Former boarding house opens its doors
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THE chance to see inside a historic Moray home which served as a Gordonstoun boarding house for around 80 years is being offered up this weekend.
Ed and Caroline Dunbar are giving visitors a one-off opportunity to explore Duffus House this Saturday as part of Moray Doors Open Day.
The building, which was built in the late 1600s, is among 18 locations across the local area taking part in the popular initiative. They range from historic houses to distilleries, businesses, churches, public buildings and even the local Sheriff Court.
Home to many over the centuries, Duffus House was built by the Sutherlands, Lords of Duffus, using stone from Duffus Castle.
For over 200 years it was owned and lived in by successive generations of the Dunbar’s of Northfield.
During the 20th century, the family leased the building to Gordonstoun for use as a boarding house and as such it was home to many boys over the decades.
The school’s decision not to renew its lease of Duffus House was the catalyst for Ed and Caroline to relocate from East Lothian.
In 2013 they made the move up to Moray to take on the challenge of redeveloping Duffus House, whilst also taking on the management of the estate as a whole and making it their home.
The couple are in the midst of a long journey to secure the future of the historic site and have now secured planning permission and the building warrants to make their vision a reality.
Caroline said: "We are passionate about food and drink (in fact we met whilst both on Majestic Wine’s graduate training scheme) and we truly appreciate superb hospitality and customer service.
"We want to bring Duffus House to life again by inviting you in to share our historic family home with us."
Under the plans, the house will be redeveloped to include apartments and B&B suites as well as offering a seasonal café, retail space and multi-use area. Visitors will also be able to explore the estate grounds.
Caroline said: "This is a once only opportunity to explore Duffus House in its present state before work starts in 2020."
The building will be open from 10am-4pm and there will be a pop-up café offering refreshments run by the Hopeman Scouts. Earthtime, the outdoor charity and forest school, will be offering outdoor children’s activities from their base in the grounds.
