Hopetoun House, Edinburgh

The warm season is the perfect time to go out for a walk, get some fresh air and enjoy nature which comes to life after a few cold months of winter. This is exactly what I think whilst sitting at my workplace.

Well, the decision is made quickly this time – I decide to go to Hopetoun castle.  I’ve wanted to see this quiet, secluded estate in the suburbs of Edinburgh located right on the shores of the Firth of Forth for a long time.  And then, at the thought of being greeted by the salty air of the North Sea and the picturesque landscape of the silvery smooth surface of the water, I so badly want to buy a bus ticket and go on a trip as soon as possible that I don’t restrain myself. Let’s hit the road!

My trip starts early in the morning. Out of sheer habit, I take a regular bus from Edinburgh to the village of Dalmeny. It feels like everyone is sleepy today except me, my bus is slowly passing through the streets of the city that is just waking up. Neither people nor cars have yet had time to fill it.

We drive and I smile.  The weather on this day is really beautiful as the bright spring sun is shining on the street, raising my already good mood. I am 100% sure that my plans for the long-awaited trip are being implemented in the best possible way.

Well, it’s about 30 minutes from the start of the journey and I am enjoying the peaceful view of Edinburgh from the bus window, the architecture of this city is very distinctive and combines views of different historical eras.

And here I am in the village of Dalmeny, located on the southern side of the Firth of Forth. Between it and the end point of my journey is little more than 8 miles so I order a taxi.  This way I will get to Hopetoun House as quickly as possible.

While waiting for a taxi I explore the surroundings of this cute, quiet village.  Small, one-storey houses and well-groomed streets beckon me to abandon business and take a walk in the warm sunshine in silence and harmony.

Walking along one of the streets of Dalmeny I notice a railway bridge visible in the distance which connects Edinburgh to the Fife region. What does Edinburgh have to do with it? Well, we are far away from it … this is definitely a speech about Edinburgh and not about Hopetoun?

A beautiful view opens up on the bridge which is located against a background of a blue smooth surface of water and the dense greenery of trees. 

The taxi has already arrived so I finish my walk through the village of Dalmeny and continue on to Hopetoun.

Hooray! I’ve arrived. Well, hello Hopetoun!  You have greeted me so cheerfully! What a charming landscape you have of bright green fields and beautiful buildings with fences made of stone. 

My joy is a little extinguished by the fact that the house is closed.  It is still too early in the morning and I will have to wait for the opening. So I will put the time to good use and get to know the local sights better!

Walking around the neighbourhood I come across some kind of building. I don’t know for sure if it is a residential building or a private farm, but I notice sheep grazing near the building. The cute animals look very funny on the green smooth surface of the lawn – it seems that these are like frozen clouds in the sky.

Bypassing the sheep I arrive at the field which is very close. And then I freeze with delight! I see a delightful view of the Firth of Forth and both of its bridges. In the rays of the sun the blue surface of the water flickers merrily and my mood, spoiled by the house being closed, is rapidly improving.

From a height Hopetoun House looks very majestic and alluring.

I am so impressed by the beauty of the area that time flies by completely unnoticed.

Having admired the beauty to my heart’s content I walk back down the alley to Hopetoun.  The dial on my watch tells me that the house is already open and ready to receive guests. Hurrying, I peer at the estate from afar and begin to be amazed at the uniqueness of its architecture.

Walking a little further I notice small, black sheep grazing on the green lawn. Oh well, these funny animals make me laugh!

That’s it, I got it! I slow down and start strolling slowly through the park near the estate enjoying the privacy and appearance of the building built between 1699 and 1701.  The architecture of Hopetoun House is the work of William Bruce, a Scotsman.

On the way to the house I notice a statue which is half-woman, half-cat – she guards the local peace in complete silence. According to the results of archaeological excavations carried out in the 18th century it was possible to find out that there was a castle in this place in the 15th century. British architect William Adam (1721-1748) expanded the building significantly and carried out its reconstruction.

The interior design of the interiors of Hopetoun was already done by the sons of William Adam. The result of this “family business” is a magnificent architectural composition in the form of the building itself with its surrounding gardens, parks and pastures and a green lawn.

The main entrance to the house is lined with wide, high steps.

Hopetoun is owned today by a charity which was founded in 1974. Thanks to this, Hopetoun House and its territory (with a unique landscape) has been preserved to this day and is considered a national historical monument.

Going inside I begin to examine the surviving furniture, paintings, manuscripts and objects of the former everyday life of its residents.

The interior decoration of Georgian interiors makes a great impression on me proving once again that people used to live in some kind of excessive luxury and sophistication.

Walking through the rooms of the estate I look in great detail at the huge paintings hanging on the walls which depict famous people and rulers. Passing from one room to another I get acquainted with exquisite tableware, antique furniture and tapestries.

The interiors seem to me to be very luxurious – here you can feel sharply the spirit of Scotland during the 18th century and the willy-nilly image yourself as one of special royal blood.

After exploring the interior I go outside to walk a little more in the fresh air and get a better look at the local park. By the way, it is landscaped in the English style.

Upon going around the right side of the building I find myself in a cozy neat alley. On both sides of the path are majestic trees and shrubs. The air here smells of young grass and is so fresh that it makes you dizzy.

The entire territory of the park is surrounded by a low wall which was also erected in the 18th century. Bushes which are neatly trimmed grow along the wall.  Just look how unrealistically well-groomed this area looks!

I see a sign on the way which reads “North Deer Park”. Well of course, I wonder what kind of deer there are and I go straight towards the signpost. Passing the trees a little more I see a delightful view of the bay again with its gentle bank. Finally, following the path along the fence, I reach the pasture.  Oh, there really are deer walking here! There are so many of them and they chew young greens so calmly that it is simply impossible to look at all this without feeling emotional and having a wide smile!

By the way, from the observation deck of the park you can see Blackness Castle which is located on the opposite side of the bay.

And then another thing happens – while I am walking in the park and enjoying the beauty of the Firth of Forth there is an ebb tide. The water, retreating from the coast, bares the bottom which makes the surrounding landscape seem even more unreal and even slightly mysterious.

Whilst continuing along the paths of the park I come across old buildings decorated with beautiful bas-reliefs every now and then. It is very interesting for me to consider the details of these structures which are imbued with the history of the area.

And so, finally, my path out of the park leads me to an open area situated behind Hopetoun House – here its facade is just as lavishly decorated with numerous carvings, columns and large, high steps at the entrance.

I’m sorry, but that’s where I conclude my walk through Hopetoun Park and Estate and head back to the parking lot. On the way back I meet black sheep again!  Bye, my dears! Until next time!

Summing up the results of today’s mini-trip I can say for sure that it is a great opportunity to get to know the history of Scotland better and gain impressions of the marvels seen. Well, at the same time, to recharge with positive emotions – I bring them home in abundance.

The streets of Dalmeny village and the Hopetoun estate itself are places where privacy is felt especially.

By the way, the Hopetoun Estate is open for visits in the summer months – live music concerts, ceremonies and even films are often held here, so you will not be bored.