precarious painter...

...painting the window frames of marionville house, that is at the bottom of my garden. this is the only reference i can find to it online. it was apparently built by two lady milliners in the late 18th century, being named after a favourite niece.
captain james macrae (i've never looked him up before - fascinating!!!)of holmains bought it and he staged theatricals & entertainments in its large rooms & grounds, but he was involved in a duel in 1790 in which he killed someone, & this led to his exile. he apparently died in 1820, 'a broken man.'

it used to be the home of the priest for the local church, but was sold about 5 years ago. the new owners gave me a tour & it is very beautiful but understated in a georgian way, with lovely cornices & room proportions, but was in a very dilapidated state. lovely that it is finally being looked after as it deserves.