Gosford House

[9] During World War II, the British Army occupied the house, during which time part of the centre block was damaged by fire resulting from a party.

It was re-roofed in 1987, and restoration of the central block is an ongoing process, which was progressed by Shelagh, Dowager Countess of Wemyss and March.

The ponds in the policies were restored by James Charteris, 13th Earl of Wemyss who took over the family estate and title in December 2008 when his father died.

[11] A February 1971 report provided this summary of the House at the time: Classical double pile mansion, 2-storey with basement.

Polished yellow ashlar with base course, channelled basement, impost course, full entablature with moulded cornice, blocking course with balustraded sections and decorative urns.

It was completed in 1891 by William Young for the tenth Earl of Wemyss and rises to a height of three storeys, with a magnificent double staircase leading to a surrounding picture gallery.

The elaborate fireplace, alabaster colonnades and ornate plasterwork reflect the strong Italianate taste of the tenth Earl, while the Palladian screen of Venetian windows are reminiscent of Adam’s original designs.The 13th Earl has authorized conservation work, partly to repair damage caused while the property was used by the Army.