The Courtyard House, The Burn

The Courtyard House is a large, late 18th-century mansion, originally built in 1791. It was subsequently extended and altered around 1805, again after 1814, and further modified in the 20th century. The south front is symmetrical, featuring five windows with the centre three slightly advanced and formerly topped with a pediment containing a roundel. Large bow windows were added to the ground floor on either side of the central window. The building has long, asymmetrical flanks. The west flank has a three-window south block with a slightly advanced centre, incorporating a large, single-storey porte cochere supported by Roman Doric columns and a parapet (originally a balustrade), with a tripartite window above. Ground floor windows are overarched to align with the tripartite windows. A long service wing, now raised to two storeys and an attic, connects to the north court of stable offices, which have a symmetrical north front and a columned cupola. The majority of windows are 12-pane sashes, although some have been altered. The building was greatly modernised in 1936. The interior features a notable central hall extending through two storeys, with a fine ceiling of a late Adam style.

The mansion was originally built by Lord Alan Gordon and later purchased by Mr Brodie of Arnhall, who made alterations and extensions. It was then sold to Mr John Shand in 1814, who further altered and extended the property, before being sold to Major William McInroy in 1836. It is now used as a residential conference centre. Illustrations of the house prior to the 1936 alterations can be found in Cameron’s “Fettercairn,” page 122.