Bonnington House, Category A listed building near Wilkieston, Edinburgh, Scotland
Bonnington House is a two-storey mansion built during the early 1600s with Scottish architectural features and rough-cast exterior walls, situated on a 100-acre estate with formal gardens and woodland. The property now operates as an art park featuring sculptures and installations alongside the historic structure.
Construction began in 1622 when the property served as a residence for Sir James Foulis, a senior Scottish judge, and later became the home of the Wilkie family of Ormiston. The house evolved through these ownership changes while maintaining its original architectural character.
The house sits within an art-focused estate where contemporary sculptures complement the traditional building, creating a dialogue between heritage and creative expression. Visitors experience how the historic structure serves as a backdrop for artistic exploration.
The estate now functions as a public art park where visitors can explore both the house and outdoor sculpture installations distributed across the grounds. Allow time for walking through gardens and woodland areas to experience the full scope of the property.
Archaeological digs uncovered original sandstone steps, foundation walls, and a 17th-century stone well beneath the surface, connected to the house through an elaborate lead piping system. These underground discoveries reveal how the property was engineered to manage water supply centuries ago.
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