Description

1816-20 with later alterations. Ashlar-coped garden wall (brick-lined stone to N, brick to E and W) around three sides of an area approximately 110 x 60m, with large lean-to S-facing greenhouse with columned, pedimented portico against centre of N wall and ashlar-coped brick terrace walls terminating in corniced, panelled stone piers supporting carved stone urns.

GREENHOUSE: circa 1820 with later additions. Central section with advanced, glazed, tetrastyle Corinthian portico; long, lower wings on sandstone base walls to each side. 4 painted sandstone Corinthian columns and ornamental cast-iron finial to portico. INTERIOR: cast-iron brackets; plant shelves supported by cast-iron pilasters with floreate detailing in panels. Underground rooms beneath.

Statement of Interest

An extensive and well-preserved early 19th century walled garden containing a greenhouse with handsome ornamental features. The garden is unusual in having no south wall, the upward slope on this side of the site being sufficiently steep to protect it naturally. It forms an integral part of the designed landscape of the Blairquhan estate, although it has undergone a number of significant changes since it was first designed: in the later 20th century it was used as a commercial forest nursery before assuming its current appearance as an ornamental garden. The garden was originally laid out by John Tweedie in 1816.

The two outer wings of the greenhouse appear to be later additions, and the glazing of the greenhouse has been replaced with larger panes over the course of the 20th century. The interior cast-iron work is branded Simpson & Farmer, Glasgow. The underground rooms below the greenhouse are thought to have been used for mushroom culture.

The Blairquhan estate was remodelled to its present form by David Hunter Blair in the first half of the 19th century, when the castle of Blairquhan (listed separately) was also significantly rebuilt to the designs of William Burn. A number of other buildings and bridges on the estate are listed separately.

External Links

• Historic Environment Scotland Listing
• Wikidata Q56623997

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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  Pevsner's Architectural Glossary (Pevsner Architectural Guides: Introductions)
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  Northamptonshire: Buildings of England Series (Pevsner Architectural Guides) (Pevsner Architectural Guides: Buildings of England)