Mellerstain House
Scottish Borders, Scotland
Key facts
- Operator
- Baillie family (Earl of Haddington)
- Condition
- Intact
- Access
- Staffed, ticketed
- Stays
- Overnight accommodation available
Pinpoint
Mellerstain House, Gordon TD3 6LG
Mellerstain is a Georgian house with interiors by Robert Adam, and the seat of the Earls of Haddington. Reviewers describe it as elegant and rather under the radar, partly because it isn't a National Trust for Scotland property, and several mention furniture and contents that have stayed with the family. The grounds get as much praise as the house, with visitors highlighting woodland and lakeside walks and a courtyard cafe.
Worth the trip
The Adam interiors paired with over a thousand acres of grounds - reviewers rate the walks around the woodland and lake as highly as the house itself.
Before you go
Opening is limited, and one visitor found the house shut for the winter with only the gardens and grounds open, so check dates before travelling.
Reviewers are consistently enthusiastic about the interiors, describing centuries-old furniture, paintings and decorated ceilings that have stayed with the family, and noting the rooms are well lit and easy to see. