Candie House

SMR 244 / NS 9351 7420

“To be Sold, The Lands of CANDIE, lying in the Parish of Muiravonside and Shire of Stirling, (three miles from Linlithgow) paying of yearly Rent, after all Deductions, 369L. 1s. 8d. Scots.  Any Person who intends to purchase the same, may depend on the Lands being had on reasonable Terms.  For further Particulars at Hary Guthrie Writer in Edinburgh, John Ferrier in Writer in Linlithgow, and William  Henderson Merchant in Falkirk.”
(Caledonian Mercury 14 November 1751, 3)

	Walter Ross of Neuk	c1660
	(Andrew Dick of Compston	– 1708)
	Alexander Ross	1847
1847	Nathanial William John Strode	1889
1871	John Logan, Manager, Redford Colliery	1885
1886 –	Robinson
1892	Watt
1893	Robert Wilson, Manager, Muiravonside Colliery	1896
1898	George Gibb, Manager, Muiravonside Colliery
	Robert Robertson, Manager, Muiravonside Colliery	1902
1902	John Finnie, Manager, Muiravonside Colliery	1904
1904	John Watson, Manager, Muiravonside Colliery
	James Henderson (1912)	1923
	William Dick ()
	(Those in bold were tenants)

A wing was added to the west to produce an L-shaped plan.  Its chimney has a bordered oval panel bearing the date 1817.  That this was an addition to the old block is shown by the misalignment of its east wall with the previous west gable (see plan).  It would have been at this time that a longer curving drive was taken off to the east and a formal garden with bounding wall placed on the south side of the house.  The drive was completed in time for it to appear on Grassom’s map of 1818.

The existing doorway with its plain pilasters and simple entablature would also suit this date.  It is possible that it replaced a window and that the original façade had a central door with two ground-floor windows on either side and similar windows on the floor above.  The windows have backset margins and the random rubble walls are harled and whitewashed.  Before long it was put up for rent:

“Country Residence in Stirlingshire.  TO be Let, Furnished, The HOUSE of Candie, with the Offices, Garden, and Pleasure Grounds, lying in the parish of Muiravonside, within a short distance from the Union Canal and the post road between Linlithgow and Falkirk.  The house is genteelly and comfortably furnished, the garden stocked, and the tenant can be supplied with farm produce.  He will have the exclusive right of shooting on the property.

Christopher Meikle, at Candie, will show the place; and for farther particulars apply to Messrs Ferrier, W.S. Edinburgh.”
(Caledonian Mercury 9 March 1829, 1)

He kept special breeds of fowl there, but from 1854 the mansion at Candie was let out on an annual basis.  Until that date the farm appears to have been worked by an overseer for Strode, but thereafter it too was leased. 

“COUNTRY HOUSE TO LET, Either on Lease or for the Summer Season ; THE MANSION-HOUSE OF CANDIE, with excellent Offices, Pasture Fields if desired, and Right of Shooting over between 200 and 300 acres. The House, which is partly modern and comfortably Furnished, consists of dining-room, drawing-room, and five good bed-rooms, besides kitchen, and servants’ accommodation.

The situation is one of the first in Stirlingshire, commanding an extensive prospect over the surrounding country, from Arthur’s Seat to Ben Lomond.  The Causewayend Station of the Linlithgow and Airdrie Railway, to which there are morning and evening trains in communication with Edinburgh and Glasgow, is distant 1 mile; the Linlithgow Station 5 miles, and the Polmont Junction Station 3 ½ miles from the House.  Apply T.H. Ferrier, WS, 95 George Street, Edinburgh.”
(Falkirk Herald 6 March 1856, 1)

Stode was able to purchase Camden Place, Chiselhurst.  During the early 1840s he met and became a good friend of Napoleon III, who lived in London at the time.  Strode leased Camden House to Napoleon III and his family from 1870 to 1880, during which time Strode lived in Cranmore Lodge, another house on the Camden Place estate.  He had quite an extensive property portfolio and this was sold off following his death in 1889.

