Academy House
Banff, Highlands and Islands

Dating from the early Victorian period the property was originally constructed as a school & school house. With the development of a new school in the 1880's the property was enlarged to house the rector and boarding pupils to the famous Fordyce Academy. Following the closure of the senior school in 1963 the property lay unused until 1977 when its present owners, Sandra and Richard Leith purchased it. Over the years the house has been upgraded to a very high standard combining old fashioned comfort with modern luxury.

Banff lies on the west bank, and Macduff on the east bank of the mouth of the River Deveron, around 25 miles west of Fraserburgh and 45 miles north of Aberdeen. The towns have an aquarium, two golf courses( Duff House Royal and Royal Tarlair), beaches, and was home to the Colleonard Sculpture Park which is now relocated in Aviemore. The well-preserved townscape has many historic buildings including Banff Castle, a museum in Banff donated by Andrew Carnegie and a maritime heritage centre in Macduff. Also close by is Duff House, designed by William Adam in 1730, and now open to the public as a gallery and a part of the National Gallery of Scotland. Also open to the public are the Wrack Woods situated due south of Duff House, in the woods there is an old ice house, a Mausoleum and a wonderful walk to one of the most beautiful secluded spots in the area known as the Bridge of Alvah where a single arch bridge spans the river Deveron. Of course the river Deveron is known for its great fishing for salmon and trout.