One of the most beautiful and striking buildings on the High Street must be that of the Longview Hotel. Although known as a hotel for much of it’s life, this building actually started out as a family home back in 1730.It was commissioned by Jacobus Roy who was the Magistrate of Forres at the time as a residence befitting his position and was to be located only a short distance away from the Tolbooth in which he would have sat in judgement over local legal issues.
Who designed the structure and oversaw the construction is now unknown.
In examining the upper levels and the roof area you may be surprised to see unicorns, lions and even a dragon or two. The significance of these beautiful sculpture pieces is lost in history but to this day they do stand out as some of the most imaginative building decorations in Forres.
Although the building did become a hotel for many years and the lower floors provided space for a public bar and some high street shopping, it was warmly welcomed when a few years back the upper floors were once again restored and turned back into family homes.
