House of Pitmuies

http://portal.historic-scotland.gov.uk/hes/web/f?p=PORTAL:DESIGNATIONS:0

Location and Setting

The House of Pitmuies is situated on the north-eastern edge of the Sidlaw Hills approximately 1 mile (2km) to the west of the village of Friockheim, and 7 miles (llkm) east of the town of Forfar. The A932 forms the northern boundary of the site, beyond which lie the policies of Guthrie Castle. The surrounding landscape is agricultural. From the A932, the landform slopes steeply away into a hollow then gradually descends down towards the Vinny Water which flows along the southern edge of the policies; a manmade tributary flows parallel to it. A minor road from the A932 crosses the hollow by means of a bridge and continues south along the eastern boundary. Views into the woodland garden in the north of the site can be gained from this bridge and the A932. Outward views are limited by the low- lying nature of the surrounding landscape.

The extent of the designed landscape remains the same today as that shown on the 1st edition OS map of 1868. The House of Pitmuies is situated within 40 acres (16ha) of designed landscape. Incorporated within the policies is a small loch which lies to the south of the west drive.

Landscape Components

Architectural Features

Pitmuies House, listed category B, is a three-storey mansion dating from 1730 which incorporates the earlier 17th century house behind. The wings and portico were added in the late 18th or early 19th century. An octagonal glasshouse on the south side has been added since 1966 to the design of Schomberg Scott. The Home Farm, listed category B, stands to the north of the house and also dates from c.1770. There are date stones of 1770, 1775 and 1820 as well as a weathervane inscribed 'I.M. 1773'. The Doocot, listed category B, incorporates in its north wall a stone with a carved coat of arms of the Ogilvy/Guthrie families and the date 1643. The Gothic features are thought to have been added in the early 19th century. The Wash-house, listed B, was built in the Gothic style in the early 19th century to the south of the walled garden and features on an estate map dated 1814. The walled garden, sundial, pillar, seat and gatepiers are listed category B and are thought to date from the early 19th century. The bridge carrying the road above the woodland garden was built by Mudie in 1819 and is listed category B. Further down this road, the bridge over the Vinny Water is listed category C(S). The west and east gates are both early 19th century and both listed category C(S). A stone cross slab bearing Pictish symbols stands in the wood to the north of the west drive; it is a Scheduled Monument and listed category B. A stone statue stands in the centre of the lily pool in the formal garden.

Parkland

There are two areas of parkland at Pitmuies, one lying to the west of the house and the other to the south of the Vinny Water. Oak trees line the southern boundary of the latter park which is grazed. The larger park to the west of the house is farmed. Reference to the 1st edition OS map of 1868 indicates that the park once swept nearer to the house than it does at present. The ha-ha wall which now separates the park from the lawn in front of the house was built in recent years from stone acquired after the demolition of Guthrie Station. Comparison of the 1st and 2nd edition OS maps shows that historically, the park was never well stocked with trees. The oldest trees, including sweet chestnut and copper beeches, are around 200 years old or more and are now incorporated within the front lawn. Within the park, some elm trees remain which have been affected by Dutch Elm disease. There is also a hornbeam walk. There is a lochan to the north of the park, formed since General Roy's plan of 1750, and a nature walk is proposed around the water features and their associated wetland habitats.

Woodland Garden

The woodland garden lies to the north of the house, on either side of the drives, and to the south of the house, along the banks of the Vinny Water. The area to the north of the house is beautiful open woodland, with predominantly beech trees which date from the 19th century. Other ornamental trees, including conifers, have been established around the loch. The low lying area by the east drive is being developed by Mrs Ogilvie with a range of plants including Magnolias, Eucryphias, species Rhododendron and Primulas. To the south of the house, a gate leads from the walled garden into the old bleaching ground adjacent to the wash-house, where numerous snowdrops and crocuses have been established forming a thick, colourful carpet in spring. A walk leads along the southern boundary through a mature beech and lime canopy of trees planted in the 19th century. At the west end, specimen trees such as Liriodendron tulipifera, Ginkgo biloba and a particularly fine Acer griseum have been planted in more recent years amid Victorian conifers (including one of the tallest Monkey puzzles in Scotland) and Rhododendrons. The Liriodrendron is thought to be one of the largest and most northerly known in Scotland.

The Gardens

The formal garden is situated adjacent to the south front of the house. Its outline is shown on the map of 1783 held at Pitmuies but the original design is unknown. The 1st edition OS map only shows three parallel paths running in an approximate north/south direction dividing the garden into three areas. The garden is still divided into three areas but in a different way now. It is enclosed on three sides by walls and on the west side by a yew hedge. This hedge forms a backdrop to blue, yellow and grey-coloured double herbaceous borders which consist of a variety of species but include many Delphiniums established by Major Crombie between 1919-45. A stone seat is situated at the south end of the borders, looking back towards the house.

Walled Garden

The Kitchen Garden lies to the east of the house and on the north side of the walled garden. It is well stocked with vegetables and fruit for the house and is also used for propagating material from the garden for replanting or sale. A new display greenhouse has been constructed and a new herb garden has just been planted out in a paved area next to the east wall.