At some time in the 1730s Sir John Clerk of Penicuik, Midlothian, wrote down advice on the building of what he called 'a family house'. This should consist of a central main block and two side pavilions, as a precaution against destruction by fire. 'The main or chief Body of the House ought to be at Least double the Bigness of each pavilion and may serve chiefly for lodging the Master of the family and the better kind of Guests who come to visit him. One of the pavilions ought entirely to be appropriated for women and children and the other ought to contain the kitchen with apartments for Men servants and such like conveniences.'

LRB 15 November 1984 | PDF Download