The lands had previously belonged to Thomas Randolph, Earl of Moray, around 1320, before passing to the Edmunstones. It was built by Aberdeen merchant, Thomas Menzies of Durn in 1592 as an L-plan tower. The 2 storey west wing was added in 1700, giving the castle a T-shape. Just west of Findochty village. This L-plan tower was built by the Ord Lairds of Findochty when they obtained the superiority of 'Fyndachtiefields' from the Seafields of Findlater and Cullen, and was abandoned in 1724.
Local legend says it was a smugglers castle, linked by a tunnel to a cave on the shoreline.