Inside Donald Trump's 15th Century Scotland Castle With 18 Rooms, Secret Stairways
Donald Trump's "beloved" castle in Scotland has become a focal point during his ongoing civil court case in New York City.
The luxurious Trump MacLeod House & Lodge castle is situated in the former president's Menie estate in Balmedie, Aberdeenshire, and has been transformed into a hotel, the New York Post reported.
Originally a 15th-century baronial mansion and hunting lodge, the castle boasts 18 rooms and suites, nestled amid mature woodland.
Positioned as a "golfer's paradise," it is situated near the Trump International Golf Links course.
The Clavis Whisky Bar within the castle is a standout feature, offering an extensive selection of over 200 Scottish and international rare malt whiskies.
With a rich history, secret stairways, period features and open log fires, the property offers guests the chance to enjoy woodland walks, classic outdoor activities, chef's dining and breathtaking views of the northeast coastline.
According to its website, guests can also go on day trips to "quintessential Scottish towns and castles," including the royal residence at Balmoral, as well as enjoy "outdoor pursuits like salmon fishing, deer stalking, grouse shooting, sea kayaking, or even conquering a Munro."
A championship-links golf course designed by Dr. Martin Hawtree and a 22-acre driving range and practice facilities are just a short walk away.
The MacLeod House castle is named after Trump's mother, Mary Anne Trump, nee MacLeod.
Mary Anne, born in the small Gaelic-speaking village of Tong, left for the United States in 1930 at the age of 18. She married Fred Trump, a son of German immigrants, and they welcomed Donald and four other children.
According to Sky News, the family, particularly Mary Anne, is highly regarded on the island, with her being a regular visitor before she died in 2000 at the age of 88.
Trump's foray into Scottish real estate began in 2006 when he acquired a 570-acre plot of land at Menie, along the North Sea coast, with a vision to create the "world's best golf course."
In 2008, the Scottish government granted planning permission for the Aberdeenshire resort, estimated by Aberdeen Live to cost a staggering $1.3 billion.
During his ongoing civil court case in Manhattan, Trump was asked about any construction ventures in Aberdeen between 2013 and 2014, when the value of his property in Scotland saw a massive increase.
When asked to confirm that he did not build a hotel in Aberdeen, Trump responded, "Because I didn't want to. I have a castle. At some point, I'll go there and build, maybe."
Emphasizing the property as an investment, Trump dismissed any immediate construction plans.
The lawsuit, brought by New York Attorney General Letitia James, alleged that Trump vastly overstated the value of undeveloped land and improperly inflated the value of the golf course at the Aberdeenshire resort.
Similar claims were made for his other Scottish golf course, Turnberry Resort, which he visited in May.
Trump purchased Turnberry in 2014 with plans to invest $260 million in its transformation.
Trump considers his Scottish properties among his "most beloved," an unnamed source told the New York Post.
A Trump lawyer staunchly denied any wrongdoing, accusing James of "unchecked abuse of authority."