Architecture Notes

Event ID 761590

Category Descriptive Accounts

Type Architecture Notes

Permalink http://canmore.org.uk/event/761590

ARCHITECT: William Flockhart 1893

Demolished c.July 1959 Work carried out by S D Adshead

Some features from Rosehaugh are inserted in Novar House-plaster ceiling, bookcases, etc

Robert Adam-design for Stewart MacKenzie?

Alexander Ross (I.A. 5 April 1872) Additions and alterations

REFERENCE: Mr MacArthur, 9 George Street, Avoch has a framed design for terrace gardens at Rosehaugh, laid out for Sir James J R Mackenzie. Signed 41 Queen Street, Edinburgh 19.12.1943 (C H J Smith, garden architect). Information from Miss A Riches (1984)

BIBLIOGRAPHIC REFERENCE: NMRS LIBRARY

Architectural History Vol 24 Adshead Autobiography, Ed by R Allan Paren.

(Undated) information in NMRS.

The site of Rosehaugh House including the terraces was recorded as part of the Threatened Buildings Survey programme prompted by the ongoing restoration of various buildings across the estate.

Sir Roderick Mackenzie of Scatwell built a house here in 1798. James Fletcher originally from Avoch bought the estate in 1864 having made a fortune in Liverpool. The existing house was much enlarged in 1872 by Alexander Ross which formed a relatively small part of the eventual house. Fletcher’s son James Douglas employed William Flockhart, a London Scot architect to carry out a complete remodelling and major extension in 1898-1903. This produced what The Builder magazine acclaimed as ‘grandeur in a fine composition, the design of which is based on what is best in the French Renaissance.’ The designs were exhibited at the Royal Academy in 1893 see DP 18258 and DP 18259. The house was the epitome of late Victorian grandeur and the sumptuous fittings have found homes in numerous houses across the Highlands. James Douglas employed 28 indoor servants along with 12 in the gardens and numerous others across the estate.

The house was demolished in 1959 but its fabulous scale and setting can be seen from the terrace on which it stood. Many of the estate buildings survive including lodges by Alexander Ross. There is an important group of estate buildings in a romantic art and crafts style which are attributed to William Flockhart and all dated c.1900. His other great Scottish House was Glen Tanar in Aberdeenshire which has also been lost save for the amazing ballroom.

RCAHMS STG 2011