See where Scotland’s 18th century Bridgerton aristocracy lived

The house played host to the most important figures of the Scottish Enlightenment and its thousands of volumes of books, which at the time constituted the largest private library in Europe, are now in the care of the National Library of Scotland.

At first glance, the surrounding estate offers less of a glimpse into the lives of Scotland’s 18th century aristocracy, but beneath the fallen leaves and rough grass lie the bones of one of the finest gardens ever created in Scotland.

Since it was taken into the care of the National Trust for Scotland in 1997, Newhailes has become a treasure trove for garden historians who have explored every inch of the 80 acre site, revealing the elaborate features and grand designs that once flourished here.

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The house itself dates from 1686 and the garden was developed some years later by renowned designer John Hay. Under his instruction, elaborate cascades were constructed, lily ponds were excavated and a  ha-ha was built to separate the parkland from the surrounding countryside.

Today, thanks to that ha-ha, which has recently been restored, there are still expansive views from the gardens over East Lothian.

One unique feature of Newhailes is the ‘ladies walk’, an elevated pathway where the ladies of the household could stroll untroubled by the sight of gardeners at work, while investigations into a ruined shell grotto have revealed that its walls were once studded with jewels, mirror and shells collected from the nearby shoreline.

This grotto would once have been used to host elaborate dinner parties for members of the household and while today there is little to show of its once splendid interior it remains one of the best-preserved examples of its kind in the country.

The Courtyard Stables at historic Newhailes House (Image: Newsquest)

Today Newhailes’ heritage greenhouses have been restored and the estate is criss-crossed by trails allowing visitors to explore its wooded policies that are home to the first evergreen oaks to have been planted in Scotland. These woods are home to more than 60 species of birds, including Barn owls and woodpeckers.

Barley is raised on the wider estate and the field margins are left uncut in order to promote the growth of wild flowers which in turn supports a small apiary in the gardens.

Part of Newhailes’ stable block has been converted into a café and a workshop for resident potter, Anna of A. M Ceramics, who makes jugs and bowls using traditional methods.

Within the grounds visitors can also find Weehailes, an adventure playground inspired by the story of Newhailes and the role it played in Scotland’s cultural awakening.

Details:

Newhailes is located on the A6095 at Musselburgh. and is open daily, dawn to dusk, entrance to the grounds is free of charge.

Tel: 0131 653 5599

www.nts.org.uk

In association with www.discoverscottishgardens.org