Rosebery House
Date 18 June 2008
Event ID 909441
Category Management
Type Site Management
Permalink http://canmore.org.uk/event/909441
3-storey and attic (2-storeys to N) L-plan town house; 19th century ashlar single storey Gothic detailed former doctor's surgery adjoining to NW corner. Rendered; painted margins; some stone cills to house. 16th century block (parallel to King Street): vaulted ground floor with Gothic arched openings (forming 1st phase of construction); pilastered doorpiece; lean-to roof. 1705-1711, W wing (parallel to Port Street): part vaulted ground floor; crowstepped gable to S and part to N; cat-slide dormers to SW.
Possibly the earliest surviving house in the burgh, the vaulted rooms indicate a date no later than the early 16th century. Stephen speculates that the early core of the house could possibly indicate a 15th century date. The first form of the house consisted of an oblong block parallel to King Street, with an adjoining pend that gave access to a court to the rear. The unusual lean-to roof is locally known as a 'toofall´ and would also have been seen at Thomson´s House prior to the addition of a 3rd storey. The house was partially rebuilt during the 17th century and was extended to the W between 1705 and 1711 when it was owned by the Earl of Rosebery. The house was sold by Rosebery to John Dundas and Beatrice Ferguson in 1711. A garden house (demolished in the 2nd half of the 20th century) was formerly located at the end of the garden and bore the inscribed lintel identifying Dundas and Ferguson. 18th century alterations provided classical features such as the Doric doorpiece and stone spiral stair to the E. (Historic Scotland)
