About the Estate
Circa 11th Century
Monastic Beginnings
The first recorded dwelling at Newhall is believed to have been an abbey or monastery established by Cistercian monks nearly 1,000 years ago, laying the foundation for its rich history.
Circa 11th Century
Circa 1290s
Circa 1290s
A Connection to William Wallace
Some sources suggest that William Wallace camped in the glen at Newhall following the Battle of Roslin, further intertwining the estate with Scotland’s storied past.
Early 1400s–1604
The Crichton Era
Newhall Estate was first formally recognized in the early 1400s under the ownership of Lawrence Crichton, following a Royal Charter. For 200 years, the Crichton family maintained the estate, which featured a tower-house, a chapel, and other stone extensions near the site of the present house. The ruins from this period, including remnants of an ice house, can still be seen today. The Crichton family sold Newhall in 1604.
Early 1400s–1604
1646
1646
Dr. Alexander Pennycuick
In 1646, Dr. Alexander Pennycuick, a surgeon, acquired Newhall. Later, in 1702, the estate was given as a dowry to one of his daughters upon her marriage to Mr. Oliphant of Lanton. However, due to debts, Oliphant sold the property to Sir David Forbes in 1703.
The Forbes Era
1703
Sir David Forbes, the second son of John Forbes of Culloden, purchased Newhall in 1703. A lawyer, Sir David and his wife, Catherine Clerk—sister to Sir John Clerk of Penicuik—ushered in significant changes. They built a new two-storey house on the site of the earlier castle, incorporating its vaulted first storey. This structure forms the core of the present house.
1703
1725
The Gentle Shepherd
1725
In 1725, Allan Ramsay’s celebrated pastoral play The Gentle Shepherd was published. This timeless piece of Scottish literature was set in the grounds of Newhall, with its picturesque glen and idyllic scenery serving as the perfect backdrop for Ramsay’s tale. The estate’s connection to this literary classic has further cemented its place in Scottish cultural history.
The Brown Legacy
1783–1925
In 1783, Thomas Dunmore, a Glasgow merchant, purchased Newhall for his grandson Robert Brown. Robert Brown undertook extensive developments that defined the estate’s landscape. In 1796, Brown built the walled garden, the steading, several cottages, and the granary. He expanded the estate to include Spittal and divided the farmlands into organized 100-acre sections, a practice that continued throughout the estate’s tenure with the Browns. Brown also built the village of Carlops as a cotton-weaving community and adopted the latest agricultural advancements of the time. Newhall remained with three generations of the Brown family. The last, Horatio Brown, passed away in 1925.
1783–1925
1852
Architectural Enhancements by David Bryce
1852
During the Brown family’s stewardship, renowned Scottish architect David Bryce added castellated features to the house in 1852, elevating its grandeur and historic significance.
The Maclagan Sisters
1946–1998
In 1946, the Misses Alison and Morag Maclagan took stewardship of the estate, preserving its charm until it was sold to the Kennedy family in 1998.
1946–1998
1998–Present
The Kennedy Family and a New Chapter
1998–Present
Sustainability
At Newhall Estate, our commitment to sustainability is woven into every aspect of our operations. We strive to balance modern comforts with eco-friendly practices, ensuring that our estate remains a haven of natural beauty and environmental responsibility.
From our energy-efficient systems and conservation efforts to our local flower-growing capabilities, we are dedicated to reducing our environmental footprint and promoting eco-friendly practices. Our goal is to preserve the estate’s natural beauty while offering a serene, sustainable experience for our visitors.
Pentland Flowers
In addition to our energy and conservation efforts, we are proud of our local flower-growing initiative.
We cultivate a diverse array of flowers on our estate, ensuring that fresh, seasonal blooms are available for our events. Our partnership with local farms follows the motto “Grown, Not Flown,” emphasizing our commitment to reducing the environmental impact of importing flowers. By sourcing and using flowers grown locally, we support sustainable practices and celebrate the beauty of regional flora.
Biomass Heating System
Our dedication to reducing our carbon footprint begins with our advanced biomass heating system. A state-of-the-art biomass boiler, powered by wood chips sourced from our own estate, provides the estate’s heating and hot water This renewable energy solution turns wood from our woodlands into clean energy, minimizing our environmental impact and maximizing the use of our natural resources.
Wind Turbine
We complement our biomass system with a wind turbine.. Harnessing the power of the wind, we produce clean, sustainable energy that reduces our reliance on non-renewable sources. This integration of wind energy helps us further our commitment to environmental stewardship and sustainability.
Woodland Conservation
Our sustainability efforts are bolstered by our extensive woodland conservation. Over the past 20 years, we have planted over 200 acres of woodland and conducted extensive woodland conservation. These actions have enhanced the natural landscape and supported local biodiversity. Our reforestation initiatives help to improve air quality, encourage diverse ecosystemts and provide a beautiful, natural setting for our estate.
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Photos by
- Itago Media
- Elliot Caunce Photography
- Tiger Chick
All rights reserved. 2024.
Company number:
SC377721