Owner of the hotel in Shrewsbury (UK) where I stayed on honeymoon was telling us the history of the place, It had apparently been a lodge on the Engish estate of The Macpherson of Macpherson. The last owner of the property had been rather reclusive, and had had a secret room created behind the fireplace in the main hall to which he could retire to avoid visitors. The Butler would then say 'The Laird is out'
When the alterations and extensions started for the Hotel, the room was found and cotained some fairly valuable antique furniture and several first edition books. I believe the books were given to the Rowley's House Museum in Shrewsbury,

FC