Located a quarter-mile (0.4 km) to the south of Dock Park in Dumfries, Castledykes Park also lies alongside the River Nith. Extending to approximately 4.65 ha (11.5 acres), this public park occupies the site of Dumfries Castle (or Comyn's Castle) which changed hands several times during the War of Scottish Independence. An old quarry here provided the stone for the Midsteeple in Dumfries in 1707. The Castledykes Estate was bought in 1821 by Ebenezer Stott, a successful cotton trader. He built a fine Italianate villa, while his American wife, Elizabeth, was responsible for landscaping the gardens, which included several specimen trees, a peach house, vinery and fountains. After passing through the hands of various notable citizens, the Burgh of Dumfries bought Castledykes in 1901 and the villa was demolished in the 1950s. The area now includes sunken gardens, a children's adventure playground and a picnic area, together with several monuments and interpretation of the historic environment. The Kirkpatrick MacMillan Bridge crosses the Nith to Troqueer.