McCoire House

Standing for nearly eight hundred years in the remote Highlands of Scotland is McCoire House, the home of the clan chief and his family. In its modern form, it is a modest tower house --- a tall castle with a relatively small footprint --- rising from a fortified place, though it has been expanded greatly since first built.

The House is best known, among wizards, for its gardens. Not only is there a lovely walled garden, dating to the 1600s, but an expansive flower and herb garden, dating to the 1700s, a wild garden and a spacious woodland around. Apart from the gardens, there are meadows where pitches for the local game of camanacht or even quidditch can be erected and a loch with excellent fishing and swimming.

Beyond the estate itself, the lands of Clan McCoire extend for quite a ways in all directions. The House, Estate, and lands provide young wizards many opportunities to explore and interact with ordinary and magical nature!

The House itself is well known for its historical rooms, in particular, the library, the music room and the wand room. A number of curious alcoves preserve all sorts of interesting magical artifacts as well as ordinary objects such as clocks, bicycles, an armoury, and a taxidermy hall.

The greenhouse conservatory is ample in size and houses many curious plants not native to the region. The muggle technology workshop is definitely worth a visit; and the potions workshop is also top rate.

Deep within the castle lies a hidden chamber, Holly Hall, that is a must see for anyone visiting McCoire House! The local legend has it that when an early founder of the clan sought for a place to build his castle, he gave a gold solidus to a niffler and followed it around for the entire day. He determined that the castle should be built where the niffler took a nap. Towards noon, the niffler stretched out under a young holly tree and the gold coin fell out of its pouch as it stretched. Even now, in the center of Holly Hall, there grows a holly tree; and the original tree, when it died was moved to an alcove at one end of the Hall, where it remains to this day.


Whether you decide to trek in by foot, arrive by broom or some other magical means, the first view of the House you'll see is the Yett, the large gateway into the castle. Beyond the gate is the main courtyard and the Tower. Towards the left, lie another courtyard, gardens, the greenhouse and the main gardens. On the right stand the great hall, the library, a withdrawing room and a number of smaller workshops.


Home to all the grand gatherings of clan and friends, and not a few enemies, the hall is intended to impress the visitor with its ancientry and its splendour.


Not as large or voluminous as the library at Hogwarts, but well stocked nevertheless, the castle's library is home to many magical and mundane books and artifacts.


The McCoires have long prided themselves on producing very fine herbs for potions. Their focus is on plants native to Scotland and the UK, but several more exotic herbs can be found in the greenhouse conservatory!


From utterly wild to highly cultivated, the various gardens provide a beautiful expanse for relaxation, conversation, sport, and meditation.


Ah! What room in any house, humble or grand, is really better than the kitchen! Always warm, always filled with the aromas of cooking!


What castle would be complete without horrible pink four posters!?


You never know what famous witch or king slept here! --- Well, actually, if you'd visited the library and read the history of McCoire House, you'd find out!


BYOB or make use of one of the many fine birds that inhabit the mews. There is also a stable for larger beasts, brooms, cabers, and other assorted conveyances, including Colin's great-great-great grandmother's motor car.


Intentionally undecorated because of flying lead and spells. Static targets, enchanted targets, suits of armour, enchanted ducks and pheasants. Anything for your shooting and spell blasting pleasure!


This is the Persian Bath. There are others as well, in different styles!


A nice place to relax and enjoy wizard chess, card games, D&D, or a whole assortment of fun games!


There are herb and potions workshops as well as a muggle technology workshop. Come engage with your inner muggle!





The Dungeon! You don't want to be sent here without supper!

OOC Notes: McCoire House is based largely on Cawdor Castle near Inverness, with a smattering of Stirling, Culzean, Brodie, and Skibo Castles.