Bonnington House

Bonnington House is a 17th-century country house near the village of Wilkieston, about 16 km west of central Edinburgh, Scotland. It sits within the City of Edinburgh council area and holds Category A status, the highest level of listed-building protection in Scotland. Its grounds now host the Jupiter Artland sculpture park, which is how most visitors encounter the estate.

What kind of building is it?

The house has two storeys and an attic over a low basement, and its look is distinctly Jacobean. The oldest core dates to 1622, with additions around 1720 and a full Jacobean-style makeover in the 19th century. Historic Environment Scotland records the remodelling as 1858, probably by Alexander Black, while Canmore suggests about 1840 and names Thomas Hamilton as a possible designer. The silhouette is often compared with Heriot's Hospital in Edinburgh.

Who lived here?

The estate belonged to the Foulis baronets of Colinton. Sir James Foulis, 2nd Baronet, later became Lord Justice Clerk and took the title Lord Colinton. Ownership then passed through the Durham and Cunninghame families, and by 1822 the Wilkies of Ormistoun held it.

Can you visit the house?

It is a private residence, not a museum. The practical way to see the estate is a visit to Jupiter Artland, whose grounds adjoin the house, at Bonnington House Steadings, Wilkieston, EH27 8BY. The Steadings buildings hold the gallery, shop, café and toilets. The permanent collection includes work by Charles Jencks, Anish Kapoor, Antony Gormley, Marc Quinn, Cornelia Parker, Nathan Coley and Jim Lambie.

When should you go?

The park is seasonal, roughly spring to autumn. Art Fund lists April to October, Wednesday to Sunday, typically 10am to 5pm, but dates and prices change, so check jupiterartland.org before travelling. Advance booking is often needed on busy summer weekends. Allow half a day and wear shoes suited to the weather, as paths are uneven.

How do you get there?

Wilkieston lies by Edinburgh's western bypass, around 16 km from the centre. Driving or taking a taxi is the simplest option, and the trip usually takes a short while outside rush hour.

Frequently asked questions

Is Bonnington House open to the public? The house itself is private. You can visit the Jupiter Artland sculpture park around it during the season.

How old is the house? The earliest part dates from 1622. The current Jacobean appearance comes from a 19th-century remodelling.

Is Bonnington House the same as Jupiter Artland? No. Bonnington House is the mansion; Jupiter Artland is the sculpture park laid out in its gardens and surrounding land.

Is this the Bonnington House near Lanark? No. Several estates share the name. This one is at Wilkieston, in the City of Edinburgh area.