Gowan Lee, 8 Castleton Terrace, Braemar

Gowan Lee is an early 19th century, two-storey, three-bay traditional house situated in a prominent and visible location on the Glenshee Road in Braemar, part of the Castleton area. The house is constructed from squared and coursed granite rubble and is symmetrical on its western, or principal, elevation, which features a central part-glazed timber panelled door and a rustic porch. Dormer windows with piended roofs are present on the eastern elevation, along with a lean-to addition to the left and a weatherboarded extension to the right. Predominantly plate glass timber sash and case windows are fitted throughout. The roof is grey slate, with a tile ridge, straight skews, and gable stacks topped with thackstanes, indicating the building was once thatched. The interior was not accessible during a visit in November 2005.

Unlike many cottages in Braemar village, Gowan Lee is two storeys high and significantly contributes to the streetscape and character of the area. Its footprint remains largely unchanged since the 1st Edition Ordnance Survey map of 1864-1871, with only minor additions to the east. Traditional features such as a Scots slate roof, timber sash and case windows, and a rustic porch are retained, representing increasingly rare elements in the Highlands. The building showcases traditional Scottish materials including granite, timber, and slate. It retains a high degree of architectural integrity and is one of the oldest surviving cottages in the village.