Heritage Britain

Places to Visit in Fraserburgh, Aberdeenshire

Cairness House, Fraserburgh

Cairness House

Cairness Lonmay
Fraserburgh
Aberdeenshire
AB43 8XP
Tel: +44 (0)1346 582078
Fax: +44 (0)1346 582078
Email: click here
Cairness House online: information and bookings

Cairness House is unlike any other stately home open to the public in Aberdeenshire. Not only is it a lived-in family home, but visitors are frequently shown around by the owners. There is always a flurry of domestic activity as a functioning household.

This magnificent mansion – the most extraordinary neoclassical house in Scotland – has been a hidden gem, largely forgotten and neglected for decades. It is now undergoing major restoration and tours include viewings of the on-going works. The house is constantly evolving with the restoration and new pieces being added to the rooms, and no two visits are the same.

From the front, Cairness is a muscular classical house; from the back, the house resembles a massive granite fortress with an extraordinary semicircular wing enclosing a huge courtyard. The main roof is crowned by 51 cast iron chimney pots in the shape of fluted Doric columns weighing a quarter of a tonne each. The design of Cairness draws heavily on ancient symbolism and the house was almost certainly conceived partly as a grand Masonic temple.

Behind the house’s imposing façade, each room is an exquisite jewellery box of intricate plasterwork and fine detailing, but on a human scale that is welcoming and friendly. The Egyptian Room is the first of its kind in Britain and is decorated with fake hieroglyphs containing an encrypted message that no one has yet been able to decipher. There is a superb collection of furniture and works of art, including portraits by Raeburn and Lawrence.

The architecture alone, fabulous interiors, magnificent views of the surrounding landscape and a lived-in atmosphere make Cairness a unique experience for every visitor.

Cairness House, Fraserburgh

Facilities
Special guided tours Tea room Private catering for groups

Weddings and Conferences
CONFERENCES AND CORPORATE EVENTS IN FRASERBURGH, ABERDEENSHIRE/HIGHLANDS
Whether a family gathering or banquet, a board meeting or wedding, we might have the answer for all your needs.

Marquees can easily be erected in our grounds to provide a magnificent backdrop for a very special day.

Opening Times
May, June and Sept: Wed and Sun 1-5pm July – Aug: Mon, Wed, Fri, Sun 11am-5pm. Please visit website for up-to-date opening times and admission prices

Directions
Off A90, 4m SE of Fraserburgh, 1/4m W of B9033

In case of alteration, please check prices, opening times and any specific important information before booking or visiting

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Lonmay Old Manse, Fraserburgh