Discover Mellerstain House
Your Pride and Prejudice moment in Scotland
Welcome to the first publication of Rose & Julien - In Pursuit of Scotland.
A chance for us to dive deeper into our exploration of Scotland, and a chance for you to actually see our content, as Instagram’s algorithm can be cruel!
As you might already know we are passionate about South Scotland. It is our home and where we offer our meaningful photoshoot sessions for travellers.
It is also a less explored area, which makes it serene and enjoyably quiet. Exhibit A: Mellerstain House.
Mellerstain House was built between 1725 and 1778. The architect William Adam initially designed the east and west wings for George Baillie and his wife Lady Grisell. The neoclassical heart that joins the two wings was completed by Robert, William’s son, and stands as a unique testament to their renowned work.
It is one of Scotland’s great Georgian houses, and it is quite simply stunning.
We only paid Mellerstain House a quick afternoon visit, and instantly knew we needed to plan to go back and explore the enticing gardens (for Rose to live out her best Pride and Prejudice life!).
The House itself is well worth a visit. The guided tour is lengthy (2 hours) but is utterly fascinating and goes in depth about the history of the house and the people who played a role over the years.
We visited Mellerstain on a Sunday in July and, as expected in the Scottish Borders, it was quiet, only a few other visitors (we are always the youngest ones by far - we embrace being old souls!).
The grounds include a host of unexpected delights, including our personal favourite, the Tea Cottage.
A cute (and also a little creepy) thatched cottage nestled amongst an enclosed garden. The ladies of the house would once walk over daily to take afternoon tea. We can’t help but think how lovely that would be to still be able to do today!
The estate is situated in the heart of the Scottish Borders. Less than 15 minutes to Floors Castle, Smailholm Tower and the market town of Kelso.
It is Scotland’s countryside at its finest. Rolling green hills, farms, old castles and towers, places for hunting and fishing.
So if you are interested in discovering another side of Scotland, one that’s perhaps a little more romantic and serene, we would highly recommend visiting Mellerstain House and the surrounding area.
Note: Mellerstain Grounds and Garden are open all year round 11.00am-4.00pm.
The House is open for guided tours only at 11.30am and 2.00pm Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday.