Historic Attractions

The Union of the Crowns of England and Scotland in 1603 brought peace to the borderlands. This settled state is reflected in the magnificent great houses that were built in the area during the 18th and 19th centuries.

Mellerstain – approximately 18 miles from the hotel

Mellerstain House is the ancestral home of the Earls of Haddington and is probably the most complete example of the work of Robert Adam. The house stands a little distance off the A6089 Kelso to Gordon road. The exquisite interiors, beautiful parklands and Italianate terraced garden are open to the public on a limited number of days each week from Easter to October.

A Paladium Gem

Paxton – approximately 14 miles from the hotel

Paxton House stands beside the Tweed about 4 miles west of Berwick. It was built in 1758 for Patrick Home by the Adam brothers, John and Robert. One of the finest Palladian-style country houses in Britain, Paxton also features a large collection of Chippendale furniture. The Picture Gallery houses over 70 paintings from the National Galleries of Scotland. A wealth of wildlife can be seen from the viewing hides in the grounds and the boathouse contains a museum of salmon net-fishing.

Edwardian Country House

Manderston – approximately 18 miles from the hotel

Manderston House stands on the A6105 near Duns. Built in 1905, it is the supreme example of the Edwardian country house. Manderston was naturally chosen as the setting for the Channel 4 TV series of the same name. When the architect, John Kinross, enquired how much he could spend on the building he was told that money was no object. The house features opulent state rooms, a marble dairy and the only silver staircase in the world. There is also an unusual museum of biscuit tins, mainly of Huntley and Palmers. Manderston is the home of Lord and Lady Palmer.