Hopetoun House, Scotland
photos taken by my husband on his cell phone
A couple of weeks ago my DH went to Edinburgh, Scotland on a business trip. While there he attended a dinner at this amazing house. Can you believe I didn't go with him? It would have been a nice romantic getaway (and who doesn't need that after 22 years of marriage and living with a bunch of teens!). And I would have gotten to see this historic house - which happens to have a great story. When he called to tell me he was back here safely, one of the first things he told me was that he had a House of the Week for me. And he took pictures. Now that is true love! 
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Hopetoun House was designed by Sir William Bruce for Charles Hope, later the first Earl of Hopetoun. It was started in 1699 and was largely complete by 1707. William Adam was asked to enlarge the house in 1721. So this house had two of the most important architects of the 17th Century work on it - both were from Scotland. The East facade and the wings with colonnades are Adam's and the West garden facade is Bruce's. Adam died before the project was complete and his sons John, James and Robert completed the interiors. 
aerial view
East facade, by William Adam
West facade, by Sir William Bruce, image from the Hopetoun House website
One of the Colonnades by William Adam
East facade
West facade
Last four images from the Hopetoun House website.
Isn't it fascinating to see the work of two great architects on one building? The East and West facades each have an entirely different feel. Which do you prefer?
Click on any image to enlarge.
Monday, May 23, 2011
House of the Week
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