[2] An earlier House of Balbithan, of which there is now no trace, also stood above the River Don, opposite Kintore.
The top floor was removed early in the 19th century, and the second-floor ceilings were raised.
[2] Balbithan House is an L-plan tower, unusual in that the new wing, dating from 1630, and the original are of equal length.
A small addition on the north side, which housed a service stair, has been removed.
[2] Attached to the south turret of the west wing is a metal sundial; it is dated 1679 and carries the initials of James Chalmers.