Mavisbank House, Loanhead, Midlothian
This Palladian Style "A-Listed" House designed by William Adam , built between 1723 and 1727 for Sir John Clerk of Penicuik, was featured on the 2003 BBC "Restoration" Programme.
This 18th Century House built in classical style, is accompanied by 70 acres of Parkland ground, located only six miles south east of the centre of Edinburgh.It is thought by scholars to be the most importants small houses built in Scotland in the Second Quarter of the 18th Century.
The house orginally comprised of just a single two storey block, which was five bays wide, was expanded with pavilions on either side. In the policy grounds there are a number of "A Listed Buildings": the Doocot, Dairy, Walled Garden, Ice House, Game Larder and East Lodge.
In 1876 Mavisbank was renamed "New Saughton Hall" and became an Asylum, with new wings erected to provide additional accomodation. It ceased being a hospital fomr 1946, when it was purchased by its last Medical Superintendent, who converted it back into a family home, and demolished the added wings from the 1800's. The house was subsequently purchased by Archie Stevenson and its condition declined over the next 20 years.
A fire in 1973 destroyed the interiors and roof of the house .It is currently a shell and has remained derelict ever since. The Policy Grounds were acquired by Historic Scotland, who undertake a minimum programme of care and maintenance.
In 2002, a Feasibility Study (prepared by Simpson & Brown Architects) and an Economic Market Analysis (prepared by Edinburgh Consultancy) were commissioned by the Edinburgh Green Belt Trust and funded by the Architectural Heritage Fund and Midlothian Council. A subsequent application to the Heritage Lottery Fund for a Project Planning Grant was successful. This grant enabled a Conservation Plan and Associated Consultant/Specialist Reports to be prepared.
The Feasibility Study concluded that the house should be used for holiday letting accommodation, with offices in the South Pavilion and an Interpretation Room in the North Pavilion.
ACT is working with the Mavisbank House Trust and Edinburgh Green Spaces Trust to help secure the future of the building in partnership with Historic Scotland who has recently undertaken an Options Appraisal.
Client: Mavisbank House Trust
  
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