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Summary

Description

Remains of early 18th century Classical house,

attributed to James Smith, originally 3-storey, U-plan

opening to E, with round towers to corners of W

elevation. Less than half original design remains (S

half), as 2-storey house and 3-storey tower, with later

alterations and additions; vaulted ground floor.

Sandstone rubble, harl-pointed; ashlar dressings; base

course and moulded cornice.

2-STOREY BLOCK: original S wing extended sympathetically

to N at E end, possibly in 19th century. Small original

windows to vaulted ground floor, and several later and

altered windows to each elevation. 4 bays to S, irregular

fenestration; 2 bays to E (that to right in later

extension) with windows to each floor, left window at

ground floor considerably enlarged. E elevation with

projecting extension to outer left, windows to each

floor, and door on return elevation to W; flush panelled

door. lean-to bay at centre with window to each floor.

Advanced bays to outer right built-up from curtain wall

remains, and given flat-roof, rendered and lined with

modern window and further, secondary door. W elevation

with tower to outer right, and 2 closely grouped bays to

2-storey house to left; altered openings, blinded in bay

to left.

TOWER: round tower with rectangular stairblock adjoined.

Door at foot of stairblock. Later windows inserted to W

elevation; blinded arrow slits to stairblock to S.

Conical and piend roofs.

Small-pane glazing pattern to sash and case windows.

Grey slates to piend roofs; lead flashings. Rendered

stacks.

CURTAIN WALLS AND NW TOWER REMAINS: curtain wall remains

of W elevation to ground floor height, with openings

(some blocked); ashlar coped. Low portion of 2nd

tower retained to NW, converted as outbuilding with

flat-roof.

GARDEN WALLS: sandstone rubble walls with ashlar and

semi-circular coping, extending from S elevation to S.

Statement of Special Interest

Built as East Park House, currently also known as

Smeaton Home Farm. James Smith was working at Dalkeith

Palace for the Duke of Buccleuch from 1702, and it is

probably that he also designed the 'summer residence' in

the landscaped grounds. Tait records Boyse's description

of the Duke of Buccleuch's retreat from the Palace at

SW, to 'lovely Smeaton', where 'greatness wearied with

its rooms of state, Finds oft the secret charms of a

retreat'. Pococke, from a visit in 1760, revealed the

Duke's routine of sleeping at Smeaton while dining at

Dalkeith (where the market gardens were renowned). The

existence of a vaulted basement suggests that an earlier

building was incorporated in the early 18th century

design. The house is marked on the 1852 OS of

Edinburghshire as Smeaton Dairy. Smeaton House lodge and

gatepiers, and the cottages, stables and cartshed of

the Home Farm, are listed separately. John Adam is

reported to have visited the House to inspect for

necessary repairs in June 1752.

References

Bibliography

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