Welcome to Stately Homes

Tradition claims that the house was first known as a heather hut, about 950 AD, deep in the Forest of Ettrick. When King Alexander I stayed there and granted a charter from Traquair in 1107 it must have already been a substantial building. His stay was the first of many by the Scottish Kings throughout the middle ages when it assumed the importance of a Royal Residence.

From there local justice was administered, and of course, royal pastimes indulged in; Hunting, Hawking and Fishing. The Forest was known for its abundance of game . . . . and bears. The famous closed gates at the end of the Avenue to the house are flanked by massive pillars, surmounted by two carved stone bears holding the family coat of arms.

With the death of Alexander III in 1286 the Golden Age of peace came to an end. By the end of the century Scotland was at war with England. Traquair was fortified to become part of the defence against an English invasion, but was occupied by English troops. Both King Edward I and II of England stayed there at this time, but with the accession of Robert the Bruce in 1306 the house was restored to the Scottish Crown.

During the next 150 years the house was owned by a number of families, reverting to the Crown at intervals, until James III gave Traquair and all its lands to his favourite; Robert Lord Boyd, then a few years later to his "Master of Music" who in turn sold it on to the King's uncle the Earl of Buchan for the equivalent today of a few pounds. Buchan's second son, James Stuart, became the first Laird of Traquair in 1491, and it is from him that the present family is decended.

Having been involved in power and politics for some 700 years, Traquair has, more recently, experienced quieter times. Still very much a family home, it has remained largely unchanged in a landscape of ancient woodland, gardens, and forests of the Tweed valley.

After the last war, the 19th Laird and his wife began a programme of restoration and repairs which has continued to this day. As the 20th Laird wrote; "We are happy to continue the work they started so that new generations of visitors will delight in and learn much from a house that has become a part of Scotland's history".

Accommodation in the Oldest Inhabited House in Scotland

Three spacious double bedrooms furnished with antique furniture, canopied bed, private bath and central heating are available on a "bed and breakfast" basis. Guests may wander in the extensive grounds which lead to the famous River Tweed where fishing on their private stretch is available. Information will be given about the many dining places in the area which vary from country inns to 5 star hotels. (Dinner may sometimes be available in the house by prior arrangement). In the morning a full Scottish breakfast is served in the Still Room.

2 people per night with full Scottish Breakfast: £180
Single Occupancy: £100

For further details on accommodation at Traquair, Click Here.

Weddings and Catering

As one of the most romantic settings in Scotland, Traquair is the ideal choice for weddings. There is a private Catholic chapel in one of the wings of the house or you may wish to use the High Drawing Room or Dining Room, both of these rooms have a maximum seating capacity of 5O. Outside venues include The Rose Garden, The Old Walled Garden and the Wine Glass Lawn. They are happy to provide assistance in finding a minister or a priest. Overseas marriages must register at least six weeks in advance with the Registrar in Peebles. UK couples at least 4 weeks.

Receptions can be held in the house and lunches and dinners (menus) can be arranged in the 18th century Dining Room but numbers are limited to 35. Outside they are happy to arrange for marquees to be sited either on the Wine Glass Lawn in front of the house or in the Old Walled Garden where there is the possibility of siting the marquee over the garden pond and fountain. The 1745 Cottage Restaurant and Bear Cottage are also available for receptions of up to 50 people.

Opening Times - 2010:

2nd April - 31st October: daily. Weekends Only in November

April - May & September: 12 - 5 pm
June - August: 10.30 am - 5 pm
October: 11 am - 4 pm
November: 11 am - 3 pm

Admission Prices - 2010:

House & Grounds:
Adult - £7.50
Child - £4
Senior - £6.80
Group - £6.50