Gardenstown Near Banff - Impressive Town House - Three Bedrooms £110K - Amazing Value

Описание: Gardenstown

Origins: Gardenstown (locally known as Gamrie) was founded in 1720 by Alexander Garden of Troup, who established it as a planned fishing village. The name comes from the Garden family, landowners in the area.

Fishing & Industry: Like many villages along the Moray Firth, Gardenstown’s economy was built on herring fishing. During the 18th and 19th centuries, it became part of the great Scottish herring boom, with boats landing vast catches that were salted and exported.

Community & Religion: The village has strong religious roots. In 1860, after the Disruption of the Church of Scotland, a Free Presbyterian Church was built on the cliff above the village, showing the importance of faith to the community.

Historic Sites: Above Gardenstown lies St John’s Church (Gamrie Kirk), a ruined medieval church founded around 1004 AD to commemorate a victory over Viking raiders. The graveyard around it has gravestones dating back centuries, overlooking the sea.

Culture: Gardenstown retains its traditional appearance, with tightly packed cottages climbing the hillside. Today it’s known for its art community, wildlife watching (dolphins and seabirds), and as a picturesque spot for visitors.

Banff

Early History: Banff is much older than Gardenstown. It was an important royal burgh from at least the 12th century, granted a charter by King William the Lion around 1163–1171. Its strategic location on the Moray Firth made it a hub for trade and fishing.

Medieval & Early Modern Era:

Banff became a trading port, exporting salmon and locally quarried marble, and importing goods from the Low Countries and the Baltic.

The town was also known for its silversmiths in the 18th century—Banff silver is highly prized by collectors today.

Architecture & Landmarks:

Duff House (built 1740), a grand baroque mansion by architect William Adam, stands just south of Banff. It was commissioned by William Duff, Earl of Fife. Today, it’s part of the National Galleries of Scotland.

Banff’s old tolbooth, mercat cross, and narrow closes reflect its medieval roots.

Fishing & Trade Decline: While fishing remained important, by the late 19th century Banff’s harbour was less competitive than nearby Macduff and Fraserburgh.

Modern Identity: Banff, together with neighbouring Macduff (just across the River Deveron), forms a twin-town community. It is now known for heritage tourism, historic architecture, and coastal scenery.

✨ Summary:

Gardenstown – a planned fishing village from the 18th century, steeped in maritime and religious history, with ancient Viking-era roots nearby.

Banff – a medieval royal burgh and trading centre, once renowned for silver and salmon exports, with a legacy of fine architecture like Duff House.