From stained glass panels to Native American tapestry, this location had it all for our A/W’18 Interiors collection photo shoot. A true hidden gem of the Scottish Borders, we were welcomed by owners Peter & Silke Gruber to take a closer look into The Maplehurst Guest House of Galashiels.
The Maplehurst provides us with a glimpse of the lives of wealthy mill owners in the early 20th century, the home is a clear indication of the booming knitwear trade surrounding the Scottish Borders in this era. Many of the properties key features have remained unaltered since it was first built in the 1906, a commission by Andrew Fairgrieve of Huddersfield Mill to celebrate his marriage to the Canadian Carrie Fairgrieve.
The location of the property is situated on the top of Abbotsford Road - which was a highly desired location where many homes of local prestigious mill owners were built. During the time, mills exhumed unpleasant fumes that are carried by the wind, the location of the Abbotsford Road was ideal as the fumes were carried through the valley in the opposite direction.
From the exterior, The Maplehurst is a palpable example of the Arts and Crafts movement in Scotland, with its fine stonework detail and interior design schemes. The movement was created as a revolt against industrialism, an opportunity for local craftsman to express their capacity to design and demonstrate their skills by creating intricate pieces which vastly differ from the trend of minimal designs being produced in the mass industry.
The property is a rare survival of its date, as the Arts and Crafts movement stems its popularity from the Lake District, however, its growth is limited and does not reach the Scottish East coast. Fairgrieve personally commissioned local company J&J Hall to retains features of popular within Arts and Crafts inspired homes. The building work conducted were of such high standard, that until today the building and its structure remain as sturdy as ever.
It is apparent that through the interior of the property, there are many aspects inspired by the fine Edwardian decorative trends. As you enter the property the walls of the large entrance hall are panelled with timber and the original tapestry. Peter kindly informs us that “much of the interior detailing boasts of the Canadian theme such as the Native American tapestry fabric – imported by Carrie Fairgrieve - fitted as the wallpaper. Additionally, the property features an extensive glass stained window with maple leaf motif. The name ‘Maplehurst’ also signifies the connection with the owner’s homeland”.
Eribé found The Maplehurst charm and character as the perfect backdrop to display our upcoming interiors collections. With its long-preserved heritage, Eribé celebrates The Maplehurst as a standing memory of the successful knitwear industry. We recommend any visitors to stay in this rare relic of the Scottish Borders history.