The most important country house in Buchan, Cairness is also one of the finest examples of neoclassical architecture in Britain. Home to writer and journalist Khalil Hafiz Khairallah and painter and art historian Julio Soriano-Ruiz, Cairness was largely forgotten and neglected for 60 years. The house is at present being lovingly restored. This extraordinary building is the crowning achievement of architect James Playfair, completed after his premature death by Sir John Soane. With fine plaster work and the first Egyptian room in Britain, Cairness is a highly unusual design and has a unique place as a missing link in British architecture. From the front Cairness resembles an austere classical palace; from the back, the house is a massive granite fortress. The main roof is crowned by 51 cast iron chimney pots in the shape of fluted Doric columns weighing some 200 kilos each. The design of Cairness draws heavily on ancient symbolism and the house was almost certainly conceived partly as a grand masonic temple. Behind its imposing façade, the house belies a human scale interior that is welcoming and friendly in spite of its 18th-century classical formality. The architecture alone and the combination of a world-class collection of furniture and works of art, fabulous interiors, magnificent views of the surrounding landscape and a lived-in atmosphere make Cairness a unique experience for every visitor. Cairness has been until now a very well kept secret; a truly extraordinary architectural experience shared by very few. We warmly invite you to come and share it with us.
History: Cairness was built in the 1790s by Charles Gordon of Cairness and Buthlaw as the heart of a 9,000-acre estate. The Loch of Strathbeg, today an important RSPB nature reserve, was once part of the Cairness estate. There already was a fortified house here since the 17th century. This evolved into a mansion of smaller size designed by Robert Burn in the 1780s which was adapted very shortly afterwards into the house we see today.The second laird, Major-General Thomas Gordon (1788-1841), was a great Philhellene and friend of Lord Byron. Throughout the Greek War of Independence (1821-28) he offered his unwavering support to the Greeks and in 1832 wrote his celebrated History of the Greek Revolution.The Gordons of Cairness lived here until 1937 when the house was sold to the Countess of Southesk. After the war, Cairness was used as a farmhouse and later was turned into bedsits, falling into steady decline. It is now being restored.
The Collection: With one of the finest private collections of furniture and works of art in the North East of Scotland, Cairness is now open to the public as a private home, for the first time in its history. Paintings by Raeburn, Cotes, Lawrence, Lely and Etty, and furniture by Gillows, Trotter, Jacob, Hope and Molitor are part of this wonderful collection.
Garden: Cairness stands at the heart of a 400-acre formal deer park surrounded by a high stone wall. Designed by Thomas White, a pupil of “Capability” Brown, in 1791, the park was sadly destroyed and the land was reclaimed for agricultural use after the 200-year old trees were sold for timber and felled en masse from the 1950s onwards. This was probably the cruellest and saddest episode in the history of the house. In spite of this great loss, the views from the house are spectacular. These have now been enhanced with the planting of 100,000 woodland trees in the park and around 150 rare specimens in the immediate policies to mark the Queen’s golden jubilee in 2002. Major-General Thomas Gordon, who was in love with Greece, was also a great botanist. He planted at Cairness one of the most beautiful gardens in the area, with many Mediterranean varieties.His plantation of shrubberies at the back of the house together with the specimen trees had all disappeared, but most of these have now been faithfully replaced.Lord Byron, who apparently came to the house in 1820s, planted the Wych Elm that grows by the east wing of the house. This is locally known as "The Byron Elm".The walled garden was a jungle of brambles and bomb weed, but luckily the magnificent ancient yews have survived together with almost a mile of box hedging. With its romantic hidden setting, in time it will become again one of the outstanding gardens of Scotland.
Restoration : Cairness has suffered from decades of neglect and was designated a Building at Risk by the Scottish Civic Trust in 1991. Apart from some cosmetic works, no attempt had been made at restoration before the current owners acquired the house in 2000. Serious structural problems had been either ignored or covered up for many years. Routine maintenance had been neglected. The house was a conservation disaster and its future became an issue of national concern. By 2000, most of the building, and particularly the upper floors, had been ravaged by water ingress and dry rot. The roofs and gutters were leaking badly causing major structural failures and many parts of the house were near to collapse or had already collapsed. For the first time in 60 years of continuous neglect, these problems are now being addressed and gradually resolved. Ninety per cent of all the major structural work has already been carried out, and a new roof scheme designed by the leading architectural practice Law & Dunbar Nasmith is currently being implemented. The restoration of the house and gardens is being undertaken without any grant aid. Cairness has its own joinery and masonry workshops and a highly skilled in-house conservation team dedicated to this long-term project. All work is carried out using traditional materials and techniques faithful to the original 1790s construction.
Gatehouses Restoration: The Cairness gate houses are known as "The Inkwells" and are well-known local landmarks. The two symmetrical lodges were built in the 1890s to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the building of Cairness, to original designs by James Playfair. Left to decay for decades, these Category-A listed gatehouses were in critical condition and had a demolition order placed on them in 2000.They have now been rescued and sympathetically restored by the present owners.
Hospitality: The listed gatehouses have been converted into a luxury two-bedroom two-bathroom holiday home and will be available for short and long lets from Spring 2006. The smart Category-A listed cottage sits in lovely grounds at the entrance to Cairness House. It has been cleverly extended to make it an outstanding holiday home that can easily sleep six people. The gatehouse has two double bedrooms with en suite bathrooms and all modern facilities. The interior is light and spacious with a lovely country feel. Whether a shooting weekend, a few days in the country, or even longer periods, the Cairness gatehouse would make a perfect and smart place to stay. Fraserburgh, Peterhead, and Aberdeen are all within easy reach. The Loch of Strathbeg, an important RSPB nature reserve, is within walking distance as are the long sandy beaches of Rattray. We will also offer overnight accommodation in Cairness House on a bed and breakfast basis, with dinner provided as an option in one of our three dining rooms. Our housekeeper makes sure that the bedrooms at Cairness are beautifully tended. Everything is arranged to give the feel of a grand and historical setting in a lived-in and welcoming environment. The rooms are very spacious and light, and enjoy every modern comfort together with the most splendid views of the Aberdeenshire countryside. Breakfast is served in the great kitchens which are an outstanding example of 18th century domestic interior.
Corporate: The state rooms at Cairness will be available to hire for corporate and private functions from Spring 2006. Catering and staff can be provided. Whether a family gathering or banquet, a board meeting or wedding, we might have the answer for all your needs. Marquees can easily be erected in our grounds to provide a magnificent backdrop for a very special day.
Opening Times and Admission Charges: Cairness House is open to groups all year by prior written appointment. Conducted tours include the grounds and house as well as a chance to see on-going restoration works. Special visits and evening parties can be organized. Teas provided by arrangement.
For summer opening times, please telephone +44 (0)1346 582078
Admission prices to House and grounds: Adults £7 Concessions £6 Admission to Gardens £3 Combined House and Gardens £9 Contact Us : Cairness House Lonmay Fraserburgh Aberdeenshire AB43 8XP Telephone: +44 (0)1346 582078 Fax: +44 (0)1346 582078 info@cairnesshouse.com