Issue 45 Feb 25 web - Flipbook - Page 8
longevity through restoration and conservation to ensure
that they survive for the enjoyment of future generations.”
“The cottage, built by Princess Louise, the granddaughter
of Queen Victoria, around 1850, was saved from disrepair
after it was placed on the Buildings at Risk register. The
property was in a poor state when the Trust acquired Mar
Lodge Estate in 1975, and subsequent works had taken
place to stabilise its condition including fixing walls and
installing a new roof and shingles in the past. The building
is a fascinating look back at how the royals used to spend
their free time and we’re incredibly proud to see it restored
to how it was in its heyday when Queen Victoria and the
royal family would holiday in Balmoral.
The cottage is accessed by a footpath leading from the car
park at the end of the public road on the estate, with 15
parking spaces currently available.
Andrew Macpherson, Director of Moxon Architects,
said: “As an architecture practice deeply invested in the
region's heritage, we have proudly worked with The
National Trust for Scotland to preserve a significant piece
of local heritage on the Mar Lodge Estate. Our comprehensive survey of the existing structure enabled us to
adopt an approach that required minimal interventions
while being durable and resilient – something key to the
building’s remote location, challenging climate, and role
as a visitor attraction. We worked closely with the Local
Planning Authority and conservation specialists to
successfully balance preservation and modernisation to
safeguard the building’s history and ensure its 'fairytale'
charm remains intact for years to come.”
“We’re excited to welcome visitors to experience the new
cottage when it officially reopens in 2025 where they will
be able to engage with its history. New information boards
will be added, and specially commissioned furniture
created where they can relax and immerse themselves in
the surrounding woodland and nature.
“I’d like to say a huge thank you to our members and
supporters as well as the generosity of our colleagues at
the NTS USA Foundation who have made this project
possible. This project contributes to the Trust’s objective,
outlined in our 10- year Nature, Beauty & Heritage for
Everyone strategy, to stabilise and improve the condition
of our heritage buildings and structures, ensuring their
Further information about Mar Lodge Estate is available
on the National Trust for Scotland website,
https://www.nts.org.uk/visit/places/mar-lodge-estate.
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Conservation & Heritage Journal
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