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Visit Castles - Historic Houses and Stately Homes in the Scottish Borders
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| No visit to the beautiful
Scottish Borders would be complete without at least one visit
to one of the magnificent Castles or Stately Homes listed below.
Scotland’s famous novelist, Sir Walter Scott, designed and
commissioned his beautiful home, Abbotsford
House, on the outskirts of Galashiels. If you explore
this residence you will witness the joyous life he and his
family lived there and understand why it was the inspiration
for many of his novels. The house is also home to a vast
collection of books and many of Sir Walter’s souvenirs from
far-flung travels. The library is of particular interest,
displaying an impressive replica of the Rosslyn Chapel’s ceiling.
There are many other Historic Houses and Castles some of
which are not open to the public and Castles which may be
in ruins. Here are some of these:-
Ayton Castle, Paxton House, Duns Castle, Greenknowe Tower,
Gordon, Old Gala House and Scott Gallery, Drumlanrig's Tower,
Hawick, Ferniehurst Castle and Mary Queen Of Scots House,
Jedburgh, Jedburgh Castle Jail, Smailholm Tower, Neidpath
Castle, Peebles, Hermitage Castle, Newcastleton
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Visit Abbotsford House | Sir Walter Scott's home - touring
Scotland
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Thirlestane Castle, on the outskirts of Lauder, is nestled in the gentle
Border hills. With its rose pink sandstone and fairytale turrets, it holds
a unique and important place in Scottish history. Thirlestane is one of
the oldest and finest castles in Scotland and home to one of the country’s
most distinguished families. |
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Floors Castle, near Kelso, the grand old gentleman of the Borders stately
homes. An expansive and ornate architectural masterpiece, it stands on
grounds overlooking the River Tweed. Designed by William Adam, it is the
home of the Duke of Roxburghe and has been enlarged and embellished
throughout its history. If you have time after exploring its magnificent
interior, there is a garden centre and tea room within the grounds to
visit too! Well worth a visit.
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Traquair House near Innerleithen, with it’s legendary ‘Bear Gates’, is the
oldest inhabited house in Scotland and home to Lady Laird Catherine
Maxwell Stuart of Traqauir and her family. Traquair House is Scotland’s oldest inhabited house and was originally a
hunting lodge for the kings of Scotland. It has strong associations with Mary Queen of Scots.
The brewery situated next to the house uses traditional methods to produce award-winning quality ales.
Enjoy the peaceful surroundings by meandering through the extensive gardens and maze. |
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Manderston House, a beautiful 18th century Georgian house, designed by
Robert Adam with beautiful gardens and wonderful terraces, it is home to a
vast collection of fabulous paintings, embroidery, china and furniture
which are important remnants of Scottish history. |
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Mellerstain House, a beautiful 18th century Georgian house, designed by
Robert Adam with beautiful gardens and wonderful terraces, it is home to a
vast collection of fabulous paintings, embroidery, china and furniture
which are important remnants of Scottish history. |
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Bowhill House and Country Park, with its immense grounds and tranquil
beauty. Nestled in the countryside a few miles from Selkirk, it features
a fascinating exhibition of the life of Ettrick shepherd James Hogg and
has an outstanding collection of paintings and silverware. Walking into
Bowhill’s fully-restored Victorian kitchen is like stepping back in
Scottish history, and there is much to enjoy and appreciate at this
impressive stately home.
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