Kemnay Masonic lodge: Look inside as home revamp is approved

Tucked away down a lane in Kemnay sits one of the Aberdeenshire village’s most secretive buildings…

The Masonic lodge on St Brydes Road was purpose built for the ancient organisation in 1910.

Though the Freemasons deny being a secret society, the order remains enshrined in mystery to many of us.

This building was home to Lodge 991 for generations, but it was “extensively damaged” by a fire in late 2020.

This cutting from the Press and Journal in January 1911 describes the "several enjoyable dances" as members celebrated the opening of the Kemnay Masonic lodge. — This cutting from the Press and Journal in January 1911 describes the “several enjoyable dances” as members celebrated the opening of the Kemnay Masonic lodge. Image: British Newspaper Archive

The incident came following a period of closure during the pandemic, and the building was put on the market afterwards.

It sold for £60,000 in October 2022.

Have a look inside Kemnay Masonic lodge

Earlier this year, new owner Steven Smith submitted plans to Aberdeenshire Council seeking permission to turn it into a house.

Road leading up to the Kemnay Masonic lodge. — The lodge is tucked away off the road. Image: DC Thomson

Old St Bryde 991 gate propped up against wall. — This old St Bryde 991 gate has been detached. Image: DC Thomson

Carving on the wall outside the Masonic lodge in Kemnay. — Carvings like this one remain on the wall outside. Image: ASPC

Symbols etched into stone — More symbols etched into stone. Image: ASPC

The grand hall as it looked when the Masons left the building. — Here is the grand hall as it looked when the Masons left the building. Image: ASPC

Freemasonry symbol inside the Kemnay Masonic lodge. — The Square and Compasses is the main Freemasonry symbol. Both are architect’s tools and are used in Masonic ritual as emblems to teach symbolic lessons. Image: ASPC

Narrow stairway down to crypt beneath the floor. — There’s a mysterious crypt beneath the floor… Image: ASPC

Plinth found at the bottom of the staircase. — This plinth is found at the bottom of the staircase. Image: ASPC

What are the new plans for old building?

Building papers suggest the work will cost about £311,000.

The application explains how various internal alterations would take place, with first floor extended to form a new bedroom.

From there, a small balcony would be added to “take advantage of the views
out over Kemnay and Bennachie beyond”.

Digital rendering of what Kemnay Masonic lodge could look like after being turned into a home. — Here is how it will look as a home. Image: Eleanor Alexander architect

Large windows proposed for former Freemason building. — There would be new windows added. Image: Eleanor Alexander architect

View of the side of the proposed home. — A new balcony would take advantage of some stunning views. Image: Eleanor Alexander architect

How the open plan living area would look. — This is how the open plan living area would look. Image: Eleanor Alexander architect

Another view inside the home with the bedroom at mezzanine level. — The bedroom would be at mezzanine level. Image: Eleanor Alexander architect

Artist rendering of what the bedroom would look like. — And here is how the bedroom would be designed. Image: Eleanor Alexander architect

Meanwhile, the main hall would become a large open plan living area.

A granite outbuilding will be turned into a home office, and a garden room will also be created.

And as for that crypt, architects say it could be turned into a wine cellar – as well as something of a talking point.

The inside of the Kemnay Masonic lodge with construction already started. — As this image shows, some work has already started. Image: Cameron Ross engineers

Can you think of any other unique old buildings that might make a good home? Let us know in our comments section below

What did council say about Kemnay Masonic lodge plans?

Council officials have now given the scheme their blessing.

A report states: “The Masonic hall is an empty building and is no longer in use for its intended purpose.

“The proposed alterations to the hall to form a dwellinghouse will allow for the building to be brought back into use and contribute to the provision of housing in the local area.”

You can see the Kemnay Masonic lodge plans here.

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Have a look inside Kemnay Masonic lodge

What are the new plans for old building?

Can you think of any other unique old buildings that might make a good home? Let us know in our comments section below

What did council say about Kemnay Masonic lodge plans?

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