A northeastern district of Perth, Gannochy lies a half-mile (1 km) north of the city centre. This garden suburb was established between 1925 and 1932 next to Gannochy Farm by whisky baron and philanthropist A. K. Bell (1868 - 1942), the first project of his Gannochy Trust. Bell had become concerned about the effects of the Great Depression on the local population and wished to provide quality housing at reasonable rents. He constructed 150 fine cottages, each costing £1200 and built slightly differently from the next, with most including an octagonal window somewhere in the design. Bell used local architects Smart, Stewart & Mitchell. The distinctive properties were built in Locharbriggs red sandstone, with white sash windows, slate roofs and overhanging eaves. The situation was semi-rural, with a fine southwesterly aspect, and the estate was provided with an ornamental pond on Dupplin Road. The large gardens were divided by beech hedging and each included a rowan tree.
Bell oversaw the project personally and took a rather paternalistic approach to his tenants, walking regularly through the estate from his home at Kincarrathie House to ensure the properties were being well maintained and lecture the people on the value of fresh air!
The estate was enlarged in three phases during the 1970s, 1980s and 1990s, when sixty-three smaller sheltered houses were built for older people. These are usually occupied by the former tenants of the estate when the upkeep of their house and garden become too much of a burden. Bell's model scheme has retained its character to this day, still owned and maintained by the Gannochy Trust.
