The Gordons of Cairness left the house in 1937. Cairness is one of the most important neo-classical country houses in Britain, but due to almost 60 years of neglect, its existence was almost forgotten.
The Gordons of Cairness were related to the Barclays ( a branch of the Berkeleys of Berkeley Castle in Gloucestershire), and it was through his Barclay aunts that Charles Gordon inherited Cairness and extensive plantations in Jamaica in 1790s, which funded the building of the present house.
Cairness is very unusual in that it combines a castle-like structure at the back with a Georgian neo-classical mansion at the front. Unlike many other great houses that might have evolved into a similar shape through time Cairness was designed as such in one piece. The present photograph is taken from the back of the house and you can clearly see how the house looks more like a castle. The picture of the front of the house appears on our website. In size the house is similar to Haddo, but it is a more interesting and unusual design. It originally had an estate of about 9,000 acres with it, which included the Loch of Strathbeg, now one of the most important nature reserves in the British Isles.
The famous reel “Mrs. Gordon of Cairness” was inspired by one of the chatelaines here. Another famous Gordon of Cairness was Major-General Thomas Gordon, who in 1832 wrote a celebrated history of the Greek wars of independence.
We do b&b and other related activities. All the Gordons are encouraged to come and visit the house, and we shall be delighted to welcome you here.
With best regards,
J.J. Soriano-Ruiz (Mr)
Admission prices to House and grounds: Adults £7 Concessions £6 Admission to Gardens £3 Combined House and Gardens £9 Website: http://www.cairnesshouse.com./
