A fine A-listed mansion located just to the north of the Bressay ferry terminal at Maryfield (Shetland), Gardie House looks out onto Bressay Sound opposite Lerwick. It was built in 1724 for Magnus Henderson of Gardie, who built the house on the proceeds of his fish export business to serve as an appropriate home for the Laird of the Bressay Estate. It comprises a two-storey seven-bay harled block with droved sandstone dressings and details, which was raised c.1905 with the insertion of a pedimented attic-storey in the centre of the west front. This was the work of local architect John M. Aitken (1850 - 1923). The eastern side is plain, with an irregular collection of windows. There are long wings to the north and south. Inside there are many period details, including a drawing room with timber panelling of c.1750. There is a formal walled garden in front of the house which runs down to the seashore. The steading is B-listed.
Sir Walter Scott dined at Gardie House during his 1814 visit to Shetland and English poet Sir John Betjeman also visited. Until recently it was the home of Sir John Scott (b.1936), Lord Lieutenant of Shetland, who undertook a significant restoration, and is now occupied by his son, the politician Tavish Scott (b.1966).
