Description

Almost certainly James Burn, circa 1823, probably on site of
an earlier house. Classical mansion of 2-storeys and
basement, on a square 3-bay plan. White ashlar sandstone to W
front, harling to other sides, with band courses and cornice
to each face; raised base course.
W (ENTRANCE) ELEVATION: approached by raised and swept drive
with decorative iron railings and arched opening below drive
with decorative iron railings and arched opening below drive
at centre. Front with stepped articulation. Segmentally
curved Ionic portico with flanking pilasters and balustraded
balcony; round arched door with decorative fanlight, panelled
2-leaf doors and flanking semi-circular leaded windows; 1st
floor window behind balcony. Outer bays advanced with
segmental tripartite windows to principal floor, blind outer
lights, decorative fanlights; 1st floor windows and blind
windows to basement.
N AND S ELEVATIONS: each of 3 bays, with windows to centre
and W bays grouped towards the W front.
E ELEVATION: late 19th century, 2-storey addition to basement
and principal floor, to right, set into rising ground to E,
harled, with segmental service entrances and later additions
to S. Tripartite windows at centre of main house to principal
and 1st floor, with blind light at centre and basement
doorway below.
12-pane glazing pattern to sash and case windows. Slate piend
roof with lead flashings, and 2 piend roof, late 19th century
dormers; ridge and wallhead stacks.
INTERIOR: fine, neo-classical details. Square stair-well with
circular cupola on pendentives; tripartite vestibule screen
with decorative fanlight; panelled dadoes and full panelling
to Dining Room; most chimneypieces original, in classical
marble designs. Oval room to principal floor at front.
Service stair in well at rear.
GATES AND GATEPIERS: circa 1823; square section ashlar piers
with base and cornice, capped by decorative urn finials.
Gates of late 19th century in decorative wrought-iron,
replacing original gates.

Statement of Interest

Built for the Hays of Yester, possibly as a dower house.

Restored in recent years. Classical design, particularly form

of tripartites, strongly suggests the hand of Burn, whose

work in Haddington bears close resemblance. The portico

echoes, in a shallower form, Robert Adam's precedent at

Lauderdale House, Dunbar. Walled garden and cottage to E, not

included in current listing.

External Links

• Historic Environment Scotland Listing
• Wikidata Q17568020

External links are from the relevant listing authority and, where applicable, Wikidata. Wikidata IDs may be related buildings as well as this specific building. If you want to add or update a link, you will need to do so by editing the Wikidata entry.

Recommended Books

• 
  Somerset: North and Bristol: The Buildings of England (Pevsner Architectural Guides) (Pevsner Architectural Guides: Buildings of England)
• 
  Pevsner's Architectural Glossary (Pevsner Architectural Guides: Introductions)
• 
  Devon (Pevsner Buildings of England)
• 
  Churches: An Architectural Guide (Pevsner Architectural Guides: Introductions)
• 
  Old House Care and Repair
• 
  Gwent/Monmouthshire (Pevsner Architectural Guides: Buildings of Wales)