Wardhouse

Wardhouse is a symmetrical Palladian mansion built in 1757, with a possible subsequent date of 17(?). The main block is two storeys high with a full basement, and is constructed of slate-coloured ashlar with rusticated Venetian windows to the piano nobile, featuring two windows and an oval panel above, with two windows either side. The lower part of the front is of squared rubble with slate-coloured dressings. A plain canted bay extends from the back. Quoins mark the corners. Single-storey quadrant links extend to a square, incorporating a two-window façade and a central doorway. The two-storey wings each have two windows by two windows. There are substantial additions in the same style to the east wing. The house was gutted around 1953, and little of the original interior decoration remains. A wooden main staircase is located in the front hall, rising through both storeys. The drawing room is said to have good plasterwork; the remainder of the interior is plain. The house is linked to the name “Arthur's Seat,” which refers to a verse by John Hardyng relating to King Arthur's court at Dunnideer. The property was originally owned by David Gordon, a merchant in Cadiz, and later by Arthur Gordon of Wardhouse. Further information, including photographs of the house, policies, and family history, can be found in the J.M. Bulloch Gordon mss. at King’s College Library.