Begg's House, Badenyon

Begg's House is an outstanding and rare survival of an early Donside vernacular farmhouse. Although now falling into decay it nevertheless exhibits some very fine interior features which identify it as a superior dwelling in the Glen. The extraordinary wide-arched ingle-type fireplace enclosing a canopied central hearth was the only one located during the 2005 survey of Glenbuchat, but a few identical or very similar structures were discovered in the adjoining parish of Strathdon at the old farmhouse at Skellater House, Bellabeg House (also in the older house), West Tornahaish and Mains of Glencarvie. A 'Glenbuchat ingle of the last century´ is illustrated in the Book of Glenbuchat (fig 39) but it does not immediately appear to be the Badenyon example leading to the assumption that there is (or was) at least one further example in the Glen, possibly that at Dulax which may have been partly enclosed. Fenton & Walker say "These fireplaces were much larger than one would expect in the size of building, being of a scale more suitable for the great hall of a tower house or castle". A striking example of the great hearth, with well cut voussoirs, can be found in a farmhouse dated 1822 in Glenfenzie at the top of Glengairn. The wall recess beside the front door is another feature found in a number of Strathdon houses, its purpose was probably for storing a container of milk or water. Badenyon (spelt Badaneoin on the 1st Ordnance Survey map) is sited at the spot where the old drove road from the north crosses the glen, and is fairly typical, although larger than most, of the small farming settlements in Glenbuchat.

The depopulation of this area is well documented, with ample evidence of ruins at almost every settlement. Badenyon, though, has earlier connections as the site of Badenyon Castle is immediately to the east of Begg's House, itself superseded at the beginning of the twentieth century by the separately listed Jeannie's House. There are two steading ranges at the Badenyon settlement, that immediately to the west of Begg's House is a slate-roofed U-plan steading of slightly later date, listed at category C(S). (Historic Scotland)

June 1993: External inspection reveals the farmhouse and steading to be derelict. SCT understands that the owner does not wish to sell. 1994: SCT understands that a potential restorer has entered negotiations with the owner. October 1995: Permissions are sought for the conversion of the steading into 2 dwellings. November 1998: External inspection reveals the farhmouse to be in very poor condition, with the roof falling in at the west gable. January 2004: Local planners report no change. April 2005: SCT understands that the property was sold a few months ago.

January 2008: External inspection finds the farmhouse vacant, unsecured and in very poor condition with large holes in the roof and dilapidated rainwater goods. At increased risk to the Listed interior details as well as the fabric and structure of the building itself.

August 2010: External inspection finds the building remains vacant and deteriorating. The roof has collapsed at the west gable and at the rear offshoot, with broken rooflights and slipped slates. A Dangerous Building sign has been fixed to the front door. Of what can be seen of the interior through windows, it is in very poor condition internally.

7 August 2013: External inspection finds the building remains in much the same condition as seen previously.

30 October 2014: Local planners advise they have been contacted by the owners of the farmhouse and associated steading who intend to restore and convert the properties to holiday accomodation within the next three years.