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.
This fascinating and informal 90 minute guided tour 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'.
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.
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 other than registered assistance dogs.
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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