As you enter the front door, you come face to face with a splendid woodcarving of the family crest. The carved stone version is on display at the National Museum of Scotland in Edimburgh. This shows  many of the different elements of the family Coat of Arms: wild boars, hunting dogs, mermaids, a naked lady, and knights in armour.

Furnishings in the main rooms date back to the mid-18th and 19th centuries. The drawing room on the first floor contains unique 17th century wood carvings which depict biblical themes, Scottish kings and great heroes. This room also boasts gilted mirrors originally from the Palais de Versailles in France. Despite its grandeur it is also cosy, with a large open fire and comfortable sofas.

Other rooms on this floor include the ante-drawing room, morning room (now a dining room) and Queen's room. Two stone spiral staircases take you from the drawing room to the different bedrooms (many of which still have Hepplewhite four poster beds and other original pieces); the gallery (with portraits of ancestors and others related to the family history, including Peter the Great); as well as two libraries (one with volumes from the 17th and 19th centuries, and one with original and often-signed works from the 20th and 21st centuries).

Explore the rooms and find out about staying at Craigston:

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