A Historic Greek Revival Country House in Scotland is For Sale

Cairness House is a Greek Revival (also called neoclassical) country house in Aberdeenshire, Scotland. The house, designed by James Playfair and Sir John Soane, is considered as the most important Greek Revival house in Scotland.

Architect James Playfair went on a grand tour in the 1790s and in this house you can find many elements which he discovered during his travels. The Egyptian Room is the earliest surviving of its type in the world, and contains a number of hieroglyphic symbols . The library is an Etruscan room with colors copied from ancient painted terracotta vases.

Despite it being a grand country house, it’s still a comfortable family home with cozy seating spaces using a variation of textiles and a great use of wallpaper which makes any room feel cozy and inviting.

The owners are not afraid of color, the main living room has bold red walls and ceiling. Built into the walls are bookshelves and the fireplace and comfortable seating make this a cozy reading spot.

Throughout the home you will find original plasterwork.

In its design, construction, and furnishing, it was the ultimate expression of the Enlightenment ideals of the late 18th century.

The grand country house has seven reception rooms, ten bedrooms, and nine bathrooms. Most bedrooms have an ensuite bathroom.

A grand hall was the central point of historic country houses.

The walled garden at Cairness is approximately 4 acres on a gentle south-facing slope. It is well sheltered by its high stone walls and a belt of mixed hardwoods and conifers creating its own microclimate. There is a collection of fruit trees and large lawned areas divided by box hedging and recently planted yew hedges.

Many historic country houses and castles are now open to the public. On Visit European Castles you can find many articles with such historic spaces.

This country house in Scotland is currently for sale at Knight Frank