7th June 2025, 2.30 pm
Society visit
In the 20th century the house became ruinous but was lovingly restored as their home in the 1990’s by Alan and Fidelity Dean. Our visit is by their kind invitation.
Balgone House history
Balgone House has the appearance of an 18th Century house with quadrant walls linking it, in the Palladian manner, to two service pavilions; but the house has a very complex early history, much of which was only revealed during the major restoration project carried out by the present owners. It may have started as an L plan tower house which was enlarged and extensively altered in the 18th Century, but there is convincing evidence that most of the present house predates the 18th Century remodelling and that the early house had many of the features of a courtyard house.
The house was greatly enlarged in the 19th Century but it was abandoned in the 1950’s, left to decay and used as a source of building material for the estate. The aim of the restoration project was to remove the 19th Century additions which were in a very bad state, riddled with dry rot. This revealed the old house, virtually intact, with many early features surviving. Of particular interest is a large fireplace of characteristic 15th Century appearance which had been hidden behind lath and plaster. The garden, too, had been abandoned and was completely overgrown but contains a number of fine trees. A new garden has been designed round them, mainly lawns, hedges and shrubs; a small orchard in the 18th Century walled garden, and a new walled garden on the south side of the house.
Visit plan
Balgone House is about 2 miles south east of North Berwick, reached by minor roads south of the A198 or alternatively from Haddington, about 8 miles, take the A199, B1347 and B1377 and then onto minor roads. Also access from East Linton by initially taking the B1377 north, about 4 miles. Grid Reference NT 56651 82366. “What3words” inventors.tuxedos.coughed. Full directions will be sent to confirmed attendees.
There will be two groups of 12. One group will have a tour of the house, with the other group viewing the extensive policies, and then vice versa. This visit will end with a chat over a cup of tea.
Request to consider donations to Leuchie House
There will be no charge for the visit to Balgone House, but attendees are asked to consider a cash donation towards the North Berwick charity Leuchie House.
Places will understandably be limited so please register your interest by contacting Elaine Whewell at info@eastlothianantiquarians.org.uk
Scottish Charitable Incorporated Organisation No: SC0052295