Description

Investigation of the built structures and both internal and boundary walls at the property showed an evolution of function, form and ownership relating to the reestablishment of Duddingston Village from the late 18th -century. 19th -century property ownership on either side (Hawthorn Brae to the east and Bella Vista to the west) utilized the areas for various functions, including a market garden, stables and bowling green. The 20th -century is represented by the creation of the structure now known as the Dairy, using two pre-existing structures, and the upper level is finally developed with the building of a brick stables in the 1950s. The whole group is linked by a side vennel on the west and is constructed on three distinct levels or terraces into the lower slopes of Arthur’s Seat to the north.
The most important and visible alteration that is still intact today, is a unifying screen wall that fronts the Causeway, uniting the entire property of Hawthorn Brae. This wall of yellow sandstone was constructed around 1817, with the establishment of the Villa and grounds.
Bella Vistas history of property ownership, expansion and access is well represented in the western boundary of the site. As a whole, the site is a unique example of the development of Duddingston as a settlement for rich businessmen, and their establishment of well appointed Villas, private spaces and utilitarian buildings such as Stables and a Dairy.