Pitfour House Boathouse, Pitfour Estate

Single-storey artificial rubble-built ruin with gothic arches; granite dressings; landing area for boats.

Pitfour House was demolished in 1927-30 The buildings are probably all the work of John Smith who is credited with the house (reconstructed c 1809; fire damaged 1820, reinstated with further additions 1821-2) in the A.P.S.D. and his Aberdeen Journal Obituary. (Historic Scotland) The Blenheim of Buchan. One of the great estates of north-east Scotland, first built by the eccentric Ferguson family in the early 18th century. The house, extended probably by John Smith circa 1809, and subsequently, was demolished in 1927. Much survives of the estate, mainly because the Ferguson's spared little expense.

The creation of a loch caused a great falling out between the Fergusons of Pitfour and the Russells of nearby Aden. The latter claimed that it would cause the flooding of Aden. (C.McKean)

February 2008: External inspection finds that although built as a ruin, the masonry needs maintenance if the exposed wallheads and open jointed masonry is not to lead to structural damage.

November 2010: External inspection finds no significant change from the previous site visit.

21 September 2012: Full Planning Permission for restoration of the Temple and three listed bridges within the estate was lodged April 2012 ref: APP/2011/4145/ 4146. The application is seeking permission for the 9 new build plots within the landscape to cross fund the restoration of the listed buildings with the creation of new roads and footpaths to form an extension to Aden Country Park. The Folly is understood to not form part of the restoration plan as it is not within the ownership of the applicant.

22 October 2013: External inspection finds the building remains in much the same condition seen previously.