Arndilly Curved Library
Our Mission
GLM have transformed a disused shooting corridor within a Georgian country house into a bespoke curved library room. The space now brings meaning and value for our clients, and feels like it has always been there.
Nestled in the Arndilly woods, just north of Aberlour, sits Arndilly House surrounded by picturesque Scottish countryside. The house is a category A listed, twelve-bedroom, granite Georgian mansion. For generations the house had been passed down through the Grant family. Now, a new family have taken seat, and they’ve made it their generational home.
GLM have been working with the current custodians to care for the building and to help them make it their own. At the heart of every piece of work GLM do with them are the core values of longevity and heirloom. The newest addition is a bespoke and elegant curved Library, with reading room and hidden wine cellar, where the beauty lies in each careful detail.
The library sits within the western extension, which curves around the courtyard. This was formerly a hunting corridor leading to the gun safe. No longer necessary for the new homeowners, GLM designed a solution to transform the disused corridor into a key feature for the house – a Library, with reading room and hidden wine cellar.
At the core of the brief was the principle that the library should look like it has always belonged as part of the home.
As such, the design for the bookcases is traditional. The panelling, pilasters and cornices all use classic Georgian profiles and detailing. The most unique and technically challenging aspect is that the joinery follows the curvature of the surrounding walls.
This is where choosing the right cabinetmakers was very important, and Laurence McIntosh had the knowledge, skill and ability to realise our designs. The bookcases were built in oak and finished in a darker stain to give an antique, heritage feel.
Against the backdrop of the dark oak, delicate details were added to soften the space. Dark green merino velvet seating nooks were added at each window, bronze oval handles on each door, and a bronze open diamond mesh forms the front of the upper doors, allowing the bookcases to be locked closed whilst still showcasing all the books inside. A playful wallpaper was chosen for the surrounding walls to bring the fantasy worlds of the books off the page.
At the end of the corridor, an archway was formed, framing a new fireplace in the reading room. The stove sits in the centre of the room with its distinctive flue disappearing above. The shape of the flue is reminiscent of the iconic whisky distilleries spread across the surrounding Speyside area.
The reading room is perfect for the family to pull up a chair and delve into a book in the cosy evenings.
As all good library should, this library holds a secret.
When searching for something to read, you may inadvertently knock a novel that unlocks a hidden door.
Within the panelled library wall is a secret door, beyond which is a passage leading to a wine cellar.
Despite the low ceilings and lack of natural light in the cellar, it is a light and warm space to share a glass of wine, Speyside whisky, or even homemade cordial. Brick shelves work to absorb the moisture in the air, new cork floors were added for softness under foot, and a new sisal stair runner leads you down the stone steps.
Together, these three rooms work together to create a space full of whimsy and prestige. The library bookcase is an elegant bespoke piece which fits seamlessly into the space – it feels like it’s always been there. The grand fireplace draws your eye through the new archway and invites you to stay a while. And when the night draws in, if you can find your way, you can join for a wee nip in the cellar. The rooms are playful, whilst remaining in keeping with a house of this history and grandeur.
A wonderful addition, and heirloom, for the generations to come.
