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17th century Orkney Lairds House restored

January 14 2014

17th century Orkney Lairds House restored
Simpson & Brown are applying the finishing touches to the restoration of a B-listed 17th century Lairds house on the Island of Egilsay, Orkney.

Howan House presented the conservation specialists with one of their toughest challenges yet in bringing the derelict ruin back to life in one of remotest spots in the UK.

This work entailed rebuilding and rendering rubble walls alongside the sensitive restoration of remaining period features such as fireplaces, doors and mouldings.

Listed on the Buildings at Risk Register the property has been under renovation by its current owners for the past two years and will be returned to a family home next month.

Photography by Leslie Burgher

Period features have been lovingly restored
Period features have been lovingly restored
The Lairds Home dates from 1635
The Lairds Home dates from 1635

The manse was in parlous condition prior to its acquisition by the present owners in 2009
The manse was in parlous condition prior to its acquisition by the present owners in 2009
The property enjoys expansive views across the island
The property enjoys expansive views across the island

2 Comments

ANDREW White
#1 Posted by ANDREW White on 6 Dec 2022 at 17:56 PM
I visited this place with my son's god parent in the early 90's. We nearly bought the place.. £40,000. There were sheep li ing underneath the house and I remember the inscribed lintol there 1635 a rose and a crown and in latin which George read to me..with permission and love of the king a genius built this.
ross mcmanus
#2 Posted by ross mcmanus on 20 Apr 2024 at 14:42 PM
aye a fine lairds house remembered from when a wee lad when grandpa McManus worked on island

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