Hallrule House built in 1805 is an elegant mansion situated in secluded parkland overlooking Rule Water, a tributary of the Teviot which itself flows into the Tweed. Although the present house is Regency, much of its architecture, and the period charm within, reflect late Georgian elegance and taste.
The Wells estate, within which Hallrule is now the principal mansion, passed in typical Borders fashion from one feuding family to another; Turnbulls, Rutherfords, Stewarts of Traquair and the Elliotts of Stobs owned the estate during the 16th and 17th Centuries. Following Elliott family debts and the letting of Wells during much of the 19th Century, in 1901 Hallrule passed into the hands of the well-known Edinburgh- based brewing and blending family of Andrew Usher & Co., in whose possession (under Trust since 1911) it has remained until now.
Sir Robert Usher Bt., of Norton and Wells, as well as being a renowned benefactor to Edinburgh, lived nearby at Wells, a very substantial mansion (see lot 194). Sir Robert's widow, Lady Katherine, died in 1948, whereupon the larger house was then demolished with the contents being removed to Hallrule, at that time being occupied by her son Sir Stuart Usher Bt.; the family resided there until the death of his last remaining son Sir Robert Usher Bt. Due to him being incapax (therefore intestate) the entire estate and the contents of Hallrule have now to be dispersed.
A PERSIAN BRASS TRAY
Details
A PERSIAN BRASS TRAY
18in. (46cm) wide;
a Benares brass cigarette box, 6in. (15cm) wide; two brass paperknives; and a brass ashtray (5)
18in. (46cm) wide;
a Benares brass cigarette box, 6in. (15cm) wide; two brass paperknives; and a brass ashtray (5)