Gleneagles House
Gleneagles is one of Scotland’s most iconic glens and home of the Haldanes since the XII century.
Gleneagles House, Gleneagles, Auchterarder, PH3 1PJ
The present house, with its east and west pavilions and surrounding landscape, is part of a much larger XVIII century design that was never completed. This incomplete transition from tower house (Gleneagles Castle, presently a ruin) to mansion house (Gleneagles House) mirrors the Haldanes’ centuries-long struggle to survive the great sweeps of Scotland’s history.
From covenanters to bishops; from East India captains to Evangelical missionaries, from Darien promoters to Union signatories; from Dunbar victims to Camperdown victors, the Haldanes of Gleneagles invite you to share in their (often humorous) family tale of triumph in the face of adversity, tragedy and loss.
Visitors will see the various rooms and collections displayed around the house. The tour will touch upon the lives of family members who through the centuries have contributed to developments in religious and political beliefs, scientific knowledge and innovation. There will also be an opportunity visit the garden, St Mungo’s Chapel and the ruined Gleneagles Castle, as well as to roam the ancient drovers road that stretches through Gleneagles.
Gleneagles House
Gleneagles House
Gleneagles House
Gleneagles House
A warm welcome to all of us outside, particularly to someone with a distant Haldane family connection. We started in the gardens facing up the Glen, to understand the context of the defensive location and the regular looting that ensued from passing armies. We moved into the House as the rain threatened, and our hostess gave us a thorough tour of the public rooms: it's a fascinating layout, the wings extending the original castle only partly built, the house one room deep. Paintings, sculpture, intriguing family history. After a coffee or tea with some very tasty homemade cake, we walked down the drive, and the private chapel was opened up for us: a beautiful little place, surrounded by yew trees, ideal for small ceremonies. This was a generous tour, with monies raised going to worthwhile local causes. We enjoyed it immensely.
