Lauderdale House, Victoria Street, Dunbar

Lauderdale House, located on Victoria Street in Dunbar, is a classical mansion originally built around 1740, with significant alterations made in 1792 by architects Robert and James Adam. The building features a U-plan layout with a central block that is three stories tall and includes a basement, flanked by substantial wings. The exterior is constructed of red sandstone with squared rubble on the south and west elevations, while the east side is rendered and the north front is finished in ashlar. The design includes ashlar dressings and projecting cill and band courses that define the ground and second floor levels, along with a 12-pane glazing pattern and a slate roof topped with ashlar stacks.

The north entrance front showcases a seven-bay central block with the three central bays advanced, creating a basement recess. It features a semi-circular portico with massive Ionic columns and a frieze of paterae, leading up to a balustrade with blank panels that continues over the portico and the recessed flanks. The entrance includes a semi-circular arched doorway with a decorative fanlight and panelled double doors. The flanking pavilions are boldly advanced and pedimented, each with an arched recess that encloses a tripartite window, with a 12-pane sash window above. A dentil cornice adds to the architectural detail.

On the south elevation facing High Street, the two-story, seven-bay center is set back, featuring three advanced central bays with an arched recess that encloses a window and a blind balustrade. This elevation also includes a fluted and paterae frieze, with a balustrade and parapet raised at the center, supporting a winged sphinx figure. The advanced, pedimented three-bays at the ends have ground floor windows in the west bays that are heightened.

The east elevation has been altered for military accommodation, featuring a hollow well behind a full-height archway at the center, which is bridged by balconies with iron railings.

Inside, little of the original features remain, but there is some dentilled plasterwork, a dado rail, and a classical timber fireplace in the hall. The stone stair is complemented by a cast-iron balustrade and a wooden rail.