Mellerstain House Scotland : Architecture Information

Mellerstain House, near Kelso, Scottish Borders 1725-78 William Adam; Robert Adam Stately home set within 80 hectares of parkland Home of the 13th Earl of Haddington photos © Adrian Welch The east and west wings were completed first, by architect William Adam. They were built for George Baillie and Lady Grisel Baillie. When Lady Grisel Baillie died, a son of the Earl of Haddington inherited Mellerstain - George Hamilton. He commissioned Robert Adam to design and build the central part of the property. This was forty five eyars after his father William had built the wings. The intricate plasterwork interior is a very good example of Robert Adam's (eponymous) style, using Greek motifs and unusual combinations of colours. Entry on the north side is quite forbidding, softened slightly by a water feature set within a circular piece of grass. However the south facade is a delight with carefully controlled level changes flowing down to the lake, with a folly on the horizon symmetrical to the house. photos © Adrian Welch The gardens were designed by Sir Reginald Blomfield around 1910 : Italianate formal terraced garden on the south side and more natural parkland down to and around the lake. Historic Scottish Houses Key Scottish Houses by Robert Adam, architect Hopetoun House Dalquharran Castle Building Image © Alastair Cook Mavisbank House Buildings by Robert Adam, architect Register House Trades Hall Glasgow Airthrey Castle