Cockpen
Midlothian
Scotland
Circa Date: 1450 w/circa 1633, 18th & 19th century additions and alterations
Status: Fully Extant
House Open to Public: By Appointment
Country House: Yes
House & Family History: Dalhousie was built by the Ramsays of Dalhouse. The family had a barony from 1150 and started construction of a tower (of a local pink sandstone) circa 1450. William Ramsay, 1st Earl of Dalhousie, built out to the curtain wallfrom the tower in 1633. In the early 19th century the 1st Earl's range was heightened by one story. The majority of the later additions, also of the same pink sandstone, are contained within the curtain wall of the tower. William Burn, circa 1825, did major work on the interiors. There are vaulted cellars, probably of the 17th century, and a vaulted prison. Sir Walter Scott and Queen Victoria are among the guests who have stayed at Dalhousie. Since the turn of 20th century, the earls of Dalhousie have resided at Brechin Castle. Dalhousie was a private boarding school, before being renovated as a hotel in 1972.
Architect: William Burn
Date: 1825
Title: Debrett's Peerage and Baronetage, 1990
Author: Kidd, Charles; Williamson, David (Editors)
Year Published: 1990
Reference: pg. P 321
Publisher: London: Debrett's Peerage Limited (New York: St. Martin's Press, Inc.)
ISBN: 0312046405
Book Type: Hardback
Title: Buildings of Scotland: Lothian Except Edinburgh, The
Author: McWilliam, Colin
Year Published: 1980
Publisher: London: Penguin Books
ISBN: 0140710663
Book Type: Hardback
House Listed: Category A
Park Listed: Not Listed
Past Seat / Home of: William Ramsay, 1st Earl of Dalhousie, 17th century; General George Ramsay, 9th Earl of Dalhousie, 19th century.
Current Ownership Type: Corporation
Primary Current Ownership Use: Hotel
House Open to Public: By Appointment
Phone: 01875-820-153
Fax: 01875-821-936
Email: [email protected]
Website: http://www.dalhousiecastle.co.uk
Historic Houses Member: No