Memories of Kinbrae House
Memories of Kinbrae House from Stanley Gordon.
In the 1950s, some of my school chums and myself would explore the derelict Kinbrae House. What with its massive structure and baronial appearance, it always made me feel as if we were in a Famous Five adventure when we gained access through a broken kitchen window.
Magnificence
The upper floors were most impressive, with the huge mirror in the main hallway, the large, high-ceilinged rooms brilliantly lit by sunlight, and beautiful wooden panels and highly polished sliding room dividers. There was a wonderful stained glass window adorning the main staircase, and one could gaze down from the upper landing and on to the floor below.
Courage required!
Added to the fear of being caught trespassing, someone had placed the head of a bust at the foot of the banister leading from the kitchen to the upper floors. On our first visit, it gave us quite a start to see the white spectre staring at us through the gloom. I hate to admit it, but the girls in the group were much more courageous at overcoming their fear of it than were the guys!
There was the additional thrill of climbing to the top of the tower and taking in and admiring the extensive views.
Kinbrae Lodge
The lodge at the foot of the drive was also in a baronial/Gothic style and I remember being rather envious of a girl in my class who had lived in it with her family.
Looking back, I now consider it a great privilege to have had the opportunity, albeit an illegal one, to view such a wonderful house and its grounds.
For more information see our page on Sir John Leng and Kinbrae House.
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