Calder and Woodhouselee houses in Mid Calder, West Lothian 

‘‘Their employer lived in Calder House and had little interest in gardens. But a good friend of his became the Earl of Loudoun and wanted to improve his estate. My grandfather was recommended to him. He didn’t want to leave Mid Calder. But he accepted because the Earl offered them a dry cottage with a slate roof, a paved floor and a ceiling.’ This is a quote from The Claudians: gardens, landscapes, reason and faith: John Claudius Loudon and Claudius Buchanan, Tom Turner (Kindle, 2024). 

More about Calder House

John Claudius Loudon's father, William Loudon, is known to have been a gardener in the Parish of Mid Calder. He could have worked at Calder House and is known to have worked at Woodhouselee house. 

Calder house was built in the 16th century and is owned by Lord Torphichen. He is Chief of Clan Sandilands and also holds the feudal title of Baron of Calder, granted in 1386. Calder House is considered one of the great Renaissance houses of Scotland. It has a rich history and was by John Knox and Mary Queen of Scots. The house is known for its facade, featuring ornate carvings and a grand staircase. It has a walled garden. Loudon described it as a stately fabric, surrounded with very extensive plantations.

Calder House’s Role in Scottish History

Calder House has played a notable role in Scotland’s history, not only as a residence for nobility but also as a site of significant historical events. The house has been closely linked to key figures in Scottish history, including Mary Queen of Scots, who visited during her reign, and John Knox, who is said to have preached within its walls. The estate’s connection to Clan Sandilands adds another layer of historical depth, with the title of Lord Torphichen passed down through generations. Calder House’s architecture and historical ties make it a key landmark in Scotland’s Renaissance heritage, attracting historians and tourists alike who seek to explore its storied past.