The Stables, Penicuik House

Molly and I met up with some friends for a walk in the grounds of Penicuik House. The original house was built between 1761 and 1769 for the Clerk family. It was designed by Sir James Clerk, 3rd Baronet of Penicuik in collaboration with John Baxter the Elder. Some parts were added at a later date and it is considered to be a fine example of Palladian architecture.
In 1899 a fire took hold in the roof space which completely destroyed the interior of the building. Because of problems with insurance, there were insufficient funds to cover the cost of restoring it  and so the family converted the stable block as their residence. 
The main house lay derelict for nigh on 100 years. In the early 1980s it was at risk of being completely demolished because of its dangerous state. The Penicuik House Trust was established to preserve the building and maintain the estate.
The Clerk family still live in the stable block and the extensive grounds are open to the public.