There is very little known about Alexander Johnston (d.1793), of Straiton. He owned the Straiton estate, as well as the Champfleurie estate and died a bachelor in 1793, leaving both estates to his brother James Johnston. The estate was eventually inherited by Admiral Robert Johnston Stewart of Physgill and Glasserton who built a new house at Champfleurie in 1851, the designs of which have been attributed to the architect David Rhind.

Historic maps show that there was a pre-existing property at Champfleurie. The Adam office made designs for a new villa at Champfleurie in 1790. It is not clear if this house was executed or not. Early-nineteenth century maps do show a property on the site but this could relate to an earlier property. Interestingly, in 1792 the gardens were laid out by landscape architect Thomas White. The existing house, dating from 1851, does not show any resemblance to the Adam office scheme and is presumed to be an entirely new property which would suggest either the Adam designs were not executed or were demolished soon after.

Literature: Gentleman's Magazine and Historical Review, Volume 63, Part 2, 1793, p. 677; A.T. Bolton, The Architecture of Robert and James Adam, Volume II, Index, 1922, p.6; D. King, The Complete Works of Robert & James Adam and Unbuilt Adam, Volume 2, 2001, pp. 122; Historic Environment Scotland, ‘Champfleurie House with lodge, gate piers and boundary wall’, online [accessed 26 October 2023]

Louisa Catt, 2023