Duff House

Duff House is a three-story stone mansion with prominent corner towers sitting on a raised basement near the River Deveron in Banff. The building stands in the countryside and now functions as an art museum with changing exhibitions.

Architect William Adam designed the residence between 1735 and 1740 for William Duff of Braco, a commission that led to legal disputes about construction problems. The building went through various uses and changes before eventually becoming an art museum.

The mansion displays art collections from Scotland's National Galleries, including paintings by El Greco, Gainsborough, and Raeburn. These works are arranged throughout the rooms and offer visitors a window into European painting from several centuries.

The house opens only on specific days of the week, with different hours depending on the season. It is best to check current conditions ahead of your visit and allow time to explore the rooms properly.

During World War II, the building served as an internment camp and suffered bomb damage in 1940. It later became headquarters for Norwegian and Polish forces before taking on its current role as an art museum.

Location: Aberdeenshire

Location: Banff

Location: Alvah

Inception: 1995

Architects: William Adam

Architectural style: Georgian architecture

Part of: National Galleries Scotland

Address: Duff House, Banff AB45 3SX

Opening Hours: Thursday-Sunday 14:00-17:00

Phone: +441261818181

Website: https://historicenvironment.scot/visit-a-place/places/duff-house

GPS coordinates: 57.65420,-2.53714

Latest update: December 8, 2025 20:00