For all its grandeur, visitors to Haddo House often remark how homely it feels. Perhaps this has something to do with it being home to the Gordon family for over 400 years. Originally designed by William Adam in 1732 the house combines crisp Georgian architecture with sumptuous late Victorian interiors.

The interiors reflect the long and changing history of the House and its occupants, though the strongest influence that remains to this day dates back to 1880 and the beginning of the extensive refurbishment work carried out by the 1st Marquess and his wife, Lady Ishbel.  The House is home to a fine art collection, including works by Pompeo Batoni, T.E. Lawrence and James Giles.

If you want to see inside Haddo House – and it’s well worth a look – you’ll need to book one of the regular guided tours led by friendly, knowledgeable staff and volunteers. 

There’s something to see every step of the way, as the house is packed full of period furniture, furnishings and family memorabilia. Remember to look up at the ceilings too!

The tour will take in the most interesting parts of the house including the Queen’s Bedroom, where Queen Victoria stayed in 1857, the Chapel with its stained glass and huge ‘Father’ Willis organ, and the Library complete with secret door.

Another highlight is the Giles Room, which displays 85 paintings of Scottish castles by Aberdeenshire artist James Giles.

The tour lasts around an hour and a quarter, leaving you plenty of time to explore the extensive gardens and country park afterwards, as well as pop into the tearoom in the old stable block.

The House is surrounded by beautiful terrace gardens, with seasonal planting, fountain, gravel pathways and statues. There is also a small, secluded rose garden by the South wing. The gardens are currently being restored to the way they would have looked in the 19th Century, with the help of contemporary paintings and photographs.

Recently the house has become a popular local wedding venue, hosting Christian ceremonies in the Chapel and civil ceremonies in the house itself. The Chapel still holds services and carol concerts.

For more information or wedding enquiries please visit the National Trust for Scotland website.