Description

Circa 1785. Remains of square plan rocaille grotto set
in woodlands to N of Newhailes House, in pleasure
grounds commissioned by Lord Hailes in 1780s. Currently
roofless and with 1 wall derelict. (1989). Sandstone
rock-faced rubble walls, interspersed with tufa blocks
on exterior; iron rods supporting overhanging blocks at
eaves level. Rounded-arch doorway with coarsely
vermiculated surround.
INTERIOR: formerly lined with decorative sea shell
patterns, mounted on timber panels, of which only
remnants remain in woodland around.

Statement of Interest

The fashion for such grottoes was at its height in the

later 18th century, popularised by precedents at

Stourhead, 1748, and Twickenham, circa 1725. Lord Hailes

possibly consulted Wright's publication in the initial

stages of planning his scheme.

External Links

• Historic Environment Scotland Listing
• Wikidata Q17808830

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

• 
  The Shredded Chef: 120 Recipes for Building Muscle, Getting Lean, and Staying Healthy
• 
  Listed Buildings, Conservation Areas and Monuments
• 
  Liverpool: Pevsner City Guide (Pevsner Architectural Guides: City Guides)
• 
  Oxfordshire (Pevsner Architectural Guides: Buildings of England)
• 
  The green guide for historic buildings: how to improve the environmental performance of listed and historic buildings
• 
  Pioneers of Modern Design: From William Morris to Walter Gropius (Penguin Art & Architecture)