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Torosay Castle was completed in 1858 and is one of the foremost surviving buildings by leading Victorian architect David Bryce (1803-76). The furniture, pictures and bijouterie at Torosay reflect no particular style or period, but are instead the varied collections of one family over many generations.
Mantlepiece in Torosay Castle Library, with charcoal sketch of Murray Guthrie by John Singer Sargent, RA (1856-1925). This portrait was a very generous gift from the artist when Murray was terminally ill. On the main staircase hang all the James family pictures and at the top is a scenario dealing with Field Marshall Lord Roberts, probably the greatest of the generals of the Victorian empire. The form of the garden that we now enjoy originates in 1900 when Murray Guthrie had the formal terraces and gazebos constructed, and imported the nineteen lifesize limestone statues by Antinnio Bonazza (1698-1763) from a deserted village in northern Italy. The fine terraced gardens which surround the house date from about 1900 and are attributed to Sir Robert Lorimer (1864-1929). The gardens are a result of many generations of work and planting. The formality and order of the upper terraces and statue walk are in contrast to the wild and dramatic mountain scenery. The peace and informality of the oriental garden provide a pleasant compromise. The Lion Terrace has a magnificent show of Clematis and Hydrangeas on one side of the path. Below the two marble lions 'Smiler' and 'Growler' is an extensive lawn which ends in a low wall covered by climbing roses and topped by 18 marble urns.
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