Hopetoun House, country house in Abercorn, West Lothian, Scotland, UK
Description
Hopetoun House is Scotland's largest country house, showcasing the work of two renowned architects: Sir William Bruce designed the original section completed around 1707, while William Adam later enlarged it with neoclassical refinements. The building features ornate details including a grand staircase and gilded mirrors, with formal rooms designed for entertaining guests.
History
The Hope family acquired the land in 1678, with Sir James Hope being the first to establish Hopetoun as his home after gaining wealth through marriage to a wealthy heiress whose family owned lead mines. Construction began around 1707 with Bruce's initial design and continued with Adam's expansions until 1767.
Culture
The house was the setting for significant royal moments, including King George IV's visit in 1822, when Sir Walter Scott suggested the idea of Highland dress for the monarch. The rooms retain their original decorative details that reflect the importance of this building as a place for social gatherings.
Practical
The house is located in West Lothian, best accessed via Queensferry along the Forth River, with ample parking available on-site. Maps of walking trails can be downloaded to explore the gardens and grounds at your own pace.
Did you know?
The 7th Earl of Hopetoun became the first Governor General of Australia, showing how this family's influence extended far beyond Scotland. A family museum inside documents these remarkable connections and the family's history across continents.
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide. Discover all places nearby (West Lothian).
Scotland serves as a natural setting for the series Outlander, with scenes taking place in real locations. Filming used castles, villages, and landscapes to tell the story of Claire and Jamie. From Linlithgow Palace, an old royal residence, to Falkland village which becomes Inverness in the series,...
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