Pitfour Castle

Pitfour Castle stands on the edge of St Madoes in Perthshire’s Carse of Gowrie. Built in the 18th century, it replaced an earlier tower house near the River Tay that was attacked in 1592. John Richardson, a local salmon fishery owner, commissioned the new house around 1784. The design is linked to Robert Adam, whose style appears in its castle-like features. William Burn enlarged the house in 1825, adding a library and clock tower. The estate later passed to Sir John Stewart-Richardson and then to Lord Field, who restored it in the late 20th century. The castle’s interior centres on a curved staircase with ironwork and painted panels by Zucchi. Sale details from 1967 described it as a fine circular staircase rising to a cupola. Before subdivision, the house had twelve principal bedrooms, four bathrooms, five reception rooms and staff quarters. Restoration preserved Georgian and Victorian features while updating the interior. The grounds cover twelve acres, including restored buildings from the estate. The work ensured the house remained one of Perthshire’s finest historic country houses. Visitors find a grand staircase with ironwork and painted panels by Zucchi. The principal rooms reflect Georgian and Victorian design, restored to their original style. The grounds include twelve acres of estate land with historic buildings. The house remains a private residence, so access is limited. Its Category A listing recognises its architectural importance. The restoration work by Lord Field secured its future as a historic landmark.