Gordonstoun House

Mansion with 16th century core; re-built 1st Marquis Huntly,

1. N elevation re-faced with extensive symmetrical re-

fenestration and other external alterations circa 1730;

further alterations during 19th century and after fire 1940.

Extensive repairs 1945 and (balustrade) 1979. 3-storey, 8-bay

central block, circa 1730 with earlier core, flanked by 2-

storey and attic 4-bay wings also incorporating earlier work.

Polished ashlar N facade; harl pointed rubble elsewhere with

ashlar dressings.

N ELEVATION: low ground floor with small windows in centre

block; band course between ground and 1st floor; ashlar

quoins. Lugged architrave to centre door; classical doorpiece

dated 1730 with paired engaged Corinthian columns on plinths

supporting entablature and modillioned pediment. Secondary

entrance extreme right under reset coat of arms of Sir Robert

Gordon (1580-1656).

WINGS: 17th century corbelled conical roofed bartizans at

each angle. Mid-17th century coat of arms of Nova Scotia

inserted in 1st floor, W gable; mid-19th century gabletted

dormers.

SOUTH ELEVATION: similar to N front but wings project forming

shallow U-plan; centre door with moulded lugged architrave

and rectangular vent above. Masonry scars, blocked windows at

ground floor and remains of vaulting all indicate unfinished alterations. 2 small oval windows, one in each outer bay,

between 1st and 2nd floors. Single gabletted dormer and

single scroll skewputt to each wing. Multi-pane glazing

throughout. Moulded corniced stacks to balustraded and flat

roofed main block; slate roof with stone ridge to wings.

INTERIOR: barrel vaulted passage runs full length of ground

floor; main rooms of centre block left unfinished after 1730 alterations, and refurbished during earlier/mid 19th century;

and again after fire circa 1945. Entrance hall panelled with

panelling re-used from former Drainie parish chruch (1821,

Gillespie Graham arch. dem.). Cantilevered stair with

wrought-iron balustrade from ground to 1st floor; some

corniced ceilings in flanking wings; re-used ashlar doorpiece

at 1st floor with owl in pediment.

ADJOINING GARDEN WALLS: high coped flanking garden walls

extend each side from wings, each with entrance close to

house decorated with re-used pediments, and at left with re-

used overmantel dated 1679.

WATER TOWER: mid 18th century, small freestanding water

tower with round-headed door in W side. Rubble with ashlar

dressings and band course; pyramidal slate roof with stone

ball finial and weather vane. Re-built projecting length of

wall at W.