The mansion that replaced the 17th-century palace of Strichen has a history stretching back to the late 17th century. The barony of Strichen, along with the tower and manor of the Mains of Strichen, is documented in the Records of the Scottish Parliaments as early as 1681.
Constructed of rough ashlar granite, the mansion now stands roofless and partly concealed by a lean-to farm structure that has replaced the former portico with its fluted Doric columns. The once-grand landscaped grounds, designed by William Sawrey Gilpin, have been overtaken by the encroaching farmland.
In 1855, the Baird family, noted for their Gartsherrie Iron Works, acquired the estate. The mansion’s uses have evolved over the years, from a shooting lodge to a hotel, and finally, an army billet. However, in 1954, the building was gutted, leaving it in its current dilapidated state.
The mansion is now on the Buildings At Risk Register and is categorized as being at “high” risk.
Know Before You Go: Nearby, you can visit the Strichen Stone Circle and the old doo’cot, both situated in the surrounding fields, adding to the historical intrigue of the area.
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