Explore the BIG HOUSES in the Scottish Borders...
Floors Castle is proud to be a part of the Big Houses Group. The region is exceedingly rich in history and heritage properties. A group that represents and promotes the finest historic houses and castles in the Scottish Borders within a 50 mile radius.
Set amidst breathtaking scenery, there is a wealth of historic properties to view and grounds and exquisite gardens to explore. Our featured homes and castles have fascinating historical links and each has its own unique charm.
Opening hours and admission fees vary from venue to venue and are subject to seasonal variations.
Neidpath Castle
Across the centuries, Neidpath has been home to generations of the Fraser, Hay, and Douglas families. And for over 200 years, the estate has been privately owned by the Wemyss family. The true beauty of Neidpath is that very little has changed over the years.
Traquair
Visited by 27 Scottish Kings and Queens Traquair dates back to 1107 and has been lived in by the Stuart family since 1491. Originally a royal hunting lodge, Traquair played host to Mary Queen of Scots and later as staunch Catholics they supported the Jacobite cause without counting the cost.
Bowhill
The magnificent country home of the Duke and Duchess of Buccleuch and home to part of the famous Buccleuch art collection.
Abbotsford
Located in the heart of the beautiful Borders countryside, Abbotsford was built by Sir Walter Scott in the 19th century as a family home, work space and private museum and his interests can be seen in the amazing gothic architecture and interiors jam-packed with fascinating curios, artefacts, books and stories galore.
Thirlestane
Dating back to the 16th century, Thirlestane Castle is one of the oldest and finest inhabited castles in Scotland. Discover some of the finest decorative plasterwork ceilings in Europe, as well one of the most extensive family collections of portraits and busts in Scotland.
Mellerstain
Begun in 1725 and finally completed in 1778, this grand stately home has a fascinating history and is of unique architectural interest; the result of a fruitful collaboration between the Baillie family and two of Scotland’s greatest architects, William Adam and his son Robert. This beautiful Georgian mansion house is a unique example of Adam design and presents an enthralling and complete picture, just as it would have been some 240 years ago.
Monteviot
The present house of Monteviot began as an early-eighteenth century lodge built by the 1st Marquis of Lothian. Ambitious designs from Edward Blore were commissioned for a Jacobean-style mansion at Monteviot in 1832 but never completed, leaving the modest Georgian house and Blore’s elaborate Jacobean-inspired office wing side by side.
Gunsgreen
A picture-perfect landmark on Eyemouth’s harbourside, Gunsgreen House is not only now home to an informative museum, telling the story of a dark past of smuggling and illegal imports, but a unique escape and wedding venue or somewhere to stop off and enjoy afternoon tea and a browse of local artefacts in the retail shop.