John Logan, the manager of Redford Colliery, rented Candie House and lived there with his family for several years.  After the death of Strode the property was sold, but continued to be let.  Robert Wilson who had managed the collieries at Slamannan was for John Watson (Limited) moved to Candie House around 1893 to look after the new collieries being opened up in and around Candie by James Nimmo & Co (Limited).  He died in October 1896 and the funeral procession which left from Candie House at 2pm, included a long line of miners, arrived at Slamannan Churchyard at 3.15pm.  His son, Robert, who was studying for the medical profession, stayed on at Candie House for several months before the next colliery manager, George Gibb, moved in.  After a succession of tenants the house was sold in 1931.

During the 1980s Candie House was empty and the interior suffered from decay.  In 2000 a renovation project was started but the interior had to be gutted.  The main staircase was moved from opposite the front door to the junction of the main block and the west wing where it could also serve the rebuilt northern extension.  Several windows were slapped out to return the exterior to a more symmetrical appearance.  The east gable also had to be rebuilt.  The work was designed and overseen by Case Design Associates of Musselburgh.

Bibliography

Jaques, R.	2001	Falkirk and District: an Illustrated Guide.  “CANDIE HOUSE, early 1800s White-rendered L-plan house, plain but dignified high up in wooded estate near Standburn urn. Doorway with entablature. Currently being restored with extension replaced.”
Leask, D.	2017	A Historic Tour of the Parish of Muiravonside.

ARCHIVES

RHP 5366	1762	Plan of the Lands of Candie and Sike with their pendicles
RHP 5367	1837	Plan of the ground occupied by the Slamannan Railway through the estate of Candie
RHP 5368	1847	Plan of the Lands of Candie, etc.
RHP 5369	1847	Plan of the Lands of Candie belonging to Alexander Ross Esq.
RHP 5368		Plan of the Lands of Candie belonging to N W J Strode, Esq. by John Lauder, surveyor.  Alterations laid down by William Brooke, Lithographer,  J Gellatly, Edinburgh.

