The Castle of Park (also known as Park House or simply Park) is a substantial Category A-listed mansion located amongst extensive policies a half-mile (1 km) southwest of Cornhill and 3 miles (5 km) northwest of Aberchirder in N Aberdeenshire. Built in 1536 as a Z-plan tower house - with turrets containing turnpike stairs in opposing corners - it comprises three storeys, a vaulted basement and an attic. Park was purchased by the Gordon family in 1605 and extended 1723. The Gordons of Park were Jacobites and this brought disaster when the Duke of Cumberland's army camped on the estate and sacked the castle while returning from their victory at Culloden in 1745. Rebuilt and extended, the old tower was transformed into an elegant country house during the late 18th, and extended in 1829 through the addition of a square tower in the Gothic style of four-storeys and two-bays, featuring a corbelled and crenellated parapet. The house was altered once again in 1876-78.
Its classical centre-front was demolished in late 1970s but, from the late 1990s, the building underwent considerable renovation to become an exclusive hotel. It has subsequently (2008) become a private residence. The castle is said to be haunted by a green lady and a monk.
