Menzies' House, Blairs College

Partially surviving later 18th century mansion, altered and extended by John Gall, architect, Aberdeen, under the supervision of John Menzies and Rev Gordon from 1827 when converted for use by the seminary; subsequently partially demolished. Extended to S, 1827, with Menzies' apartments and old chapel (see separate item); linked at N to later 1854 block.

ORIGINAL MANSION: 3-storey and attic (originally 3-storey); 5 bays only remain of original long symmetrical range, with full-height circular tower projecting at centre of N elevation: this tower now partially demolished, and forming eastern extremity of surviving building, the mirrorred eastern portion of the house to the left of the tower now demolished. Squared granite rubble, with black pinnings; 12-pane sash and case glazing to regularly placed windows, slated roof with 3 dormer windows in slope of roof to N (dormers of circa 1827 period of alterations), with 12-pane sash and case glazing; broad coped ashlar stacks. To rear (s) tall 4-storey gabled projecting wing at centre, once mirrored by similar wing to E (demolished), modern stair and perhaps site of original stair within.

INTERIOR: substantially re-cast, but retaining vaulted chambers of ?wine cellars at ground.

N (N-S ORIENTATED) BLOCK: 1854; 3-storey, 4-bay, wall-height slightly lower than earlier Menzies house block to S, tall 5-stage circular tower with conical slated roof projecting to left of E elevation, near re-entrant angle where this block meets Menzies House, and seen in 19th century sketch view (see NOTES); slated roof, end stacks; 12-pane sash and case glazing.