Mansion for J. Douglas Fletcher, Rosehaugh, UK, 1893, Unknown

Mansion for J. Douglas Fletcher , Rosehaugh, New Brunswick, CAN
Unknown, architect(s). From the American Architect and Building News, September 30, 1893. 17.25 by 13 inches. VG+ condition with light browning along the edges.

James Douglas Fletcher was born in 1857, the fourth child of James and Frederica Mary. He was educated at Eton and gained a degree in law at Oxford. Both James Douglas and his brother Fitzroy Charles received annual allowances from their father’s estate of £5,000 and £6,000 respectively, and the use of the family homes, but the residue was to remain in trust until they were 35. James Douglas inherited Woolton Hill House in Liverpool and the Rosehaugh estates, whereas Fitzroy Charles inherited Letham Grange in Forfarshire and Fern.

Though James Douglas inherited the two properties, he preferred to pursue his sporting and agricultural interests in the highlands and he let the house in Liverpool to various tenants before finally selling it.

On inheriting Rosehaugh Estate James Douglas followed his father’s example and was an interested and benevolent landowner, continuing and extending the improvements already begun.

Rosehaugh was a magnificent property by any standards, and James Douglas was a most eligible bachelor. But in 1890 the house lacked a mistress. Fletcher’s attentions were attracted by the vivacious Nellie Bass, heiress to the Bass brewing fortune but the alliance was never formed.

Hand-colored Original Plan. This picture is extremely hard to find, as the American Architect and Building News not only had a very small circulation during that time, but very few were actually preserved or colored as this has been. It measures 17.25 by 13 inches. Has a mat border and foam core backing (not attached to the picture). The whole plan measures approximately 19 by 16 inches (with mat border). Finely detailed and beautifully hand-colored. Shrink wrapped.