Tucked into the rolling Perthshire countryside just a few miles south of Crieff, Drummond Castle is one of Scotland’s most captivating historic estates. Its jaw-dropping formal gardens have stolen the hearts of visitors — and even Hollywood film crews — for generations. But as you stand gazing up at those ancient towers, it’s only natural to wonder: does anyone actually live there?
So, Does Anyone Live in Drummond Castle? Yes — It’s Still a Private Home
The short answer is yes. Drummond Castle remains a private residence to this day. The mansion house on the estate is still occupied, making it one of Scotland’s many lived-in historic castles rather than a fully open museum. The castle building itself is not open to the public, though its world-famous gardens welcome visitors during the summer months.
Who Owns Drummond Castle?
The castle is the seat of the 28th Baroness Willoughby de Eresby, the daughter and heiress of the 3rd Earl of Ancaster. The Willoughby de Eresby title is one of the oldest baronies in England, and the family’s connection to Drummond Castle stretches back to the early 19th century when the estate passed to them through marriage.
In 1978, the family formed the Grimsthorpe and Drummond Castle Trust to maintain the castle buildings, gardens and surrounding park for the benefit of future generations. Historic Houses
A Castle With a Rich and Turbulent History
The original tower house was built over several years by John Drummond, 1st Lord Drummond of Cargill, from about 1490. The lands themselves had been granted to the Drummond family after Sir Malcolm Drummond distinguished himself at the Battle of Bannockburn in 1314.
For over two and a half centuries, the Drummond family were lords of this castle. In 1605 the 4th Lord Drummond was created Earl of Perth. The 2nd Earl of Perth laid out the first terraced garden around the castle in the 1630s.
But the castle’s history was not without violence and upheaval. The castle was sacked by the army of Oliver Cromwell in 1653, during the Wars of the Three Kingdoms. The Drummonds were staunch Royalists and later fervent Jacobites. The family retained control of the estate until 1750, when the Drummond properties were declared forfeit and seized by the Crown. The estate was managed by the Commissioners for Forfeited Estates until 1784, when it was sold to Captain James Drummond, later created 1st Baron Perth.
How the Willoughby de Eresby Family Came to Own It
The estate passed out of direct Drummond ownership in the 19th century when Clementina Drummond and her husband Peter Robert Willoughby inherited it. The upper stories of the tower house were rebuilt and heightened in pseudo-medieval style in 1842–53. The mansion was renovated in 1878, to designs by George Turnbull Ewing.
In the 20th century, Phyllis Astor, wife of the 3rd Earl of Ancaster, undertook the significant task of restoring and simplifying the garden after the Second World War, when maintaining it at full Victorian grandeur had become impossible with a reduced workforce.
The Tower House — Ruined But Not Forgotten
The tower house is no longer used as a dwelling. Both the tower and mansion are category B listed buildings, while the formal gardens are protected as a category A listed building, described by Historic Environment Scotland as the best example of formal terraced gardens in Scotland.
Famous Faces in the Gardens
The buildings and gardens of Drummond Castle featured as backdrops in the 1995 film Rob Roy. Fans of the TV series Outlander will also recognise the gardens as the location used to represent the Palace of Versailles garden party. In 2024, the castle gardens hosted Dior’s Cruise 2025 collection, presented by creative director Maria Grazia Chiuri. WikipediaWikipedia
Can You Visit?
While the castle itself remains a private home and is not open to visitors, the magnificent gardens are open to the public from May through October each year. Amongst the notable features are the ancient yew hedges at either end of the terracing and paths, magnificent individual yews, and the two copper beech trees planted by Queen Victoria to commemorate her visit. Historic Houses
Drummond Castle is located near Muthill, approximately 4 kilometres south of Crieff in Perthshire. For opening times and admission details, visit drummondcastlegardens.co.uk.