This Palladian villa was built in 1758 by Patrick Home:
Before the union between Scotland and England in 1707 this was a hotly contested border area, and only fortified buildings survive from earlier times. Patrick’s grandfather and uncle took part in the Jacobite uprising of 1715, and earlier generations of the family had been major players during centuries of border conflict.
Visitors had been less that welcome in the troubled times, but peace and prosperity in the new United Kingdom made it possible to construct this architectural gem just 250 meters from the border. Paxton stands as a fine example of the design and craftsmanship of Adam and Chippendale, and it tells the story of the social and environmental history of the last two hundred years. *
*From the Foreword in the Paxton House guidebook by John Home Robertson.
Your Northumbrian houses are certainly little gems. I caught the end of a programme about Cragside on BBC recently and was please to recognise its existence thanks to this blog.
Thanks Claire, I am glad my posts gave added interest to the program for you
Another fine house. And another I have never visited myself. I must travel more widely in England.. and Scotland
There a so many fine gems in England, Scotland and Wales. I haven’t done much in Wales recently, I really must remedy that…
It’s a bit solemn and austere. It certainly looks solid. I like the water pond very much.
Inside, quite a lot of the rooms were light and airy
Another unknown hidden gem to the national tourist. I had reason to visit here about 15 years ago with others to visit the grounds only … for recreational purposes. I promised myself to return to the visit the house but my intentions have long been forgotten. I agree with one of your commenters that it does look austere but with designer names like that, it must be good on the inside.
The inside of the house is well worth a visit. The rooms are varied and the history is interesting.