Edinburgh, Barnton Avenue West, Barnton House

NT17NE 16.00 1884 7580

NT17NE 16.01 188 758 Garden; Sundial

NT17NE 16.03 18504 75558 Lodge

NT17NE 16.04 19882 75061 Walls to former Policies

See also NS78NE 8.

(NT 1884 7580) Cramond Regis (NR) (Site of)

OS 6" map (1938)

Barnton House: A large mansion house, built in a castellated style, not exceeding three storeys in height. It has two towers, one on the S, and the other on the E side. It first became the seat of Lord Balmerino in 1623 (MacGibbon and Ross state it was built by him in that year). Part of that building still remains, and considerable additions were made in 1683 by Sir Robert Milne. According to some ancient charters, this was the hunting seat of the kings of Scotland, at which time it was called "Cramond Regis".

Name Book 1850; D MacGibbon and T Ross 1892

Site now occupied by the garden of a modern house; no remains visible.

Visited by OS (JLD) 2 December 1953

Two sundials and a number of carved stones, all apparently of 17th century date, which are said to have come from Barnton House, are preserved in the grounds of Sauchieburn House (see NS78NE 8).

RCAHMS 1963, visited 1957.

This Barnton House is really Cramond Regis, the first Barnton demolished c.1800.

ARCHITECTS: Robert Adam. Design for a new house. Design for adds to L plan house.

David Hamilton addition to original house.

Demolished c.1920. Information from Demolitions catalogue held in RCAHMS library.

NMRS REFERENCE:

See Wood's Crammond 1794

' Very large additions and considerable alterations are now making to this house, which is destined for the residence of George Ramsay Esq, Banker in Edinburgh, eldest son of William Ramsay of Barntoun.'

Demolished c.1800

In 1718 Earl of Rutherglen proprietor of Barnton aquires Kings Cramond.

Both estates purchased by William Ramsay later 18thC.

Kings Cramond altered by R Adam to form seat for his son George after which Barnton House was demolished leaving Kings Cramond as Barnton House on the combined estate.

REFERENCE:

National Archives of Scotland:

Wright work at Barnton House.

The kirk session in its report on Cramond Kirk notes that William Whittet, Wright, has been employed at making improvements at Barnton House.

1818 GD150/3202/19

Barnton accounts.

Cashbook in which are noted sums paid to tradesmen.

The payments are for repair work and upkeep of Barnton House, Bonnyfield Lodge, Drylaw House and Gogar House.

New stables are built at Barnton and cottages at West Pilton.

1840-46 GD 193/999

Sauchie and Bannockburn Estates.

Report on the condition of all buildings on these estates.

Additional notes on expenditure on improvements.

1898-1900 GD 193/Box 35/Bundle 1

Estimate

1. Making the West Approach.

2. Reclamation of 2 acres of ground.

3. Removing the ruinous houses of the village of King's Cramond.

4. Planting and fencing a belt of six acres along Queensferry Road.

5. On advice of Mr Burn, the chimneys are to be raised.

6. Completion of the Ice House.

Total cost amounts to 620 pounds. Details for Mr George Ramsay.

1811 GD 193/785

Notice of sale of Barnton Mansionhouse.

The house is described as large and handsome with offices that include a Riding School, Hay loft, Byre and 4 cottages.

The Garden contains Conservatory and extensive Vineries.

1875 GD 193/900

Barnton House.

Outline lay-out of the mansionhouse on a plan of the ground to be feued to Cargilfield School.

1897 GD 193/Box 35/Bundle 1

West approach to Barnton House.

The work has been completed at a cost of 301.13.6 1/2.

Complaint that insufficient earth has been removed on the North and the East to give a view of the park from the dining room. This will require a further outlay of 100 pounds to put right.

1811 GD 193/785

Barnton House.

History of the Mansionhouse.

Principal part built 1681 by Sir Robert Milne.

At the N.W. corner is part of the mansion built by Lord Balmerino with the date 1623 on one of the windows. Adjacent to this and on the North is a chapel built in 1770 by Lord and Lady Glenorchy.

The paper is submitted for revision by (John Small) Librarian of Edinburgh University.

1881 GD 193/Box 59/Bundle 4

Proposed report on the condition of Barnton House.

Letter from Charles Reid, Architect, concerning arrangement for the necessary inspection.

1883 GD 193/Box 16/File 2

Advertisement of sale of Barnton House.

It gives particulars of the mansion house, outbuildings, cottages and gardens.

Asking price is 102,000 pounds.

1881 GD 193/Box 16/File 2

Contents of previously locked room at Barnton House.

Letter from Col. Murray, by which he makes secret arrangements to gain access.

Memo, listing contents found.

1885 GD 193/Box 16/File 2

The condition from John McIntosh, forester, that the chimneys at Barnton House are choked up with daws' nests because there have been no fires for a dozen years. In addition the glass 'copely' above the lobby is leaking.

1881 GD 193/Box 16/File 2

Bundle 1. Plans:

Sauchie Estate. 1800. Large.

Kings Cramond. 'Very old'.

Barnton and Cramond. 1768.

East and West Pilton.

Memo.

1885 GD 193/Box 16/File2

Bundle 2. Plans:

Sauchie and Bannockburn 'Old plans'. 'Generally small'.

Bundle 3. Plans:

Old Barnton. 'Interesting but of no use'.

Memo

1885 GD 193/Box 16/File2

Demolition of Barnton Clock Tower.

1. Letter to Sir James Maitland from Charles S. Murray. It accompanied a sketch by Mr Buchanan and an estimate for repairs.

2. Note from Sir James Maitland. He wishes the tower demolished and the clock stored at Sauchie.

3. Letters from John Buchanan. He accepts Mr Wilkie's offer to take down the tower. Stones are to be kept. Mr Ritchie, clockmaker is to advise about clock.

1886 GD 193/Box 16/File 2

Proposed demolition of Barnton House.

Letters concerning unsuccessful attempts to rent the house.

In 1908 lead had been stolen from the roof and by 1920 the house is so dilapidated that Arthur Steel-Maitland suggests that it should be demolished although he wishes to reserve and fireplaces, doors and panelling of real worth.

1907-20 GD 193/Box 22/File 6