Friendville

A small mansion set in a half-hectare (1.25 acres) of land to the north of Great Western Road in Aberdeen, Friendville was built in 1773 by the merchant Robert Balmanno (c.1732 - 1820), who developed the lands of Mannofield. Lying 1¼ miles (2 km) west southwest of the city centre, until recently this was Aberdeen's oldest house in continuous residential use. It comprises two coursed-rubble storeys and an attic, with eight bedrooms, large windows and a central wallhead gable. A wing was added to the rear in 1812. By the 1930s the house had deteriorated and was in danger of being lost. However it was bought by local antique dealer William Bell and refurbished in 1943 by the local architect Fenton Wyness, who restored the roof with red pantiles. It is now B-listed. Inside there are fine period features, including wood panelling, ornate cornices and fireplaces. The design of the gardens is thought to have altered little since they were laid out in the 18th C., and includes fruit trees, old walls, an original sundial and a Roman Doric tempietto with a wrought iron dome.

In 2012, Friendville became notable as the most expensive house ever put on the market in Aberdeen, at offers over £2.75 million. It is now let as visitor accommodation, for meetings and events.


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