2-889-521 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

Birk Hall, [in Aberdeenshire, Scotland], 1850. 'Birk Hall [now known as Birkhall] is one of the three royal residences in this part of Scotland, with which Abergeldie and Balmoral form the trio. In itself it has little to recommend it, beyond the fact of its being a royal demesne; being comparatively modern in its construction, yet by no means ungainly, and, moreover, exquisitely planted in the midst of clustering woodlands. It has the advantage of being within a short distance of the town of Ballater, from the opposite side of which, at a little distance on the high-road, is one of the grandest views that can well be conceived. Immediately in front, and below the spectator, is the town just named: beside it flows the Dee; beyond is Birk Hall, towering over which and the surrounding scene are the lofty hills, while Loch-na-gar, far above them all, closes in, and completes the view'. From "Illustrated London News", 1850.