Our Full Day Tour offers an opportunity to take part in one of our guided House Tours in the morning with a delicious buffet lunch prepared by our House Chef followed by a garden tour of the sculptures in the grounds of Marchmont House.
Built in 1750 and 'aggrandised' in 1917, Marchmont contains some of the finest Georgian and Arts & Crafts interiors in Scotland: a perfect symbiosis of the craft and design tradition.
You will start the day with our fascinating and informal 90 minute guided house tour which offers a wonderful opportunity to see inside a house that, in 2018, was awarded the Historic Houses/Sotheby's Award for best restoration, described by the jury as 'stunning'. A seasonal buffet lunch will be served in the Old Kitchen Gallery - home to our collection of Scottish Colourist paintings, followed by an afternoon tour of the outdoor sculptures in the Marchmont gardens, with wonderful opportunities to view the House and surrounding vistas.
The house is long thought to have been designed by William Adam but enacted by Thomas Gibson. The interior is arguably one of the finest in Scotland and the house retains many of its original features, including the magnificent George II period plasterwork by Thomas Clayton, the pre-eminent plasterer of the time.
Major changes were made between 1914 and 1917 when the then owner, Robert Finnie McEwen commissioned the eminent Scottish architect Sir Robert Lorimer to enlarge the house and it stands today as perhaps the finest example of his 'grand' house refurbishments.
Over a hundreds years had passed since Lorimer's 'aggrandisement' took place, and having spent 20 years as a care home it is something of an understatement to say the house was both institutionalised and unmodernised.
The comprehensive yet sensitive, seven year restoration was recently completed and has been the catalyst for an inspiring and passionate appreciation for craft and design tradition, quite literally observed through the layers of history of the house.
Marchmont offers an immersive experience for those with an eclectic interest across different periods of history but is especially strong on Arts & Crafts furniture and post war sculpture including works by Barbara Hepworth, Bernard Meadows, Lynn Chadwick and Antony Gormley.
The gardens include a varied selection of post war and contemporary sculpture including works by Keith McCarter, David Nash, Steve Dilworth alongside 'local hero' artists Frippy Jameson, Charlie Poulsen and Andrew Mackenzie.
Outdoor shoes are advised but this will be a gentle wander.
Please note all tours start at the advertised event start time but doors open 20 minutes prior to the tour start time when tea/coffee and wonderful homemade shortbread will be served to suit your arrival.
Dogs are not allowed on tours (including the outdoor tour) other than registered assistance dogs.
Please let us know after booking if you have any dietary or access requirements.
Our normal cancellation period is 7 days in advance. Please note that fees are non-refundable however we will do our best to offer a refund or a credit for a later date, please do get in touch.
Should we cancel the event for any reason you will receive a complete refund.
A wide variety of tours are run regularly throughout the year.
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