Pink-stoned 18th century Georgian manor house designed in Palladian style. Fine circular staircases, Jacobite relics, and library. Collection of 20th century paintings, tapestries and sculpture. Views over Annadale.
Lockerbie,
Dumfries and Galloway,
Scotland,
DG11 1LD
Since the 9th century a crowning place of the kings of Scotland (tiny chapel on the grounds) and home of the Stone of Destiny. The first recorded Scottish Parliaments took place at Scone. 1580 palace remodelled in early 1800's, of red sandstone in Gothic style. Home of the Earl and Countess of Mansfield. State rooms contain ivories, Chinese vases, paintings, clocks, furniture (including a set of Louis XV armchairs and a table made for Marie-Antoinette), porcelain. Embroideries by Mary, Queen of Scots. The Long Gallery is 142 ft. long with Scottish oak floor inset with bog oak. The grounds have a collection of shrubs. Woodland walks.
Perth,
Tayside,
Scotland,
PH2 6BD
Historic 17th century mansion a short distance from Skara Brae. The house was first built for Bishop George Graham around 1620, but has been the family home of the Laird’s of Skaill since. Among the prize posessions is Captain Cook's dinner service, a gift to the family by the explorer. There is history wherever you look at Skaill; the house was built partly on a Norse burial ground, and Bronze Age mounds surround the property. The house is said to be haunted by friendly spirits.
Breckness Estate,
Sandwick,
Mainland,
Orkney,
Highlands and Islands,
Scotland,
KW16 3LR
Situated on cliff on River Ayr. Built of pink sandstone, it originally dates from 15th century, with 18th and 19th century additions. Old oak ceilings, Scottish artifacts and paintings.
Sorn,
Mauchline,
Strathclyde,
Scotland
A fascinating group of three historic buildings in a wonderful setting above the River Tay. Stobhall includes a late 16th century tower house attached to a 14th century chapel. Nearby is a mid 17th century Dower House. The three historic buildings stand beside a small formal garden, which leads to a woodland garden area with walking trails.
Perth,
Tayside,
Scotland,
PH2 6DR
Home of Earls and Duke of Lauderdale, the Maitland family. Original keep completed in 1590, extended in 1670's, matching wings added in 1840. Decorative plasterwork ceilings, grand balustraded staircase. Historic toy collection and museum of Border Country Life.
Lauder,
Borders,
Scotland,
TD2 6R
Scottish baronial style built in mid 1800's. Formal terraces and gardens with 2 mile footpath to Duart Castle. The Statue Walk has life size limestone figures. Collection of rhododendrons. Walled garden, oriental garden.
Craignure,
Isle of Mull,
Strathclyde,
Scotland,
PA65 6AY
One of the oldest continuously inhabited houses in Scotland, which has been extended and altered over the years. Traquair started as a royal hunting lodge as early as 1107, then became a fortified tower. In 1491, James Stuart inherited it, and the house has been in the family ever since. In the 16th and 17th centuries it was turned into a mansion house. Mary, Queen of Scots, visited in 1556, and there are many of her personal belongings and mementos here (a quilt stitched by her and her ladies in waiting, James VI's crib, a rosary and a copy of the warrant for her execution). Portraits, State Bed and library of 3000 books from the 18th century. The Museum Room contains historical documents. Hidden passageways, cupboards and secret staircases attest to the family's Catholic faith and need to hide a priest in the house. The famous Bear Gates (Steekit Yetts) were, according to legend, closed by the 5th Earl in 1745 when Prince Charlie left, and the Earl vowed never to reopen them until the Stuarts were restored to the throne.
Innerleithen,
Borders,
Scotland,
EH44 6PW
