Architecture The house was built 1699–1701 and designed by
Sir William Bruce with Bruce's master mason
Tobias Bauchop in charge of the construction and working drawings (aided by his apprentice
Alexander Edward). The house was then hugely extended from 1721 by
William Adam until his death in 1748, being one of his most notable projects. The interior was completed by his sons
John Adam and
Robert Adam. The magnificent entrance hall dates from 1752. The Hope family acquired the land in the 17th century and operated
lead mines.
Charles Hope, the first occupant, was only 16 years old when his mother, Lady Margaret Hope, signed the contract for building with William Bruce, on 28 September 1698. The master mason was Tobias Bachope of
Alloa. The plumber and glazier was John Forster of Berwick. The house was the site of the departure of
King George IV on 29 August 1822 after his Scottish visit and the knighthood of
Captain Adam Ferguson and
Henry Raeburn.
Grounds The
English garden style landscape park in which it lies were laid out in 1725, also by William Adam. The east front centres on the distant isle of
Inchgarvie and
North Berwick Law. The walled garden dates from the late 18th century. In the grounds an 18th-century mound was excavated in 1963 to reveal the remains of the earlier manor house,
Abercorn Castle, dating from the 15th century. ==Access==