Stracathro House

A fine A-listed Palladian-style mansion, Stracathro House overlooks the Cruick Water 2½ miles (4 km) southeast of Edzell in NE Angus. In 1775, the Stracathro Estate, which extended to almost 800 ha (1976 acres), was bought by Patrick Cruickshank who had made his fortune in Jamaica. His brother, Alexander inherited the property and employed the Aberdeen-based architect Archibald Simpson (1790 - 1847) to build the house between 1824-27, together with a deer-park and gardens. In 1848, the house and estate was purchased by Sir James Campbell (1790 - 1876), Lord Provost of Glasgow and father of Prime Minister Sir Henry Campbell-Bannerman (1836 - 1908). The house was leased by the government in 1938 and an Emergency Medical Services Hospital built in the grounds to cope with military and civilian casualties of World War II. The house was used as a residence for doctors and nurses and was later purchased by the local health authority. Stracathro House has been privately owned since it was sold by Tayside Health Board in 2003, and has been refurbished as a family home.

The house comprises three storeys with a massive pedimented Corinthian colonnade to the front, with the central bays extending outwards as a portico. The remarkable double-height central reception hall features a glass dome, which floods the room with natural light, contrasting black and white marble floor, marble columns and golden yellow scagliola walls. The principal rooms feature carved marble mantelpieces, moulded ceilings and parquet flooring. There is original leather wallpaper in the dining room and the ornate chandeliers in the dining room and sitting room. The library includes mahogany bookcases, a further marble fireplace, painted frieze and ceiling. Another fine feature is the 'Pompeian' red staircase with ornate gold painted cast iron spindles, decorative panels and frescos of tropical birds. There is also an impressive orangery with terracotta and black floor tiles, cast iron roof supports and a large oriel window on the gable end, with access to an Italianate courtyard garden.

The size of the surrounding estate is now reduced to a very modest 5 ha (12.5 acres), comprising a designed landscape of ornamental ponds, with a cast-iron foot bridge, an arboretum, and wooded policies. It is, however, now separated from the original stable-block and fine walled garden, while Stracathro Hospital remains to the southwest.


Use the tabs on the right of this page to see other parts of this entry arrow

If you have found this information useful please consider making
a donation to help maintain and improve this resource. More info...

By using our site you agree to accept cookies, which help us serve you better