Certainly not a palace as would be usually understood, but a large home of a very clever engineer and entrepreneur George Bruce. In its day it must have been an impressive residence signifying vast wealth. That it has survived in its entirety is remarkable. I do not like old beds with hanging fabrics but I did appreciate the dedication and skill of embroiderers who in recent years have beautifully decorated the fabrics of the four poster beds and other items of furniture. I did very much like the natural aged wood visible throughout the house and the pottery on display. The lack of comforts even in a ‘palace’ illustrated how miserable conditions for Bruce’s workers must have been, even although he is credited with being an enlightened employer. By late afternoon, the house was very cold and the light was dim, lending real authenticity to the visit. It would be fascinating to experience the house with the coal fires burning, candles lit, cooking aromas permeating while the wine from the large cellar was being made ready.
The garden at the rear of the palace has been renovated and is exceptionally interesting. Even at the end of October, i t seemed to be stuffed with plants and decorative seed heads in accessible, small beds giving an extremely good idea of what can be achieved in a small, sheltered and well ordered site. More labelling and information about the garden would be welcome. It was clear however that the garden was there to provide plants of medicinal as well a# culinary use.