Glen Tana Ballroom and Bowling Alley

IMPROVEMENTS AT GLENTANAR - There is probably no place of the same area in the country that has undergone so great transformation by means of building and improvements generally as the wild secluded glen of Forest of Glentanar. It only a few years since the property came into the hands of its present proprietor, Mr Cunliffe Brooks, M.P., on a long lease from the Marquis of Huntly. It was then a shooting-lodge; now it is one of the finest Highland residences in the North. A pleasing feature of the improvements is the fact that while the number of deer has greatly increased, the number of people has also increased, and the glen supports a larger population than it did when it was laid out in miserable crofts, while the social conditions of those who inhabit it are considerably raised. The whole amenities of the place are improved, roads have been constructed, the arable land is effectually protected from game by high fencing, and the houses of the tenantry have been re-constructed, and are unique, alike as regards comfort and elegance. These improvements have all been executed by Mr Cunliffe Brooks, and at great cost. But the fact that every year his visits have become more lengthened, shows that his heart is in Glentanar. Even the Highlands, however, become monotonous at times, especially to those who have passed a great part of a busy life in city pent and accordingly it is necessary to make provision for some means of diversion, when betimes the red deer and the roe are safe from the rifle amid the mists on the braes.”

The character which the Forest has assumed as a permanent residence, has led Mr Brooks to provide additional means of entertainment for his guests. Operations have begun for the erection of a large ballroom and bowling - alley, as an adjunct to the house. The buildings will stand at the north-east end of the house, and a portion of a natural mound is being removed to provide the necessary space. The ballroom will be 60 feet long by 30 feet broad. It will have a fine open roof, rising to a height of 28 feet from the floor. The roof will be constructed of pitch pine, with gothic cusping inside the ribs, which rest upon polished columns of Birsemore granite, which is of very effective reddish green colour. In the centre of one side is a bay, 20 feet by 9 feet, the floor of which will be about 18 inches above that of the ballroom. The bay is intended as an orchestra. Ladies’ and gentlemen’s rooms are included in the buildings. The room will be lighted by windows of stained glass, of a unique character, to correspond with those in the mansion house. Adjoining the ball room is the bowling-alley, 80 feet long by 18 feet wide, and terminating in semi-circular form at the corner where it joins the spacious dancing apartment. It will be fitted up with every appurtenance of the game. Access is given to the ballroom from the house, and to the bowling-alley from the ballroom, as well as from the lawn. Externally the building will be thoroughly in keeping with the architectural style of the fine mansion. At one corner it will terminate with a square tower, rising to the height of 40 feet, and surmounted by a finial. The tower and roof will be covered with slates ornamentally arranged, while the plainer parts of the roof will be broken up by dormer windows. The ventilation will be constructed on the most improved principle. The woodwork of the interior will be all of pitch pine, and will be executed according to designs of a mediaeval character. The whole of the structure has been planned by Mr George Truefitt, architect, 5 Bloomsbury Square, London, to whom the whole of the buildings on the property owe their effective unity of style. The work will be executed by the tradesmen whom Mr Brooks has hitherto entrusted with the carrying out of his extensive building operations in the Glen. [Aberdeen Journal 4 July 1877 page 7]

Reference           Aberdeen Journal 4 July 1877 page 7