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Mellerstain House & Gardens: A Masterpiece of Scottish Georgian Architecture

Explore Mellerstain House, a stunning Georgian masterpiece by Robert Adam, set within exquisite Italianate gardens and historic Scottish Borders parkland.

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Mellerstain House, located near Gordon in the Scottish Borders, is a grand 18th-century stately home renowned for its complete design by Robert Adam. The house combines the architectural vision of William Adam and his son Robert, featuring exquisite interiors, including a celebrated library and an enfilade of rooms. Set within 80 hectares of parkland, the estate boasts Italianate terraced gardens designed by Sir Reginald Blomfield, offering sweeping views over a lake and the Cheviot Hills.

A brief summary to Mellerstain House & Gardens

  • Mellerstain House, Gordon, TD3 6LG, GB
  • +441573410225
  • Visit website
  • Duration: 2 to 4 hours
  • Mid ranged
  • Environment icon Outdoor
  • Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
  • Monday 11 am-4 pm
  • Friday 11 am-4 pm
  • Saturday 11 am-4 pm
  • Sunday 11 am-4 pm

Local tips

  • Allow ample time to explore both the intricately decorated interiors and the expansive terraced gardens.
  • Visit during spring to autumn when the house is open to the public and gardens are at their most vibrant.
  • Take note of the architectural contrast between the wings by William Adam and the central block by Robert Adam.
  • Don’t miss the library’s original 18th-century ceiling painting of Minerva and the plasterwork details.
  • Enjoy the panoramic views from the Italianate terraces overlooking the lake and the Cheviot Hills.
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Getting There

  • Car

    Driving from Kelso to Mellerstain House takes approximately 20–30 minutes via local roads. Limited parking is available on-site. Note that rural roads may be narrow and winding.

  • Bus

    Local bus services connect Kelso to Gordon, with a stop near Mellerstain. Expect a 40–60 minute journey. Service frequency is limited, so check schedules in advance.

  • Walking

    For the adventurous, walking from Gordon village to Mellerstain House is a scenic 3–4 km route over gentle terrain, taking about 45–60 minutes. Suitable for those with moderate fitness.

Mellerstain House & Gardens location weather suitability

  • Weather icon Any Weather
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  • Weather icon Mild Temperatures
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Architectural Heritage and Origins

Mellerstain House stands as one of Scotland’s finest examples of Georgian architecture, with a history dating back to the 15th century. The estate was first mentioned in documents from the early 1400s and was granted by royal charter to George Baillie of Jerviswood in 1642. The current house was begun in 1725 when George Baillie and his wife Lady Grisell Baillie commissioned the prominent architect William Adam to build two wings on the site of an earlier peel tower. These wings served as the family residence and servants’ quarters for several decades.

The Robert Adam Completion and Interior Masterpieces

Nearly 50 years later, George Baillie’s grandson, inspired by his Grand Tour of Europe, commissioned Robert Adam, William’s son and a leading neoclassical architect, to complete the house. Between 1770 and 1778, Robert Adam designed and built the central block that linked the two wings, creating a harmonious and imposing mansion. The interiors are celebrated for their intricate plasterwork, original silk brocade wall coverings, and delicate color schemes. The library, with its double cube design and ceiling painting of Minerva, is considered one of Adam’s finest creations, showcasing exquisite plaster reliefs and marble busts.

Gardens and Landscape Design

Surrounding the house are 80 hectares of parkland, including a formal Italianate terraced garden designed in 1910 by Sir Reginald Blomfield. The garden terraces cascade down to a lake, with clipped yews, balustraded lawns, and intricate parterres that complement the classical elegance of the house. The vistas from the terraces stretch to the distant Cheviot Hills, creating a serene and picturesque setting that enhances the estate’s grandeur.

Family Legacy and Cultural Significance

Mellerstain has remained the family seat of the Baillie-Hamilton family since the 18th century, uniting with the Earldom of Haddington in 1858. The house preserves a remarkable collection of paintings by masters such as van Dyck and Gainsborough, as well as historic furnishings and textiles. Lady Grisell Baillie’s meticulous household accounts provide a rare insight into 18th-century country house life, enriching the cultural narrative of the estate.

Visitor Experience and Architectural Contrast

Visitors to Mellerstain can appreciate the architectural contrast between the restrained wings by William Adam and the more elaborate central block by Robert Adam, illustrating evolving tastes in Georgian design. The enfilade of six south-facing rooms enhances the sense of space and light, while the Great Gallery displays artefacts spanning centuries. The house’s intact interiors offer a vivid glimpse into aristocratic life during the Scottish Enlightenment.

Preservation and Public Access

Today, Mellerstain House is open to the public during spring, summer, and autumn, allowing visitors to explore its architectural splendor and extensive grounds. The estate has been recognized for its historical and artistic importance, with the gardens winning awards for their design and upkeep. Accessibility features such as parking and toilets support visitor comfort, while the peaceful setting invites contemplation and appreciation of Scotland’s heritage.

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