Here is a valuable journey through the history and styles of the Scottish country house. It is a journey that reports and reflects on the changing and varied architectural tastes of generations of houses. At the same time it gives insight into the lifestyles of their owners and occupiers, and also to the many varied social, cultural, literary and economic forces that shaped the building and design requirements of architects and patrons through the years.
In its country houses Scotland has a unique architectural and rich cultural heritage. From the first recognisable country mansion built by John Leslie, 7th Earl and 1st Duke of Rothes, at Leslie House, in Fife, by Sir William Bruce and John Mylne, through the works of William and Robert Adam, to the Baronial Gothic of William Burn and David Bryce, and eventually to the swansong and twilight years of the country house evidenced in the designs of Sir Robert Lorimer, the nation has a record writ large in stone second to no other region or country. It has a history worth both celebrating and recording; it is one worth display and preservation.
The book considers the casualties and destruction of country houses that have occurred in Scotland since the Second World War with, paradoxically, many country homes being abandoned and demolished during the years when they were thought to be safely protected by legislation. It finally looks forward to the future to question what is the potential of the survivng buildings.
Educated at the University of St Andrews John Connachan-Holmes fulfilled and early ambition to study Art History, reading a comprehensive series of Honours options and specialising in British Landscapes and Architecture from 1720 to 1920.
Graduating in 1988 John continued his studies through research into Victorian Architecture. In 1990 he married a fellow St Andrews graduate, before settling in the historic Fife village of Ceres.
Currently employed with a major international financial corporation John continues his interest in Art History and Architectural History through active research and work for the National Trust for Scotland.
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