Auchinleck House
Perhaps influenced by the building of Dumfries House,
neighbouring landowner Alexander Boswell, created Lord Auchinleck
in 1754, decided that he too would have a mansion in the Classical
style as befitted his new status. Though similar in broad outlines
to Dumfries House there is no proof that the Adam brothers made any
contribution to Auchinleck House, which was completed by 1760. The
pediment carries a motto from Horace: QUOD PETIS, HIC EST, EST
ULUBRIS, ANIMUS SI TE NON DEFICIT AEQUUS - Whatever you seek is
here, even at Ulubrae [i.e. Auchinleck] if contentment do not fail
thee.
The most famous visitor to Auchinleck was Dr Samuel
Johnson, who came in 1773. To the disappointment
of
James Boswell, his hero and mentor clashed with Lord
Auchinleck and they had a heated discussion - the Anglican Tory and
the Presbyterian Whig agreeing on nothing.
After many years of decay and neglect Auchinleck House was
acquired and renovated by the Landmark Trust and is now used as
holiday apartments.
