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Mellerstain House & Gardens: A Masterpiece of Georgian Architecture and Landscape

Discover Mellerstain House, Scotland’s exquisite Georgian masterpiece with stunning Adam interiors and breathtaking Italianate gardens.

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Mellerstain House, near Gordon in the Scottish Borders, is a grand 18th-century stately home renowned as possibly the only complete building designed by Robert Adam. Featuring exquisite interiors, including a celebrated library and music room, it stands amidst 80 hectares of parkland with Italianate terraced gardens designed by Sir Reginald Blomfield. The estate reflects centuries of Scottish history and architectural evolution, open to visitors in spring, summer, and autumn.

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

  • Visit during spring to autumn when the house and gardens are open to fully appreciate the interiors and seasonal blooms.
  • Take time to explore the Italianate terraced gardens designed by Sir Reginald Blomfield, offering panoramic views of the lake and Cheviot Hills.
  • Don’t miss the library and music room, which are celebrated examples of Robert Adam’s neoclassical interior design.
  • Check the opening hours as the house is closed on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays outside the main open days.
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Getting There

  • Car

    Driving from Edinburgh or Glasgow to Mellerstain House takes approximately 1 hour 45 minutes to 2 hours 15 minutes via the A68 and A6105. Ample parking is available on-site free of charge. Note that rural roads may be narrow and winding.

  • Train and Taxi

    Take a train to Berwick-upon-Tweed or Tweedbank railway stations, approximately 25-40 minutes away by taxi. Taxi services from these stations to Mellerstain House cost around £30-£40 and take about 30-40 minutes.

  • Bus and Taxi

    Regional buses connect Kelso and Earlston with nearby villages. From Earlston, a taxi ride of about 10 minutes (approximately £10-£15) is required to reach Mellerstain House. Bus services may be infrequent, so plan accordingly.

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 Historical Roots

Mellerstain House is a distinguished example of Georgian architecture, primarily built between 1725 and 1778. The estate's origins trace back to at least the 15th century, initially featuring an older peel tower or castle on the site. The current house began with the commissioning of William Adam, Scotland’s foremost architect of the early 18th century, who designed the two wings. Decades later, his son Robert Adam, one of the most celebrated neoclassical architects, completed the central block, linking the wings into a cohesive mansion. This makes Mellerstain possibly the only surviving complete building designed by Robert Adam, showcasing his mastery in architectural design and interior decoration.

Interior Masterpieces and Artistic Legacy

Inside, Mellerstain boasts lavish and largely unaltered interiors, including a double-cube library regarded as one of Robert Adam’s finest creations, featuring intricate plasterwork and classical motifs. Other notable rooms include the music room, originally a dining room, the main drawing room with original silk brocade wall coverings, and the Great Gallery, which displays historic costumes, fans, and documents. The house also holds an impressive collection of paintings by artists such as van Dyck, Gainsborough, and Ramsay, alongside sculptural works by Louis-François Roubiliac, adding to the cultural richness of the estate.

The Baillie-Hamilton Family and Historical Significance

The estate has been closely linked to the Baillie family since the 17th century, granted by royal charter in 1642. George Baillie and his wife Lady Grisell Baillie were instrumental in the house’s development and are remembered for their roles in Scottish history, including Lady Grisell’s detailed household accounts that illuminate 18th-century country house life. The property later passed by marriage to the Baillie-Hamilton Earls of Haddington, who made Mellerstain their family seat after selling Tyninghame House in 1987. The estate’s history intertwines with national events, including the Covenanter struggles and political upheavals of the 17th century.

Gardens and Landscape Design

Set within approximately 80 hectares of parkland, Mellerstain’s gardens are a highlight, featuring an Italianate terraced garden designed in 1910 by Sir Reginald Blomfield. The terraces descend gracefully to a large lake, framed by clipped yews, intricate parterres, and classical statues, with views stretching to the distant Cheviot Hills. The landscaping complements the grandeur of the house, creating a harmonious blend of architecture and nature. The gardens have received recognition, including the HHA/Christie’s Garden of the Year Award in 1998.

Visitor Experience and Cultural Engagement

Open to the public during spring, summer, and autumn, Mellerstain House offers visitors a chance to explore its architectural splendor and beautifully maintained grounds. The estate includes a café and shop, enhancing the visitor experience. The house’s interiors, gardens, and collections provide deep insight into Scottish heritage, architecture, and aristocratic life across centuries, making it a compelling destination for history enthusiasts, architecture lovers, and garden admirers alike.

Preservation and Contemporary Role

Managed by The Mellerstain Trust, the estate balances preservation with public engagement, maintaining the house’s original features and the gardens’ historic design. Accessibility features such as accessible toilets and parking accommodate diverse visitors. Mellerstain remains a vital cultural landmark, embodying Scotland’s architectural and historical legacy while continuing as a family seat and a treasured heritage site.

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