Abertarff house, in the heart of Inverness and built in 1593
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Abertarff House

4.6
·491k reviews·, United Kingdom

Inverness's oldest residential building, Abertarff House (c. 1593), showcases 16th-century Scottish architecture and was once the Fraser Clan's town h...

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday afternoons

Fewer crowds, more peaceful

CrowdLow
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Abertarff house, in the heart of Inverness and built in 1593

Abertarff House

Best Time

Weekday afternoons

Fewer crowds, more peaceful

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Inverness's oldest residential building, Abertarff House (c. 1593), showcases 16th-century Scottish architecture and was once the Fraser Clan's town house.

4.6
(491k reviews)

"Abertarff House offers a tangible connection to Inverness's past with its stunning 16th-century architecture."

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TIP

🎯 Oldest House in Inverness

Don't miss Abertarff House, built in 1593! It's the oldest residential property in the city.

🏛️ Architectural Gem

Admire the crow-stepped gables and original oak beams. A true piece of history!

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Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

16th-Century Architecture

16th-Century Architecture

Exterior and Interior

Marvel at the crow-stepped gables and original oak timber beams of this remarkably preserved historic house.

The Marriage Stone

The Marriage Stone

Exterior

Admire the intricate details of the 17th-century marriage stone, a unique historical marker on the building.

Fraser Clan Town House

Fraser Clan Town House

Interior

Imagine life as part of the powerful Fraser Clan in this historic residential property.

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Planning Your Visit

Step Back in Time

Discover Abertarff House, Inverness's oldest residential building, dating back to 1593. This historic gem offers a glimpse into 16th-century Scottish architecture with its crow-stepped gables and original oak beams. Plan your visit to experience a tangible piece of Highland history.

A Glimpse of Clan Life

Once the town house of the influential Fraser Clan, Abertarff House stands as a testament to their legacy. Explore its interiors and imagine life centuries ago. Check opening times as it's managed by the National Trust for Scotland and may have specific visiting hours.

Best Times

When
Weekday afternoons
Why
Fewer crowds, more peaceful
Crowd
Low
When
Summer mornings
Why
Pleasant weather for exploring
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Had the best wekeend in Scotland’s most northern city! Here’s 18 things to do in Inverness 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 @Visit Inverness Loch Ness #inverness #Scotland
@hiyascotland
5.8K likes • 126K views

🎯 Oldest House in Inverness

Don't miss Abertarff House, built in 1593! It's the oldest residential property in the city. Instagram+1

🏛️ Architectural Gem

Admire the crow-stepped gables and original oak beams. A true piece of history! Instagram

Abertarff House Circa 1593. Oldest House in Inverness. What a magnificent building! #house #plans #Inverness #tuscaloosa #Alabama #highland #sentell
sentellhomedesign
7 likes • 335 views
Abertarff House is the oldest residential property in Inverness, built in 1593. The house, tucked away on Church Street, is a classic example of sixteenth and early seventeenth-century domestic architecture in Scotland, with crow-stepped gables and original oak timber beams – look out for the beautiful seventeenth-century marriage stone over the main fireplace. Abertarff has witnessed Covenant...
nationaltrustforscotland
543 likes • 8.8K views

📜 Clan Fraser History

Once the town house of the Fraser Clan, feel the history within its walls. Instagram

📍 Church Street Location

Tucked away on Church Street, it's easy to find but worth looking for! Instagram

Did you know that the Abertarff House, built in 1593, is the oldest residential property in Inverness? Nestled on Church Street, this historic home is a prime example of 16th and early 17th-century Scottish domestic architecture, featuring crow-stepped gables and original oak timber beams. Be sure to admire the stunning 17th-century marriage stone above the main fireplace. 📷: @nationaltrustforsc...
thechicagoscots
36 likes • 341 views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Oldest House in Inverness

Don't miss Abertarff House, built in 1593! It's the oldest residential property in the city. Instagram+1

🏛️ Architectural Gem

Admire the crow-stepped gables and original oak beams. A true piece of history! Instagram

📜 Clan Fraser History

Once the town house of the Fraser Clan, feel the history within its walls. Instagram

📍 Church Street Location

Tucked away on Church Street, it's easy to find but worth looking for! Instagram

🖼️ Local Art Inspiration

The house inspires local artists; check out architectural illustrations! Instagram

What Travellers Say

4.6
(491k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise Abertarff House for its historical significance as Inverness's oldest residential building, highlighting its well-preserved 16th-century architecture. Many appreciate the glimpse into clan life and the unique features like the marriage stone. Some note that visits are brief, and checking opening times is essential.

