Newhailes

LDN Architects, Midlothian, 2002

 

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South facade of Newhailes after conservation  

National Trust for Scotland     Download Original

  • South facade of Newhailes after conservation     
  • The library. It is hoped that the Dalrymples’ collection of books, currently housed at the National Library of Scotland, may one day return    
  • The red drawing room    
  • The Chinese drawing room    
  • Detail of mantle in the library    
  • Detail of dining room entablature    
  • Plasterwork by Thomas Clayton, 1742, in the hall    
  • Basement plan    
  • Ground floor plan    
  • First floor plan    
  • The south front before work commenced    
  • New carving on the gate piers of the forecourt, being carried out by Duncan Strachan    
  • Alex Hyland repairing plasterwork on the south elevation    
  • Plasterwork on completion of repairs (white areas either side of the lichens)    
  • The main staircase on the south front of the house in the process of being stabilised and repaired. Only structural, not decorative, elements were replaced, and the balustrades have not been repainted    
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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

Materials

Masonry

Professional Team

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