Description

Earlier to mid 17th century. Early example of Scottish Laird's

house, evolved over several closely grouped phases of building, with 4 interlinked blocks. Cream sandstone formerly harled, with ashlar dressings; cement rendered repairs; chamfered arrises to

openings: cavetto eaves cornice. Main E-W block (2 phases) of 2-storey and attic form, with jamb at SW of 3 storeys and attic, and wing at E (running N-S) of 2 storeys with 2nd breaking eaves. Stone newel stairs. Horizontal stress, nestling in ground.

S Elevation: taller W jamb, 1-bay deep and 2 bays wide, with roll-moulded doorway on E return; irregularly grouped and varied windows; corbel course above doorway and 2nd floor level

corbelled; corbelled stair turret in re-entrant angle to E at 2nd

floor; steep crowstepped gables with gable head stacks to E and

W. Irregular windows to phases of E-W range apparent to S, with gabled dormerheads to 2nd floor windows, (as on 3rd floor windows of W

jamb); larger windows at 1st floor; further doorway to right with plain ashlar surround; broad wallhead stack with set-off. E wing: possibly built prior to E section of E-W range,linked later; 3 bays to E elevation, widely spaced, 2 bays wide and 2 bays on W return; stone forestair in re-entrant angle to W, under catslide roof, and steeply pitched pedimented dormerhead to 1st floor window flanking. Door at centre to E, windows in flanking bays at ground and to each bay at 1st floor, each with pedimented dormerheads (as above). Steeply pitched crowstepped gables to N and S, N gable intercepted at W by main N elevation of E-W range; SE angle corbelled above ground, to allow for pedestrian gateway through adjoining wall. N elevation: 2 building phases of E-W range apparent on N elevation adjoining N-S range at

E; each comprised of 3 widely spaced, almost regular bays, with further small windows to right bays; circular stair tower to left of

centre, breaking eaves and with small square windows; gabled dormerheads to 2nd floor windows. W elevation: 2 phases of building adjoined; 2 gabled bays to left of E-W range, intercepted by taller bay of W

jamb, partly corbelled above 1st floor. 3 large, later 1st floor windows. Small-pane glazing pattern to sash and case windows. Large grey slates. Sundial below eaves to S elevation at outer left, on W jamb. Dormerhead pediment on W elevation of E wing bearing date 1638 above entwined initials "IPMD" (much-weathered); dormerhead pediment above doorway on E elevation bearing later monogram of entwined initials. Interior: memel pine panelling of 18th century date; pine cornice to one bedroom. Fine cast-iron door fittings. Garden

walls: tall rubble sandstone walls, adjoined to house at NW and

SE; section of wall to SE contains 17th century gateway with moulded surround and square panel above, flanked by finials. Circular rubble parapet to well sited by house to S, with simple wrought-iron overthrow. Gatepiers: pair of late Renaissance-style, square ashlar gatepiers to SW of house; corniced with ball finials; curved, buttress-like sections adjoined to each pier by drive. Classical oval cast-iron relief panels set on each pier (4 in all), allegedly designed by Angelica Kauffman in mid 18th century and cast by Carron Iron Company.

Statement of Interest

Fountainhall bears strong resemblance to the contemporary Hamilton House, Prestonpans. The lands (originally known as Woodhead) fell to the Pringle family in the earlier 17th century, but were granted to the Lauder family later in the century who changed the name to

Fountainhall. A pair of iron jougs hang by the roll-moulded doorway in the W jamb, to S. The mansion provides a substantial example of the less defensive residences which spread across Scotland in the 17th century, the homes of the lairds. The dovecots lie to S in a ruinous state and with the steading to S, stable range and earlier cottages are listed separately.

External Links

• Historic Environment Scotland Listing
• Wikidata Q17567386

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

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  Devon (Pevsner Buildings of England)
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  Department for Communities Listed Historic Buildings of Northern Ireland: Information Guide for the 2nd Survey of Historic Buildings
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  Renovating Old Houses: Bringing New Life to Vintage Homes (For Pros By Pros)