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Gilmerton House: A Georgian Mansion With 13 Generations of History

Gilmerton House stands as a Georgian mansion in East Lothian that has belonged to the Kinloch family since 1655. Located near North Berwick, this exclusive-use estate offers 10 bedrooms, 6 reception rooms, and 1,000 acres of grounds. You can book it for weddings, corporate events, golf retreats, or private stays.

The house you see dates from the mid-18th century, with extensions added in 1828 by architect William Burn. The property combines period features like rococo ceilings and wood paneling with modern amenities, including a biomass heating system installed in the 1980s.

The Kinloch Family Legacy Spans Four Centuries

Sir Francis Kinloch purchased the Gilmerton estate in 1655 when he was a merchant in Edinburgh. He later became Lord Provost of the city and earned his baronetcy in 1686. His family has maintained ownership through 13 generations.

The estate first appeared on historical maps in the 1630s as Gilmertoun. By 1682, Adair’s map showed it as a large house within a walled enclosure. Each generation made its mark on the property, creating the mansion you can visit today.

Sir David Kinloch, the current 13th baronet, took over in 1980. He found the house cold and burning 600 gallons of diesel monthly. His first major project was installing an environmentally friendly biomass boiler system. Following renovations and interior updates, the house opened for exclusive-use bookings in 1988.

A Murder That Shocked Scotland

On April 16, 1795, Sir Archibald Kinloch shot his brother, Sir Francis, on the main staircase. Sir Francis died 44 hours later but refused to blame his troubled brother during his final moments.

The trial took place on June 29, 1795, at the High Court in Edinburgh. Sir Archibald was found insane at the time of the crime and spent his remaining years in prison or under house arrest. He died in 1800, and his younger brother Sir Alexander became the 8th baronet.

The court proceedings were published immediately, creating a detailed record of life at Gilmerton House in the 18th century. These documents describe the room layouts, daily routines, and the tragic events that unfolded that night.

What You Get When You Book

The main house sleeps 20 guests across 10 en-suite bedrooms. Each room features period details mixed with modern bathrooms and Farrow & Ball paint schemes. A separate three-bedroom lodge accommodates six additional guests.

Six reception rooms give you space for different activities. The oak-lined dining room displays an exquisite rococo ceiling and an open fireplace. Family portraits and antique books line the walls. Two drawing rooms, a billiards room, and a snug provide comfortable gathering spaces.

The estate covers 1,000 acres with 100 acres of mixed woodland. You can use the 200-yard par 3 driving range, woodland walking trails, or enjoy various garden games. The grounds include a six-acre garden with oak trees, a stone bridge, and a Rose Garden.

A walled garden from the 1730s now houses Growing Matters, a local charity working to restore the kitchen garden. After World War II, the garden shifted from vegetables to flowers for the family.

Perfect Base for Golf Enthusiasts

East Lothian earned its reputation as Scotland’s Golf Coast for good reason. Muirfield, North Berwick, The Renaissance Club, and Gullane all sit within easy reach. St Andrews, the home of golf, requires only a short trip.

Gilmerton House works with leading golf travel companies to arrange tee times and packages. The property can also organize tours with local chefs, whisky distilleries, and wine merchants to complete your golf retreat.

The on-site par 3 driving range lets you practice between rounds. You can return to roaring log fires and comfortable reception rooms after a day on the links.

Weddings at a Historic Estate

The house offers blank canvas potential for your wedding day. You can hold ceremonies in the reception rooms, on the grounds, or at nearby churches in Aberlady or Athelstaneford.

Gilmerton House provides a curated list of local suppliers, including caterers, stylists, florists, photographers, and musicians. The team helps you tailor everything to match your vision. The property accommodates grand celebrations and intimate ceremonies equally well.

Jimmy Choo and David Beckham have hosted events here. The Georgian architecture and period interiors create a distinguished backdrop for photographs. Your wedding party can stay on-site, treating the house like your own home for the duration.

Corporate Events and Private Hire

The property grants exclusive use for the entire booking period. Six distinctive reception rooms can be adapted for product launches, corporate retreats, team-building activities, or creative projects.

A staff member stays on-site in a separate annex to assist guests. You can arrange full catering or use the equipped kitchen yourself. The location sits close to Edinburgh but feels completely private and secluded.

The house works for filming and photography projects. Production companies have used the Georgian interiors and extensive grounds for shoots ranging from single days to long-term productions.

Location and Accessibility

Gilmerton House sits near Athelstaneford, about 3.5 miles east and north of Haddington. The property lies on Edinburgh’s doorstep while remaining within reach of North Berwick’s coastline.

During World War I, the Admiralty established a base at nearby East Fortune, now home to the National Museum of Flight. The improved village of Athelstaneford features a church from the 1780s, complete with a National Flag Heritage Centre in the restored dovecot.

The parish church holds a Kinloch family burial enclosure with walls from the original 12th-century building. The churchyard displays carved burial markers dating from 1700 or earlier.

Sustainable Estate Management

The biomass boiler system installed in 1980 represents the property’s commitment to environmental responsibility. This change transformed the house from cold and unwelcoming to warm and comfortable while reducing fuel consumption dramatically.

The estate maintains its grounds and gardens meticulously. The walled garden’s partnership with Growing Matters creates a space where people and plants can flourish together. This approach balances historical preservation with modern sustainability practices.

Architectural Features Worth Noting

The main facade displays an elaborately carved triangular pediment over the entrance. The family coat of arms appears in this pediment, possibly added after the original construction.

Inside, you’ll find a grained ceiling in the staircase hall with a lamp chain suspended from eagle’s talons. The music room showcases rare wood paneling retained in its original grandeur. These features blend seamlessly with contemporary updates throughout the house.

William Burn’s 1828 extensions added to the mid-18th-century core. The house may incorporate even older work from previous structures on the site. A brick beehive doocot once stood on the property but was demolished after storm damage in the 1950s.

Final Thoughts

Gilmerton House delivers a rare combination of historical significance and modern comfort. The Kinloch family’s continuous ownership since 1655 created layers of history you can experience during your stay.

Whether you choose it for a wedding venue, golf retreat, corporate event, or private holiday, the estate provides exclusive use and complete privacy. The blend of Georgian architecture, period interiors, and contemporary amenities makes it suitable for various occasions.

The property’s proximity to Edinburgh, North Berwick’s coastline, and world-class golf courses adds practical value to its historical appeal. Contact the estate directly to discuss availability and create a customized experience for your group.

FAQs

How many guests can Gilmerton House accommodate?

The main house sleeps 20 guests in 10 en-suite bedrooms. An additional three-bedroom lodge can accommodate six more guests, bringing the total capacity to 26.

Is Gilmerton House available for day events?

Yes, the property accepts bookings for weddings, corporate events, filming, and photography shoots. You can arrange day use or multi-day stays with accommodation.

What golf courses are nearby?

Muirfield, North Berwick, The Renaissance Club, and Gullane are all within easy reach. The estate works with golf travel companies to arrange tee times and packages.

Can I self-cater at Gilmerton House?

The house has a fully stocked kitchen you can use. Full catering services are also available on request for an additional fee.

How far is Gilmerton House from Edinburgh?

The estate sits approximately 20 miles east of Edinburgh, making it easily accessible while providing a rural, secluded setting.