Prestonpans, Harlawhill House

NT37SE 30 38939 74633.

The quaint old mansion of Harlowhill stands in a walled garden at the east end of the village of Prestonpans. The existing building consists of an L-shaped house, of probably the early 17th century, with later additions to the N and E. The actual date of erection is not known, but Mr P McNeill in his volume on Prestonpans and vicinity states that the house was occupied by David Hamilton in 1596. According to a local slater, who made the discovery recently while effecting repairs, the date 1641 is clearly cut on the lead of the roof, and this date is not out of keeping with the style of building.

The main block of the old mansion lies E-W with the wing projecting southward. The walls are of rubble, roughcast and white-washed, and rise to two storeys and a garret in height. The windows, to which, as usual, some alterations have been made, have chamfered margins.

That window nearest the re-entrant angle has probably been the original entrance.

The house, which is still occupied, and in good repair, was formerly a possession of the family of Hamilton of Preston.

N Tranter 1935

Not of outstanding architectural interest. Name confirmed.

Visited by OS (RD) 4 January 1972

NT37SE 30.00 38940 74633

NT37SE 30.01 38927 74611 Stables, North Block

NT37SE 30.02 38929 74594 Stables, South Block

L-plan, with later 17th century tower to front. E wing and stables added late 18th century. Original house essentially 2-storey, 3-bay, E wing of similar proportions. Random rubble, raised margins, harled and gabled. S wing collapsed from mining subsidence 1968.

The extensions of the late 18th century were built for Fowler the brewer of Prestonpans. There is evidence that earlier window and door openings would be found under the current harling. As well as the collapsed S wing, the rest of the house is deteriorating but, is still inhabited (1996). (Historic Scotland)