Historic Houses in the Scottish Borders

Abbotsford was the home of writer Sir Walter Scott. He tore down a farmhouse on the site and built the house in 1822 in the medieval style. A wing was added during the 1850's after his death. In the house is an important collection of armour, a library of books and a collection of curiosities, including a glass of Robert Burns, Rob Roy souvenirs and a desk from George IV. The entrance hall is decorated with richly carved wooden panelling from Dunfermline Abbey Church.
Abbotsford, Melrose, Borders, Scotland, TD6 9BQ

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Ayton Castle is a red sandstone Victorian castle built in 1846 on a wooded cliff. The castle is an excellent example of the Scottish baronial style of architecture popularised by Sir Walter Scott. Recently restored and still a family home. Open for groups and special events.
Eyemouth, Borders, Scotland, TD14 5RD

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Bowhill is a beautiful historic house just west of Selkirk, set in lovely woodland. Although built earlier, the house, as it stands, dates mainly from 1812 alterations. Bowhill contains one of the best art collections of any house in Britain, including a wealth of Old Master paintings.
3 The Square, Bowhill, Borders, Scotland, TD7 5ET

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Heritage Highlight: Superb Buccleuch Collection of fine art

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Ferniehirst is the 16th-century ancestral home of the Kerr family, featuring grand apartments and a turret library, plus a museum of family history.
Jedburgh, Borders, Scotland, TD8 6NX

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Heritage Highlight: 15th century ground floor chambers

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Home of the Duke and Duchess of Roxburghe, this palatial house was designed in 1721 by William Adam. Remodelled in the 19th century, it is the largest inhabited mansion in Britain. The exterior sports a bewildering array of turrets, chimneys and castellations in a fairytale castle style. A superb art collection includes works by Matisse, rare tapestries oriental porcelain, an outstanding collection of French furniture and Faberge ornaments.
Kelso, Borders, Scotland, TD5 7SF

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Manderston House is a sumptuous Edwardian mansion, the home of Lord and Lady Palmer. Life "upstairs" and "downstairs" are on display with rooms on view ranging from fabulous staterooms to the housekeeper's chambers. The elegant house was designed by Scottish architect John Kinross in the manner of Robert Adam, with ornate plasterwork ceilings and wall panels, urns, inlaid marble floors, columns, silk and velvet wall hangings, and curtains woven with gold or silver threads. One of the unique features of Manderston is a marvellous cantilevered marble staircase with silver-plated balustrade and brass top rail.

Duns, Borders, Scotland, TD11 3PP

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Mellerstain House is a magnificent Georgian mansion set in glorious gardens. Two wings of the house were built in 1725 by William Adam and completed in 1770 by his son Robert Adam. Interiors in classical style boast outstanding original plasterwork ceilings, friezes and fireplaces. The library is one of the finest of Adam's designs.
Mellerstain, Gordon, Borders, Scotland, TD3 6LG

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Heritage Highlight: Robert Adam library

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This delightfully elegant mansion, built in 1773, is one of the best examples of Palladian architecture in Britain. The interiors feature one of the best collections in existence of Chippendale furniture, with original bills of sale from the Chippendale works. The art gallery was added in 1811 and houses pictures on loan from the National Gallery of Scotland.
Paxton, Berwick Upon Tweed, Borders, Scotland, TD15 1SZ

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Heritage Highlight: An almost perfect example of Palladian architecture

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Thirlestane is the home of the Earls and Duke of Lauderdale, the Maitland family. The original keep was completed in 1590, and extended in the 1670's, with matching wings added in 1840. The interiors boast decorative plasterwork ceilings and a grand balustraded staircase. The Museum of Border Country Life is attached to the castle, featuring a historic toy collection.
Lauder, Borders, Scotland, TD2 6RU

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Heritage Highlight: Elegant plasterwork interiors

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Traquair is 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).
Innerleithen, Borders, Scotland, EH44 6PW

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Heritage Highlight: The oldest continuously inhabited house in Scotland?

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