Just before Christmas the fire alarm went off at Gunsgreen House alerting staff to a burst pipe in the attic. Water had made its way through the House down to the ground floor, but the prompt action of staff Celia Black and Jo Pawley, supported by local tradesmen, made sure that the damage was only superficial.
Gunsgreen House is a magnificent listed building overlooking Eyemouth harbour, so it was incredibly fortunate that it was a hot water pipe that burst as this is what set off the fire alarm. Damage to the house was minimal and as soon as the damp plaster has dried out, it will be repainted and everything will be back to normal!
The Entrance Hall, newly restored by a team of specialists from the University of Lincoln, was totally unaffected by the water!
Derek Janes, Administrator for Gunsgreen House tells us how this accident has affected business: “Unfortunately the Trust had to cancel a family booking who were to stay in the house over the New Year period, but – other than that - it is very much “business as usual” at Gunsgreen.”
After an expenditure of £2.4m and three years of restoration and refurbishment, Gunsgreen House opened its doors to the public in the Autumn of 2009. And already within this very short length of time the House has become one of the foremost visitor attractions in the Scottish Borders and a sought after venue for family gatherings, weddings, private viewings and educational visits. Already the Gunsgreen has many confirmed events and self catering reservations for 2011.
