The Orangerie

About The Orangerie

Certainly one of the architectural gems of the Lothians, this fantastic building was originally built to serve as a hothouse to complement the extensive gardens in Dalkeith Estate. It is a twelve sided, stone built, edifice made of the finest sandstone and intricately carved I has suffered badly during the army occupations of two world wars but is now in the process of staged renovation. An ideal place to visit as it is adjacent to the newly restored Adam stables where you can get a cup of coffee or lunch.
The building was originally heated by coal and the central ornate pillar also serves as a chimney.
Though this form of heating was not conducive to plant growth, the use of the Orangerie, later changed to that of a fern house .
It was built in 1840 by William burn and was situated at the eastern end of newly designed gardens ,created by Thomas Gilpin ,again ,originally to counterbalance a stepped parterre,which was never actually built.It lies across the river from the remains of a mock grecian theatre in a lovely bend in the river. A "must see for any "visitor.