NEWSPAPERS

• Caledonian Mercury, 22 November 1750, 3:
  To be Sold, The Lands of CANDIE, lying in the Parish of Muiravonside and Shire of Stirling, paying yearly, after all Deductions, 371L. 15s. 8d. Scots.  Purchasers may enquire for Particulars at Hary Guthrie Writer in Edinburgh, or Robert Forrester Writer in Linlithgow.
• Caledonian Mercury, 16 May 1751, 4:
  That the Lands of CANDIE, lying in the Parish of Muiravonside and Shire of Stirling, three Miles West from Linlithgow, paying of yearly Rent, after all Deductions, 365L. 5s. Scots Money; Are to be exposed to voluntary Roup, within the Laigh coffee-house, on Wednesday the 5^th Day of June next, betwixt the Hours of — in the Afternoon.  For Encouragement to —- Lands are to be set up at a Price effeiring to —- per Cent. for their Money of well paid Rents —  The Rental, with the Progress of Writs, are to be seen in the Hands of Hary Guthrie Writer in Edinburgh – commune with any Person as to a private —- Time betwixt and the Day of the Roup; or John Ferrier Writer in Linlithgow, who will show and — Lands, by calling for him at his House in Linlithgow.
• Caledonian Mercury, 14 November 1751, 3:
  To be Sold, The Lands of CANDIE, lying in the Parish of Muiravonside and Shire of Stirling, (three miles from Linlithgow) paying of yearly Rent, after all Deductions, 369L. 1s. 8d. Scots.  Any Person who intends to purchase the same, may depend on the Lands being had on reasonable Terms.  For further Particulars at Hary Guthrie Writer in Edinburgh, John Ferrier in Writer in Linlithgow, and William  Henderson Merchant in Falkirk.
• Caledonian Mercury. 9 March 1829, 1:
  Country Residence in Stirlingshire.  TO be Let, Furnished, The HOUSE of Candie, with the Offices, Garden, and Pleasure Grounds, lying in the parish of Muiravonside, within a short distance from the Union Canal and the post road between Linlithgow and Falkirk.  The house is genteelly and comfortably furnished, the garden stocked, and the tenant can be supplied with farm produce.  He will have the exclusive right of shooting on the property.
  • Christopher Meikle, at Candie, will show the place; and for farther particulars apply to Messrs Ferrier, W.S. Edinburgh.
• Falkirk Herald, 14 April 1853, 1:  
  Grass parks to LET, AT CANDIE. To be Let for the Season, to be pastured with Sheep, FIELD of YOUNG GRASS, on the Estate of Candie, Parish of Muiravonside, belonging to N. W. J. Strode, Esquire, and consisting of Seven Acres. Apply to WILLIAM MacKenzie, Overseer, Candie.
• Stirling Observer, 9 June 1853, 4:
  NWJ Strode Esq, Candie House – pair of barn-door fowls
• Falkirk Herald, 16 February 1854, 1:
  To be Let, for such a number of years as may be agreed on, with Entry to the Arable Land at Martinmas 1854, and, in the option of the tenant, to the Grass at Whitsunday or Martinmas 1854.
  • The FARM of Candie and SYKE, lying in the Parish of Muiravonside and County of Stirling, consisting of 150 acres.  The lands have been for several years in the possession of the proprietor, during which time a great deal had been done for their improvement.  The greater part is at present in grass.  The fields are all enclosed and sub-divided with belts of plantation.  The Slamannan Railway runs through the property.  There is a good FARM-HOUSE and OFFICES adapted to the size of the Farm, and built within the last few years.
  • The lands will be shown on applying to the Farm-Overseer at Candie; and Offers received for the Farm, and Conditions of Lease arranged, with Thomas Hy. Ferrier, W.8., Chambers, 89, George Street, Edinburgh.
  • Also, the MANSION-HOUSE of CANDIE, Furnished, will be LET, at a Moderate Rent.
• Falkirk Herald, 10 August 1854, 1:
  NOTICE.  THE whole GROWING CROP, HORSES, MILCH COWS, FARMING IMPLEMENTS, &c., ac., at Candie, Muiravonside, belonging to N. W. J. Strode, Esq., will be exposed for Sale by Public Roup, on the 4th September, 1854. Particulars in future Advertisement…
• Falkirk Herald, 6 March 1856, 1:
• COUNTRY HOUSE TO LET, Either on Lease or for the Summer Season ; THE MANSION-HOUSE OF CANDIE, with excellent Offices, Pasture Fields if desired, and Right of Shooting over between 200 and 300 acres. The House, which is partly modern and comfortably Furnished, consists of dining-room, drawing-room, and five good bed-rooms, besides kitchen, and servants’ accommodation.
  • The situation is one of the first in Stirlingshire, commanding an extensive prospect over the surrounding country, from Arthur’s Seat to Ben Lomond.  The Causewayend Station of the Linlithgow and Airdrie Railway, to which there are morning and evening trains in communication with Edinburgh and Glasgow, is distant 1 mile; the Linlithgow Station 5 miles, and the Polmont Junction Station 3 ½ miles from the House.  Apply T.H. Ferrier, WS, 95 George Street, Edinburgh.
• Falkirk Herald, 1 October 1857, 3:
  Deaths.  At Linlithgow, on the 20^th ult. after a few days’ illness, Mr M’Kenzie, formerly of Candie.
• Scotsman, 20 March 1861, 5: Stirlingshire.  Desirable Residence.  To be Let on Lease, Furnished, with entry at Whitsunday 1861, The MANSION-HOUSE of CANDIE, with Good Garden, Excellent Offices, and Right of Shooting over above 200 Acres (Pasture Fields if desired).
