Newhailes
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South facade of Newhailes after conservation
National Trust for Scotland Download Original
Conservation and the upgrade of facilities for staff and visitors for a listed 17th century country house
Situated on the outskirts of Edinburgh, Newhailes was built in the late 17th century, and enlarged in the early 18th to become one of the most important houses of the Scottish Enlightenment.
The five principal aims of the project were to: conserve the existing buildings and garden structures; upgrade the estate infrastructure; upgrade environmental, plumbing, lighting, electrical, fire, and security systems in the house; provide visitor reception, presentation, and tour facilities; and provide essential support and management accommodation for National Trust staff.
External repairs were made to the house, including overhauling the roof coverings and chimneys, improving the rainwater drainage and lightning protection, replacing structurally unsound external stonework, and patching the external render.
In the interior, the majority of the work was to improve the services. However, in addition to limited structural strengthening, alterations were necessary to provide accommodation in the attic floor for the house steward, an internal lift for disabled access, a disabled WC, and staff work areas and offices in the basement.
Data
- Completed: May 2002
- Sector: Arts and culture
- Total cost: £4.5M
- Funding: Heritage Lottery Fund, European Development Fund and Historic Scotland
- Address: Newhailes , Musselburgh, Midlothian, EH21 6RY, United Kingdom
Professional Team 
- Architect: LDN Architects
- Client: National Trust for Scotland
- Quantity surveyor: John Dansken & Purdie
- Mechanical engineer: Irons Foulner
- Electrical engineer : Irons Foulner
- Structural engineer: Elliot & Co.
- Fire Suppression Consultant: Forbes Leslie Network
- Landscape architect: Peter McGowan
- Management Contractor: Linford Bridgeman
Suppliers
- Architectural Paint: John Renshaw
- Masonary: Ian Cumming
- Plasterer: Plaster Restoration Company