Historic Mavisbank House Opens Its Doors as Future Restoration Moves a Step Closer
Mavisbank House will welcome visitors as part of this year's Midlothian Doors Open Days programme, as plans to secure the long-term future of one of Scotland's most important historic buildings take a significant step forward.
Rare insight into its history
The architecturally renowned house in Loanhead is among 16 venues taking part in Midlothian Doors Open Days on Saturday 12 September and Sunday 13 September, giving members of the public a rare opportunity to learn more about its remarkable history and future restoration.
Compulsory Purchase Order
The event comes as Midlothian Council formally begins legal proceedings to use its compulsory purchase powers to help secure ownership of the Category A Listed building and enable its restoration by The Landmark Trust.
Viable funding in place
In May 2024, The Landmark Trust, the charity that rescues historic buildings at risk, secured £5.3 million from the National Heritage Memorial Fund to restore Mavisbank House. With a viable funding package now in place, the council has signed a legal agreement to support the compulsory purchase process at no cost to the council.
Helping secure its future
Cabinet Member for Economic Development, Councillor Colin Cassidy, said: "Using our compulsory purchase powers will be key in securing a long-term future for this important building.
Ownership will be transferred
"Legal guarantees are in place to ensure that ownership of Mavisbank House is immediately transferred from the council to The Landmark Trust following any compulsory purchase process."
First Palladian villa
Designed by Sir John Clerk in 1722-23, Mavisbank House is recognised as one of Scotland's earliest neo-classical houses and the country's first Palladian villa. The building, located between Loanhead and Lasswade, was severely damaged by fire in 1973 but remains a nationally significant architectural landmark. The designed landscape, which surrounds Mavisbank House, is also of huge historical and cultural significance, and is owned and protected by Historic Environment Scotland (HES). The Mavisbank Trust have been campaigning to restore the house and grounds for twenty-five years.
Move welcomed
Sarah Barron, the Chair of the Mavisbank Trust said: ‘’We are delighted that the compulsory purchase of the house is finally going ahead, after so long. This will allow us to work alongside The Landmark Trust, HES and Midlothian Council to preserve and enhance the grounds of Mavisbank to create a distinctive open space, re-establishing the house with its original designed landscape. We hope to organise a number of voluntary community projects, to restore the landscape fabric and improve public access and interpretation.’’
Free access to historic buildings
Doors Open Days, coordinated nationally by the Scottish Civic Trust as part of European Heritage Days, offers free access to historic buildings, heritage sites and special events across Scotland throughout September.
16 venues
Across Midlothian, visitors can explore a diverse programme of 16 participating venues, enjoying behind-the-scenes access, guided tours and opportunities to discover the area's rich built and cultural heritage.
Lots on offer
Among the buildings taking part this year are Penicuik Papermaking Heritage Museum and Dalkeith Fire Station.
- For the full Midlothian Doors Open Days programme and booking information.
- More information on Mavisbank House and its restoration can be found on The Landmark Trust website and also on The Mavisbank Trust website