Alexander ’Greek’ Thomson has described Holmwood House as the finest domestic design. It was built in 1857-8 for James Couper who, with his brother Robert, owned Millholm Paper Mills on the banks of the River Cart, below the house. Thanks to investigation by Historic Scotland, Thomson’s original rich decoration, based on themes from the classical world, is beginning to emerge. Much of the original stencilled decoration has been found, and visitors may follow the progress of continuing conservation work.