  • The House, which is partly modern and well furnished, consists of Dining-Room, Drawing-Room, and Five Good bed-Rooms, beside Kitchen and Servants’ Accommodation.
  • The situation commands an Extensive Prospect over the surrounding country on both sides of the Firth of Forth.  Distance from Linlithgow, 5 miles; Falkirk, 6 miles; and Polmont Junction Railway Station, 3 ½ miles.  The parish Church of Muiravonside is within 3 miles…
• Scotsman, 25 December 1862, 2:
  About mid-day on Saturday last, a lead pipe, employed in conducting the water from the roof of Candie House, in the parish of Muiravonside, at present untenanted, was removed and carried off.  On Tuesday the pipe was found in C. McNay’s pawnshop in Falkirk, having been pledged there a short time previously.  A description of the pawner having been obtained, Sergeant Crawford, after a protracted search, apprehended two women at Parkfoot on the charge of committing the theft.  They gave their names as Margaret Dick and Mary Ann Dinmont, and are both known to the police.  The prisoners have been examined and sent to Stirling to await their trial.
• Stirling Observer, 7 May 1863, 4:
  Margaret Dick and Mary Ann Godfrey were charged with theft, aggravated by previous conviction, in so far as, on the 20^th Dec, 1862, they stole eight and a half feet of lead or metal pipe, at or near the mansion-house of Candie, in the parish of Muiravonside.  Both panels pled guilty, and Margaret Dick was sentenced to 4 years’ penal servitude, and Mary Ann Godfrey to 9 months’ imprisonment.
• Scotsman, 23 April 1863, 3:
  Farm in Stirlingshire.  To Let, for nineteen years from Martinmas 1863, the FARM of CANDIE and SYKE, extending to 122 Acres Imperial, lying in Muiravonside Parish, about three miles from Polmont Junction Station, and five from either Linlithgow or Falkirk.  The Fields are well sheltered by thriving plantations, and the Proprietor will give liberal encouragement to complete the thorough drainage of the Farm.  Mr Montgomery, the present tenant, who does not offer, will point out the Boundaries…
• Falkirk Herald, 3 September 1863, 4:
  GROWING CROP AND HAY ON THE FARM OF CANDIE, On MONDAY, 7rm SEPTEMBER. TO be Sold by Public Roup, on MONDAY the 7th September, 1863, on the Farm of CANDIE, in the Parish of Muiravonside, possessed by Mr Robert Montgomery—- and 5 acres of lint.
• Falkirk Herald, 6 July 1871, 5:
  Deaths. At Candie House, the 2d inst., aged 13 years, Elizabeth Todd, second daughter of John Logan, Esq. of Redford Colliery. 
• 1883, 1884, John Logan, Candie House.
• Falkirk Herald, 4 April 1885,
  Notice is hereby given, that Messrs Whyte & Bradford, Ironfounders, Victoria Foundry, Bo’ness, and John Garioch Whyte and John Bradford, Ironfounders, there, the Sole partners of that Firm, as such partners and as Individuals, having Executed a Trust Disposition for their Creditors in favour of Messrs John Logan, coalmaster, Candie House, by Linlithgow; James Nimmo, Coalmaster, Edinburgh; and Robert James Jamieson, Solicitor, Bo’ness, all parties having CLAIMS against the said WHYTE & BRADFORD, and Individual Partners, are requested to lodge the same…
• Scotsman, 29 October 1887, 4:
  CANDIE HOUSE and GROUNDS to Let, with immediate entry, as formerly advertised; about 1 mile form Bowhouse Stn…
• Falkirk Herald, 1 August 1888, 5: Mrs Robinson, Candie House
• 1889 –
  N. W. J. STRODE, ESQ. On the 28th ult., at Bray, near Maidenhead, aged 72.
  • by order of the Executors of the late Nathaniel W. J. Strode, Esq. (who lent the place furnished to the late Emperor Napoleon 111. for 11 years). The Valuable CONTENTS of the MANSION, …
• 1892 – Mr Watt, Candie House.
• Falkirk Herald, 8 March 1893, 2: Robert Wilson, Candie House
• 1893, 1894, 1895, 1896 – Robert Wilson, colliery manager
• Scotsman. 5 October 1896, 12:
  Wilson.  At Candie House, Avonbridge, on the 1^st October, ROBERT WILSON; Funeral today leaving Candie House at 2pm, arriving at Slamannan Churchyard at 3.15pm…
• Falkirk Herald, 3 October 1896, 4:
  Death Mr Robert Wilson, House.—We regret announce the death of Mr Robert Wilson, which occurred at his residence, Candie House, Muiravonside on Thursday. The deceased, who was about 50 years age, suffered from an internal trouble, which had confined … After having been employed as manager by John Watson (Limited), Coalmasters, Slamannan, he about 20 years ago entered the service of James Nimmo & Co (Limited) as manager of their extensive Slamannan collieries.  Some years ago, when that firm began to work the mineral in and around the Standburn district of Muiravonside parish, Mr Wilson was appointed to undertake the management of the new collieries opened up there…
• Falkirk Herald, 17 April 1897, 6;
  MUIRAVONSIDE. are pleased to observe that Master Robert Wilson, son of the late Robert Wilson of Candie House, and Master Wm. Young, son of Young, Limerigg, have been successful in passing the preliminary examination for the medical profession recently…
• Falkirk Herald, 5 February 1898, 3:
  George Gibb, Muiravonside Colliery manager, Candie House [also 1899]

G.B. Bailey, 2026