Conservatory, Dalkeith Policies

The conservatory at Dalkeith Policies, designed by William Burn between 1832 and 1834, is a symmetrical dodecahedral structure featuring elaborate Jacobean detailing. It is situated on a raised dais above a heating chamber and constructed from ashlar stone. The bays are separated by engaged Roman Doric columns, each bay containing a large window and a door to the south that extends from the window. The windows are framed by moulded architraves with decorative modillion at the center. The base and lower parts of the columns, as well as the central chimney stack, are strapworked, and the capitals feature Jacobean motifs along with a Greek Doric entablature. At the parapet level, shaped strapworked motifs are present over the bays, and the columns were originally topped with spiked vases. The conservatory originally had a small-pane glazing pattern in its 3-light sash and case windows, which included 24 panes with 16-pane side-lights; however, the glazing is now missing, though some astragals remain, and the frames are largely intact.

Inside, the bays are divided by pilasters, with the lower parts strapworked. A modillioned frieze adorned with Jacobean motifs runs along the top, and there is an encircling stone shelf. The cast-iron trusses, designed in a geometric pattern, radiate from the central chimney and support the remains of the wooden frame for the glazed roof. Steps lead up to the terrace from the south, west, and east, with some newels from the former strapworked balustrade still remaining. The north wall below the terrace level features moulded panels, a door leading to the vaulted heating chamber, and flanking windows, all with bolection-moulded and shouldered architraves.