Thought I’d do a wee post about Balmoral Castle, the queen’s Scottish residence, especially for dear reading friend, Michelle, who has a special interest! Balmoral has a rich history and I highly recommend the movie, Mrs. Brown, and the book shown here. The castle is open to the public about 4 months a year, namely the ballroom and grounds. Interior images like the vintage ones below are hard to find! Oh, to explore this storybook castle inside and out! But even a tiny taste was wonderful…
Be the first to receive writing updates, try her favorite recipes, and get her FREE guide: 10 Beloved Books (that inspire me professionally and personally).
Oh, thanks so much for posting these. I LOVE these pictures, they’re just so wonderful! It’s such a beautiful place. 😀
Michelle, This one’s for YOU :)! Thanks for stopping. Busy as you are with work and such, I wasn’t sure you’d see it. Have a blessed week!
I remembered you said you’d post something, so I thought I would come by and see if you had. Oh, I so appreciate you doing this, my friend!
My pleasure, Michelle. I am so sorry I missed your May birthday but maybe this isn’t too late :)!
Thanks for the beautiful pictures of Balmoral, grounds and garden – also the info on the book and movie, Laura!! Loved viewing them and the other pictures you’ve posted of your trip!!
Hugs!!
Bonnie, It’s always so much more enjoyable to have you enjoy these along with me :). Bless you for your faithfulness!!
What a joy and delight to share in your wonderful experiences in Scotland. My heart was happy for you when I read on Liz’s Facebook that your group was going to Balmoral. Thank you for sharing all these lovely images of the queen’s Scottish residence. Who lives in the separate (looks made of wood) house pictured? Thanks also for the movie recommendation. I appreciate all your book, movie and mini-series suggestions. Have you truly come back to “daily” life yet after your time in Scotland????
Mary, So glad you haven’t seen Mrs. Brown! It’s well worth watching. And the book is so interesting, too. I’m a big fan of Billy Connolly and Judi Dench. Liz was so good at keeping up on her page with pics and commentary. I don’t know how she does it! She’s writing another Scottish novel and I’m thrilled!
I was hoping someone would ask about the cottage. It’s called the Garden Cottage and is “where Queen Victoria sometimes used to take breakfast, deal with State correspondence and write her diaries. The original cottage was a wooden building which was completed in 1863 and occupied by a gardener, with two of the rooms set aside for Queen Victoria. The first recorded use was as an isolation hospital for Queen Victoria’s Lady in Waiting who developed scarlet fever in 1864. Alterations were made to the property but by 1894 the wooden cottage had fallen into disrepair and was demolished. The present stone cottage, clad in part with Ballochbuie wood from the forest at the West end of the Estate, was completed in 1895.The interior and exterior of Garden Cottage have altered little from this period despite modernisation and the rooms can now be viewed through the windows.Garden Cottage overlooks the secluded water garden, which was created to the West of the main garden between the cottage and the West Drive. The gardens surround the cottage, with the rose garden and conservatory just a short walk away.” They (Balmoral) says it much better than I do!
As for my coming back to daily life yet (good question!), I don’t think I’ve recovered yet, lol. I do think the jet lag was worse going over. But the excitement of going always offsets it :). Thanks for sharing these pics with me. You’re a joy!
oooh, I want to see that movie!
Emma, I think you’d like it :). It even has a very young Gerard Butler in it and his accent is to die for! This film has all the elements you like – angst and grit and beauty and thwarted passion :). That’s why I like it, too!
Ohhh, lovley!!!
Bummer you didn’t get inside. Next time I visit Auntie Lilibet, I’ll bring my camera.
LOL to you :). Auntie Lilibet had just left, believe it or not, and was en route to London. Her driver, known to our tour guide, was washing her Land Rover where we parked by the stables. Foiled again!
Plenty to see here at Balmoral – only the public is allowed no peeking, sniff!
Ooh, aye, would be a treat to explore. Lovely building and gardens! Thanks, Laura.
Mary Kay, I so wanted to sneak past the ballroom and enter the main castle! The interior is somewhat of a secret, I guess. You’re a blessing enjoying these along with me. The sun even shone while there!
Love this article, Laura. I’m so glad you were able to see Balmoral in person – even if it was mostly the outside. Wish this part-Scottish lass could have gone with you!
Cynthia, I’ve been thinking of you and here you are! I so wish you and I and our Scots roots could have toured Balmoral together. It was a wonderful, dry day there and the gardens were really beginning to pop! Now I’m dreaming of a Virginia trip :). Lord willing, that will happen in spring, too. Have a wonderful week!