Abbotsford – The Home of Sir Walter Scott

Abbotsford House is a visit that we strongly recommend.

Abbotsford is a historic country house in the Scottish Borders, near Galashiels, on the south bank of the River Tweed. It was built as the residence of historical novelist and poet Sir Walter Scott between 1817 and 1825.

About

The nucleus of the estate was a small farm of 100 acres, called Cartleyhole, nicknamed Clarty , and was bought by Scott on the lapse of his lease (1811) of the neighbouring house of Ashestiel.

Scott renamed it “Abbotsford” after a neighbouring ford used by the monks of Melrose Abbey.  Following a modest enlargement from the original farmhouse in 1811–12, a massive expansions took place in 1816–19 and 1822–24.

Scott gathered a large library, a collection of ancient furniture, arms and armour, and other relics and curiosities especially connected with Scottish history.

Family

Abbotsford opened to the public in 1833, but continued to be occupied by Scott’s descendants in this time until 2004. The last of his direct descendants to hold the Lairdship of Abbotsford was his great-great-great-granddaughter Dame Jean Maxwell-Scott (8 June 1923 – 5 May 2004).

She inherited it from her elder sister Patricia Maxwell-Scott in 1998. The sisters turned the house into one of Scotland’s premier tourist attractions, after they had to rely on paying visitors to afford the upkeep of the house.

The gardens

Relax in Abbotsford’s Regency Walled Gardens designed by Sir Walter Scott with advice from artists, architects and friends.

They provide a harmonious transition between the luxury and comfort of the interiors of the house with wonders of nature in the wider estate through a series of secluded, richly detailed and sheltered ‘rooms’.

Visitor Centre

Visit the free exhibition on the life and legacy of Sir Walter Scott and follow the story of Scotland’s greatest storyteller for yourself.

Gift Shop

From beautiful pieces of hand-painted jewellery to Scottish themed souvenirs, there is something for everyone at Abbotsford’s gift shop.

Dining at Abbotsford

The Walled Gardens and the historic house at Ochiltree’s café.

Play Trail

Family Play Trail, which includes a wooden fortress with a seven-metre pyramid tower.