Cairness House

The elegance of Cairness House is difficult to overstate. Originally built in 1790, the neo-Classical design has been restored over a period of nine years, faithfully protecting and preserving its original character. With its beautiful lawns, sweeping exteriors and stunning interior design this is truly an exquisite venue for an unforgettable wedding. Cairness House is just simply beautiful – inside and out.

The design of the house draws heavily on ancient symbolism and it was almost certainly conceived partly as a grand Masonic temple. It has the oldest Egyptian room in Britain, and restoration has maintained the original plasterwork. All the bedrooms have beautiful views over the rolling landscape or the private gardens, and each room is uniquely decorated in period style and furnished with beautiful objects and antique furniture throughout.

To be at Cairness House is to be part of bygone era: elegant rooms, glorious, sensual fabrics, furniture in honey-warm woods, floor length tapestries and period oil paintings, sumptuous meals and gracious living. Weddings can take place in any of the stylish state rooms, or even outside on the perfect lawns in a secluded, walled five acre private garden. While you are soaking up the grandiosity of Scottish landed living why not go fishing and/or shooting on nearby estates, or tour the magnificent scenery that is Aberdeenshire. You are also in close proximity to the sandy beaches of Cruden Bay or perhaps a round of golf at Fraserburgh golf course sounds the right thing for a leisurely afternoon.

There are six 5-star bedrooms with either private bathrooms or en-suite facilities should you wish to stay on at the house with your wedding party. There is also a private gatehouse should you want a complete get-away from the world.

The highly unusual 18th century icehouse in the inner courtyard is a copy of the now ruined Temple of Vesta in Rome, where Vesta, the Roman Goddess of the hearth, was attended by her Vestal Virgins – the priestesses serving in the temple. The icehouse is complete and can only be seen straight on from the Egyptian room, where a beautiful and romantic private dinner can be arranged overlooking the fully lit courtyard.