lawns, extensive walled gardens, and
views of Tinto Hill through majestic ancient redwoods and beech trees, there are
three cottages and an ancient stone farm-steading square with servant’s accommodations,
stables, harness rooms, dovecot, and clock tower. Because the wood interior supporting
structure suffers from dry rot, it is not currently habitable.
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