AN Auchinleck landmark is set to host a food themed open day net month.

The Landmark Trust is holding a free food-themed public open day at Auchinleck House on Sunday September 4 as part of Doors Open Day.

Auchinleck was built between 1755 and 1760 for Alexander Boswell, the 8th Laird of Auchinleck and father of the renowned diarist and biographer James Boswell.

A fine example of an eighteenth-century Scottish country villa, the house combines classical purity with baroque exuberance. It is likely that Lord Auchinleck himself was involved in the neo-Classical design, perhaps influenced by the Adam brothers.

Carved into the entrance pediment is an extract from Horace about the contentment to be found in country life, while a fine library and elaborate plasterwork await inside. The house is situated in open grounds: nestled close to a great bridge over the Dippol Burn are an ice house and grotto.

In 1773 James Boswell’s great friend Samuel Johnson visited the house. During the visit, Johnson and Lord Auchinleck famously argued over politics in the library.

This September, Landmark invites you to meet Lord Auchinleck’s cook Mrs Brown as she prepares for Samuel Johnson’s visit. Learn about Georgian table etiquette as Mrs Brown prepares the food and lays the grand dining room table.

Auchinleck House will be open between 10am and 4pm on Sunday September 4.

Entry is free, no booking is required and leaflets on the history of each building will be available.