Skene House

Skene House is a large Scottish baronial mansion built between 1847 and 1850, although its origins date back much earlier. The northern part of the house was originally a 14th-century tower house featuring three vaults, which were accessed from the first floor. This section was remodeled in 1680, with the vaults removed and a central part added, both constructed from rubble. The south wing was added in 1745 or earlier and is made of ashlar. During the 1847-50 renovations, the south wing was extended, a single-storey entrance hall was inserted into the courtyard, the old courtyard gate was relocated to the north, and a south loggia and terrace were added. The fenestration was also remodeled throughout the building. The terrace features two dolphin fountains, sculptures of a boar, a shepherd, and a dog, a fine table sundial made by J. Williamson in Aberdeen in 1736, and two flower pedestals, possibly made of Coade stone, which consist of three caryatids in a late 18th-century style.