The Horoscope Room
A marvellously eccentric room, the Horoscope Room and Conservatory was once the 3rd Marquess’s sitting room.
The room takes its name from the astrological ceiling which shows the exact position of the planets at the time of his birth of 12th September 1847. The original design on canvas, complete with tissue paper stars and planets, was very badly damaged and in the 1980s Tom Errington was commissioned to paint a replica onto the ceiling. This copy is exact in every way save for the new addition of Pluto, which had yet to be discovered when the original had been painted 100 years earlier.
A fascinating insight into the tastes of the 3rd Marquess, the room also features a frieze of miniature castles and brightly coloured exotic birds and flowers.
Transformed by the late John Bute into his bedroom, the room now boasts a grand bed, which is adorned with carvings by Sue Wraight inspired by the medieval tale of Reynard the Fox. Morning and dusk are symbolised by a delightful morning rooster and night owl, which perch on the bed poles.
The adjoining Conservatory offers outstanding views across the Firth of Clyde. It also reveals a little of John Bute’s humour in his work to his Great Grandfather’s house, with fireplace figures of a cat slyly eyeing a group of mice.
Did you know?
The conservatory was transformed into an operating theatre when the house was used as a hospital in WW1.
Click here for a virtual tour of the Horoscope Room
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Click here for a virtual tour of the Horoscope Room Conservatory
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Mount Stuart, Isle of Bute PA20 9LR Scotland Tel: 01700 503877 Fax:01700 505313 Email: contactus@mountstuart.com
