Imagine an avenue of oak trees. It leads you up Lennie Hill to Craigiehall Temple. This temple offers wide views of the estate.
Craigiehall Temple stands as a testament to history. It whispers tales of art, ambition, and adaptation. Once a grand structure, it has seen dramatic changes.
Charles Hope-Weir built Craigiehall Temple in 1759. He wanted a noble prospect of his estate. The temple also housed his Italian art collection. Hope-Weir’s Grand Tour inspired him. He sought to create a classical-style landscape.
Originally, Craigiehall Temple was a two-story circular building. A stair tower stood at the rear. The front boasted a pedimented portico. The portico featured the arms of the 1st Marquess of Annandale. This predates the temple itself.
Some believe the portico was once part of the house’s forecourt gate. Alexander McGill may have crafted it. The Earl of Mar possibly designed it. A Latin inscription graced the temple. It translated to “live happy while you can among joyful things”.
Sadly, vandals burned Craigiehall Temple in the early 1970s. In 1977, the upper story was removed. This was due to concerns about aviation hazards. Edinburgh Airport’s new runway posed a threat.
Today, only the lower story remains. It has been renovated. It now forms part of a private house. The ground floor hallway leads to a large extension. The modern home includes five bedrooms. It also has four bathrooms and three reception rooms.
Despite its transformation, the lower story retains details. The Coat of Arms of William, 2nd Earl of Annandale, is still visible. His wife, Sophia Countess of Annandale, is also represented. This emblem sits above a pillared entrance portico.
The temple’s location has a rich history. A cist cover was found at Craigie Hill. It dates back to 1826. The cover stone now serves as part of a garden seat near the temple.
Craigiehall Temple connects to Craigiehall House. Sir William Bruce designed the house. He was influenced by James Smith. The Earl of Annandale commissioned the project. Bruce promised a “convenient little house, gardings and courts”.
Craigiehall’s landscape evolved over time. Bruce’s formal scheme survived. Later, a pleasure walk was added along the River Almond. These grounds became celebrated for their scenic qualities.
During the Second World War, the War Office requisitioned Craigiehall. It served as a military headquarters. Later, the Army purchased the estate. The signing of the German forces’ surrender in Norway occurred here in 1945.
Craigiehall Temple stands as a reminder of the past. It connects to events big and small. From artistic vision to military history, it’s a unique landmark. Even with its missing story, the Craigiehall Temple still inspires.