Duff House
Designed by William Adam, and built between 1735 and 1740, Duff house is thought to be one of Britain's finest Georgian houses. Nestled in the Deveron Valley, Duff House was built for William Duff of Braco, who became Earl Fife in 1759.
Disputes between William Duff and William Adam grew so fierce that Duff himself never lived at the house. So acrimoniously did this end that it is said that he never even looked at the completed house, having his carriage blinds drawn whenever he passed by.
In later years Duff House was in turn a palm court hotel, a sanatorium and a prisoner of war camp. Since 1995 Duff House has been part of the National Galleries of Scotland and houses a range of art treasures and superbly furnished rooms. It also hosts a programme of artistic events and is used as a base for artists and writers.
Photograph by Sam Blackburn
