Traquair

Traquair, situated amidst beautiful scenery and close by the River Tweed, is the oldest inhabited house in Scotland - visited by twenty-seven kings. Originally a Royal hunting lodge, it was owned by the Scottish Crown until 1478 when it passed to a branch of the Royal Stuart family whose descendants still live in the house today. Nearly ten centuries of Scottish political and domestic life can be traced from the collection of treasures in the house. It is particularly rich in associations with the Catholic Church in Scotland, Mary Queen of Scots and the Jacobite Risings. 70 acres of grounds with peacocks, ducks and other wildlife. In spring there is a profusion of daffodils followed by rhododendrons, wild flowers and herbaceous plants. A maze in beech/leylandii cyprus is behind the house.Historic Houses Association Member. Opening Times: 3 Apr - 30 Sept: daily, 12.30 - 5.30pm. Jun, Jul & Aug: 10.30am - 5.30pm. Last admission 5pm. Oct: Fri - Sun, 12.30 - 5.30pm. Restaurant: open from 11am. Jun, Jul & Aug open from 10.30am