Standing on a hill adjacent to the South Deeside Road, it was originally built around the beginning of the 17th Century by the Gordon family. It has a fine view across to Ballater and the peaceful scene belies a turbulent past. This is a castle with a tragic and violent tale to tell.
One day the seven sons of Alexander Gordon were castng peats when they were set upon and slain by a party of Forbeses. When the father heard the news he was so upset that he fell on the stairs of the castle and was killed. The leader of the Forbes party was later executed. Ownership of Knock passed to the Gordons of Abergeldie. (The Forbes's and Gordons also clashed at nearby Corgarff Castle.)