 |
Carnasserie
Castle sits on a windswept ridge above the Kilmartin
Valley, unlooking Loch Awe. It is as important Scottish
castle of the late 16th century in that it highlights the
fusion of the medieval donjon [keep] and the great hall
into an integrated layout. The basement rooms are vaulted
and include the kitchen, wine cellar, storage rooms and
the well room in the donjon. The first floor contains a
long hall and private chamber in the keep. The style of
carving is of a quality indicating an obvious renaissance
in design which presumably carried over to other features
including tapestries, painted ceilings, etc. It was a
truly beautiful castle for its day, but the builder had
served as chaplain for King James V at Stirling and may
have been inspired by the work of the king's masons. The
upper stories contained bedrooms for the Lord or Bishop,
family, guests and possibly a small garrison.
|
 |
