The mansion near Edinburgh is where Ivanhoe author Sir Walter Scott lived for six years and it was the scene of the infamous opium smoking session with poetry pal William Wordsworth
A historic six-bed mansion that’s rumoured to have been the chill-out spot for literary legends Sir Walter Scott and William Wordsworth is on the market for a cool £1.8 million. The abode, known as Barony House, isn’t just famous for its grandeur; it’s also where Ivanhoe author Sir Walter Scott supposedly kicked off his poetry career and allegedly indulged in opium-fuelled sessions with none other than Romantic poet William Wordsworth in the lounge.
Now, this treasure trove of literary history, situated in Lasswade, just a 20-minute ride from Edinburgh, is seeking a new owner. Estate agents Ellisons Property are all about the hype, saying: “Barony House is a remarkable detached property with three separate phases of build.”
They’re not shy to drop the big names either, adding: “The oldest part, dating to the eighteenth century was the home of the famous Scottish poet, playwright, historian, Sir Walter Scott, who lived there from 1799 to 1805.”
As if that wasn’t enough to intrigue potential buyers, they further boast: “It was also known to have been frequented by famous English romantic poet, William Wordsworth and his wife, Mary Hutchinson.”
Not only does the property have a history to die for, but the grounds are a massive 4.5 acres of pure manicured beauty, complete with electric gates and a circular drive that scream ‘I’ve arrived!
‘ Historic Environment Scotland gives this place the nod too, stating in its listing: “This cottage orne style provided Sir Walter Scott with his first marital home when he rented it from the Clerks of Penicuik between 1798 and 1804.”
And it’s confirmed that the Wordsworths popped over for tea at what was once Lasswade Cottage back in 1803.
“It was converted around 1865 into a Dower house for the Clerks of Penicuik, and the dormers and crow stepped gables were added.”
“It was extended further by James Tait & Co between 1913 and 1919.”
“It is among a relatively small number of buildings with a surviving thatched roof found across Scotland.”
“A Survey of Thatched Buildings in Scotland, published in 2016 by the Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings (SPAB), found there were only around 200 buildings with a thatched roof, most of which are found in small rural communities.”
Barony House has six reception rooms, six bedrooms and four bathrooms and spans over 7,800 square feet, according to Luxury Property News. Mark Ellison Coulter, from Ellisons Property, waxed lyrical to The Herald about its historical significance: “Historically it is absolutely mindblowing. William Wordsworth, Mary Hutchinson, his wife, Sir Walter Scott smoking opium in the lounge is quite a good story.”
“That’s what they did back in the day.”