Provost Skene's House And Archway, Broad Street, Aberdeen

16th century origins but largely dating from the 17th century (see Notes). 1626, 2-storey and attic extension to SW. 1670, original house remodelled to form, with 1626 extension, a large, 4-storey, U-plan town house with near symmetrical 4-bay flat-roofed central section to SE with 5-stage square-plan stair tower at NE corner. Granite rubble with contrasting squared chamfered margins. Corbelled stair turrets with candle-snuffer roofs in re-entrant angles to SE. Early 19th century single storey piended porch in re-entrant angle to SE. Gabled dormers breaking eaves, one with carved Coat of Arms (see Notes).

FURTHER DESCRIPTION: Studded, timber moulded and corniced entrance door to S of square stair tower with carved decorative doorpiece with carved panels above, depicting grapes, swags and with Coat of Arms (see Notes).

Predominantly 12 and 18-pane timber sash and case windows. Some fixed multi-pane windows to turrets. Grey slate. Gable, wallhead and ridge coped stacks.

INTERIOR: outstanding decorative scheme with exceptional painted gallery ceiling and mainly 17th century room plan. Many 17th and 18th century l features. Barrel vaulted room at basement. Spiral staircases and shallow tread dog-leg entrance stair with timber balustrade. Excellent late 17th century deep-relief plaster carved ceilings in some rooms, each using a variety of motifs, including fleur-de-lys, thistles, roses and crowns. Some mid 18th century timber panelling. Large sandstone-lintelled fireplace supported by pair of pilasters to dining room. Corinthian-columned fire surround and overmantel. Large arched fireplace in kitchen. Small room with wall painting, dating from the 18th century and depicting classical landscape and figures (see Notes)

Earlier 17th century painted gallery ceiling constructed from tempera on board depicting The Life Of Christ in 10 panels (some now blank) and with prominent heraldic motif depicting the Five Sacred Wounds of Christ.

ARCHWAY: 1673. To W of house, situated within 20th century rubble wall. Moulded round archway with cornice above. Granite rubble.