History of Wynd House
Wynd House is over 400 years old and has been the home of the Wood family since 1584, through 11 generations.
The Wood Clan of Wynd House are direct descendants of Admiral Sir Andrew Wood, “Scotland’s Nelson’.
Andrew Wood was a merchant trader and naval captain who came to the attention of James IV for beating the English in naval battles in the Firth of Forth. In 1490, the King knighted Andrew, appointed him First Admiral of the Scottish Navy, and granted him lands around Largo, Fife.
This established the Wood dynasty in the East Neuk, and Andrew’s descendents became prominent in Elie & Earlsferry.
Wynd House dates back to 1584 –but was built on the foundations of an even older building, probably a 11/12th century peel tower, the foundations of which are evident in the in the basement.
At that time, the terrace on the sea front didn’t exist, so boats would bring goods directly to the shore and unloaded into the cellar.
There is a tunnel, currently unexcavated, that leads from the sea garden to the basement of the house!
Wynd House lies on the mediaeval foundations of a Peel Tower
Above: Artist’s impression of the earlier house upon which the current house stands before the harbour was built.
Wynd House THROUGH THE YEARS
1700’s
A wing was added in the 1700’s on the North side when Margaret Wood married Peter Nairne and they moved into the ‘substantial dwelling house”.
1800’s
Extensive Victorian modification to front of the house adding bay windows, whereas previously it looked more like The Castle on South Street.
In 1864 the Wood family extended the estate by buying two cottages and the cobble yard, the common vennel, 36 High Street and all the ground in between, so making Wynd Estate one plot.
The Cottages
The cobble yard cottage (previously a cottage and Blacksmith’s Shop) was converted into a stable and coach house.
1908
Catherine Hunter Wood built the Eastern addition of a cupola, bathroom, pantry, and back porch of the House. Originally this would have been a tower with spiral stone staircase leading from garden to upper floors.
1960’s– gas and electricity and bathrooms installed in the house for the first time by Admiral James, who also upgraded the gardens, putting in formal beds.
1980’s and 90’s – the three windows facing the garden were installed and 36 High Street upgraded to modern standards as a caretaker’s cottage.
2000’s to present day – Renovation of garden cottages, sea garden and boundary walls, upgrades to interiors of all properties. Conversion of sea garden hut into a modern sauna.
