Oxenfoord Castle

Oxenfoord Castle stands in Midlothian, Scotland, on high ground above the Tyne Water, six kilometres south-east of Dalkeith. The present house is mainly an 18th-century design by Robert Adam, built around an older tower. A later wing was added in the 19th century by William Burn, keeping the Adam style. The castle is Category A listed, and its designed landscape is on Scotland’s Inventory of Gardens. The estate has belonged to the same family for generations. The house has strong links to the Earls of Stair. Sir John Dalrymple, a lawyer and historian, commissioned Adam’s rebuilding after inheriting the estate in 1779. His son became the 8th Earl of Stair in 1840 and enlarged the castle further. The family later created a pinetum and owned Lochinch Castle in Galloway. From 1931 to 1993 the house served as Oxenfoord Castle School, founded by Lady Marjorie Dalrymple. Since 1993 it has returned to private use and hosts weddings and events. Visitors find a grand country house with Adam interiors and a 19th-century wing. The grounds include a listed approach bridge by Alexander Stevens. A pinetum planted by the Earls still stands among the designed landscape. The setting overlooks the Tyne Water valley, with mature trees and sweeping lawns. The castle remains a private home but opens for special occasions.