Discover Ardgrain

Nestled just above the town of Ellon lies the ancient site of Ardgrain, which has had tenants from 1422 onwards, and was once the seat of the Baron of Ardgrain. Built in its current form in 1629, and then extended in the 1700's, this Grade A listed house is thought to be the oldest of its kind in the North East of Scotland. 

"How happy would the husbandman be if he knew his own good. Let improvements and liberty flourish".

- quote from Virgil, and house motto, above the main entrance.

ArdgrainArdgrain

Popular Ardgrain history articles:

John Forbes Ratification (1669)

Ratification in favours of Sir Johne Forbes of Watertoun

Our soverane lord, with advice and consent of his majesties' estates of parliament, hes ratified and approven and, be thir presents, ratifies and approves ane charter and infeftment, granted be his majestie under the great seale, of the date the fourt day of August 1669 yeers, to Sir Johne Forbes of Watertoun, his airs maill and assignays whatsomever, heretablie and irredeimably, off all and haill the lands of Ardgrein and Broomefeild, with multers, sequells, houses, bigings, yeards, tofts, crofts, outsets, tennents, te  Read more » 

Tower Houses in Scotland

Discover what a Tower House is, and why Ardgrain is especially unique in sharing both Tower House and Country House features

A Scottish Tower House is a stone structure built for both living and defensive purposes. The design of a Tower House evolved from earlier castle types such as Celtic Fortresses and Motte and Bailey Castles.

Dunnottar CastleDunnottar Castle  Read more » 

Discover Ardgrain

Nestled just above the town of Ellon lies the ancient site of Ardgrain, which has had tenants from 1422 onwards, and was once the seat of the Baron of Ardgrain. Built in its current form in 1629, and then extended in the 1700's, this Grade A listed house is thought to be the oldest of its kind in the North East of Scotland. 

 Read more »