What People Like

Oldest house in Inverness
Historic architecture
Glimpse of clan life

What People Dislike

Brief visit duration
Variable opening hours

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Abertarff House is conveniently located on Church Street in the heart of Inverness. It's easily accessible on foot from the city center, making it a great stop during your exploration. TikTok

Yes, Abertarff House is centrally located in Inverness, making it easily reachable by local buses that serve the city center. The nearest bus stops are a short walk away. Reddit

While there isn't dedicated parking at Abertarff House itself, there are several public car parks available in the Inverness city center within walking distance. Reddit

Absolutely! Its central location makes Abertarff House an excellent starting point to discover other attractions in Inverness, including shops and the riverfront. TikTok

The best way is to wander through the charming streets of Inverness. You'll find it nestled on Church Street, offering a delightful discovery. Instagram

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Abertarff House is managed by the National Trust for Scotland. While entry might be free for members, non-members may need to purchase tickets or make a donation. It's best to check their official website for the most current information on admission fees and opening hours. Instagram

Opening hours can vary seasonally and may be subject to special events. It's highly recommended to check the National Trust for Scotland's website or contact them directly for the most up-to-date visiting times before your visit. Instagram

Typically, you can explore Abertarff House independently during its opening hours. However, some special events or workshops might require booking in advance. Instagram

As a historic building, accessibility can be a consideration. It's advisable to contact the National Trust for Scotland directly to inquire about specific accessibility features and any potential limitations. Instagram

Yes, Abertarff House sometimes hosts workshops and events, such as the Islander Workshop experience. Keep an eye on their social media or the National Trust for Scotland website for announcements. Instagram

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

Inside Abertarff House, you can explore rooms that showcase 16th and 17th-century domestic architecture, including original oak timber beams and the historic marriage stone. Instagram+1

A visit to Abertarff House can be quite brief, often taking around 30 minutes to an hour, depending on your interest in historical details and any ongoing exhibitions or events. Instagram

Yes, Abertarff House is a beautiful subject for photography, both externally with its historic architecture and internally, capturing the ambiance of a bygone era. Instagram

Some visitors have explored the house with a paranormal interest, suggesting a potential for ghostly encounters. Instagram

The 17th-century marriage stone is a decorative and symbolic element, often featuring carved initials or dates, representing a union and adding to the historical narrative of the house. Instagram+1

📸 📸 Photography

The exterior, with its distinctive crow-stepped gables and the marriage stone, offers fantastic photo opportunities. The interior, with its historic beams, also provides unique shots. Instagram

Generally, photography for personal use is allowed inside historic buildings like Abertarff House, but it's always wise to check for any specific restrictions or ask a staff member. Instagram

Abertarff House is ideal for architectural photography, historical documentation, and capturing the charm of old Scottish buildings. Instagram

Drone usage is typically restricted in urban areas and around historic sites to ensure safety and preserve the ambiance. It's best to avoid drone photography here. Instagram

Morning or late afternoon light can create beautiful shadows and highlight the architectural details of Abertarff House. Instagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Abertarff House offers a unique opportunity for families to introduce children to history in a tangible way. While it might not have interactive exhibits, the sheer age of the building and its former life as a clan house can spark imagination. Encourage kids to look for the crow-stepped gables and imagine what life was like for children living in the 1500s. Instagram+1

Keep the visit concise to maintain younger attention spans. Focus on the most visually interesting elements, like the old oak beams and the marriage stone. It's a great way to break up a day of exploring Inverness and provide a brief, educational pause. Remember to check opening times as they can vary. Instagram

🏛️ History Buffs

For history enthusiasts, Abertarff House is a must-visit. As the oldest residential building in Inverness, it provides invaluable insight into 16th and 17th-century Scottish domestic architecture and the lives of prominent Highland families like the Frasers. Instagram+2

Take your time to appreciate the crow-stepped gables, the original oak timber beams, and the 17th-century marriage stone. Consider researching the Fraser Clan's history beforehand to enrich your understanding of the house's context. It’s a chance to connect directly with the past and imagine the historical events that unfolded within these walls. Instagram

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Abertarff House: A Glimpse into 16th Century Inverness

Abertarff House stands as a remarkable survivor from a bygone era, holding the title of the oldest residential property in Inverness. Built around 1593, it offers a tangible connection to the city's past, showcasing the architectural styles prevalent in Scotland during the late 16th and early 17th centuries. Its distinctive crow-stepped gables are a hallmark of traditional Scottish design, while the original oak timber beams within speak to the craftsmanship of the time. Instagram+1

The house also served as the town house for the influential Fraser Clan, a powerful Highland family. Walking through its rooms, one can almost envision the daily lives of its former inhabitants, from clan leaders to their households. This historical context adds a layer of depth to the visit, transforming it from merely viewing an old building to experiencing a piece of living history. Instagram

Managed by the National Trust for Scotland, Abertarff House is preserved for future generations to appreciate. Visitors can admire details like the 17th-century marriage stone, a unique feature that adds to the building's narrative. While its historical significance is paramount, some visitors have also explored its potential for paranormal activity, adding an intriguing, albeit speculative, dimension to its story. Instagram

Architectural Significance and Features

The architectural style of Abertarff House is a prime example of Scottish domestic architecture from the late medieval to early modern period. The crow-stepped gables are particularly noteworthy, a common feature in Scottish vernacular architecture, designed to shed water and snow effectively while also adding a decorative element. These gables give the building a distinctive silhouette against the sky. Instagram+1

Inside, the original oak timber beams are a testament to the quality of construction and the available resources of the time. These beams not only provide structural support but also contribute to the rustic and historic ambiance of the interior spaces. The layout and design of the house would have reflected the social customs and living arrangements of a wealthy family in the late 16th century. Instagram

Another significant feature is the 17th-century marriage stone. These stones, often found on older buildings, typically bear carved initials, dates, or heraldic symbols, commemorating a marriage and serving as a lasting marker of family ties and alliances. The presence of such a stone at Abertarff House underscores its role as a family residence and its connection to the social fabric of historic Inverness. Instagram+1

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