Family

William Duff, Lord Braco, had Duff House built in the early 18th century as a new and impressive residence for his large family.

The original design, by Scottish architect William Adam, was to create a modern and comfortable house which gave the family privacy in a series of ‘His’ and ‘Her’ apartments. Alongside these, were larger more public rooms where the family could entertain their friends. The family's every need could be met quite easily by the household servants via four service spiral staircases hidden in the corner towers. The servants slept in small rooms located all over the house and in the grounds. In the 18th century, the Shop was a servant's hall. Adam's original floor plan for the house hangs in the Study on the second floor. The plans show the function of every room in Duff House, including the two side wings which were never built.

Sadly, the owner and architect fell out over money and the house was never completed. In fact, the 1st Earl, Lord Braco, never actually lived here, preferring to live with his family at Rothiemay Castle where he died in 1763. 

The Duffs are an ancient Scottish family well-known in the north east of Scotland. The first Earl, William Duff, Lord Braco, became so wealthy through marriage and careful business dealings, that in addition to Duff House in Banff, he owned estates and property at Balvenie (c1724), Mar (1735), Echt (1736), Glenbuchat (1737), Rothiemay (1741), Elgin, and Edinburgh.

Further Duff generations added more property to this portfolio, with Fife House in London, the village of Macduff, Innes House, Delgaty Castle, Skene House and Dufftown in Banffshire.