Abertarff House

Abertarff House in Inverness is a rare survivor of 16th‑century domestic architecture, offering a quiet but fascinating glimpse into how prosperous Highland families once lived. Built in 1593, it is the oldest house in the city, distinguished by its crow‑stepped gables, thick stone walls and timber interiors that reflect a blend of medieval tradition and early modern comfort. Inside, the restored rooms highlight everyday life rather than grand displays. The ground floor, once used for storage and trade, shows how urban households balanced business and domestic needs. The upper rooms, with their exposed beams and simple furnishings, evoke the living quarters of a merchant family—modest yet carefully crafted. You can see examples of period woodwork, traditional construction techniques and the distinctive “hingin lum,” a hanging chimney that helped draw smoke from the hearth. Interpretive panels trace the building’s long history, including its connection to the Fraser family and its survival through centuries of urban change. The house also illustrates how Inverness evolved from a fortified burgh into a thriving commercial centre.