Thirlestane Castle, located near Lauder in the Scottish Borders, has been the ancestral home of the Maitland family since 1587. Originally a medieval fort, the site saw significant expansion in the 1670s under John Maitland, Duke of Lauderdale, who transformed it into a grand residence with additions like twin towers and lavish staterooms, designed by Sir William Bruce. The 19th century brought further extensions by architects David Bryce and William Burn, making it a Scottish country mansion.
During World War II, the castle housed an evacuated girls' school, and by the mid-20th century, it had fallen into disrepair. In 1972, Captain Gerald Maitland-Carew inherited the property and oversaw extensive renovations, eventually placing it under a charitable trust in 1984. Today, Thirlestane is open to the public, featuring collections of paintings, furniture, and a historic toy collection. In 2021, plans were approved to build holiday lodges within the castle grounds, adding to its appeal as a historical and tourist destination.
Rosenborg Palace was built in the period 1606-34 as Christian IV’s summerhouse just outside the ramparts of Copenhagen. Christian IV was very fond of the palace and often stayed at the castle when he resided in Copenhagen, and it was here that he died in 1648. After his death, the palace passed to his son King Frederik III, who together with his queen, Sophie Amalie, carried out several types of modernisation.
The last king who used the place as a residence was Frederik IV, and around 1720, Rosenborg was abandoned in favor of Frederiksborg Palace.Through the 1700s, considerable art treasures were collected at Rosenborg Castle, among other things items from the estates of deceased royalty and from Christiansborg after the fire there in 1794.
Soon the idea of a museum arose, and that was realised in 1833, which is The Royal Danish Collection’s official year of establishment.