Ornate dormer windows in the top rooms of Culross Palace, once the opulent family home of Sir George Bruce (c.1550-1625). Bruce was an innovator, devising new methods of mining coal under the sea bed, and from this he made his fortune.
Culross Palace was roofed with hand-made pantiles, imported from the Low Countries. The brisk trade between the Netherlands and coastal towns of Eastern Scotland at that time helps to explain the large number of distinctive red-roofed buildings in the ‘East Neuk’ of Fife. The crow-stepped gables (also visible in the picture) were copied from Dutch buildings – as well as being decorative, they helped to prevent the roof being lifted by the wind.
You can read more about Culross Palace here on The Hazel Tree.
Images © Jo Woolf
Windows: Culross Palace

16 Comments
Pat
Thanks, Jo. I love seeing detail shots like this. So much can get lost in the “big” picture. 🙂
Jo Woolf
That’s very true, Pat. So many details to take in and appreciate, especially in a property like this.
montucky
Amazing innovation and craftsmanship!
Jo Woolf
Yes – such skill and care went into all the little details. It’s a magnificent building.
Susan Abernethy
I was just stunned by Culross when I visited. It’s like stepping back in time.
Jo Woolf
It certainly is, Susan, and we were stunned too. We weren’t prepared for the whole experience – I’ve not been anywhere quite like it.
blosslyn
I love the fact that each dormer is different and those tiles are wonderful 🙂
Jo Woolf
Yes, lovely details – I think there’s a thistle there on the right, and perhaps the crest of Sir George Bruce in the middle one, but I’m not sure.
blosslyn
I wonder if there were any building plans that you can have a look at….ha ha did they do plans 🙂
Lorna
Those are beautiful windows and I like how they’re all different.
Jo Woolf
Yes, so much attention to all the little details, which of course spoke of wealth and status as well. It’s a fabulous place.
Cornell
Oh, such beautiful colours!
Jo Woolf
Yes, they certainly are! More like the Mediterranean. We were amazed when we first saw the Palace – it almost glows.
Klausbernd
Beautiful house and windows and the colour is great!
Jo Woolf
Yes, the colour is amazing! It glows even on a dull day. Fabulous place – we really enjoyed our visit there.
Klausbernd
Dear Jo
Great that you liked this architecture as well!
All the best
The Fab Four of Cley