HISTORY OF THE MANSION

History of the Mansion

Gracemount House was built towards the end of the eighteenth century (c1780) and is a ‘B’ listed building registered with Historic Scotland.

Gracemount House is known locally as ‘The Mansion’.

Originally it was the rectory of St Catherine’s chapel, which was situated near the local Balm Well.

Years later the house and surrounding farmland was purchased by the Green family and sometime after the death of Charles E Green in 1920, the house was gifted to the community.

In 1963 the house began its life as a youth centre under the management and passion of the founder, John Boag MBE. Gracemount Youth and Community Centre was one of the first youth groups in Scotland and over the years became the longest running.

The Youth and community groups were still running from The Mansion until closure in 2018.

The Mansion and grounds

Gracemount House is fondly known locally as ‘The Mansion’. The original part of the building was built towards the end of the eighteenth century (c.1780), with the original building having been extended over the years.

The Mansion is a ‘B’ listed building registered with Historic Scotland.

The Mansion site includes:

The two main buildings: The Mansion and Stable Blocks
The walled garden (Gracemount Community Garden)
Gracemount Community Woodland with a range of protected trees: Jeffrey pine tree (one of the only two in Scotland); Monkey puzzle; Cedar of Lebanon; walnut, oak, sycamore, chestnut, and many more
Bike track
Multi-use sports area
Gracemount Community Park (the former orchard)

The past ...

At some time during the early 20th Century Gracemount House, stable blocks and surrounding grounds, was gifted by the Green Trust to the community. The Green Trust owned the property and surrounding land up until the death of the owner, Charles E Green.

The Mansion has a vast history. It has been home to monks, a nursing home, followed by the longest-running youth club in Scotland – the well attended Gracemount youth and community centre.

From the 1960’s for 40 years, the youth and community hub was managed by John Boag, MBE, who also lived in the Mansion with his family.

Gracemount youth and community centre still operated from The Mansion up until closure in 2018.

Whilst the grounds and walled garden are still used, The Mansion and stable blocks have fallen into increasing disrepair.

Explore more of the past ...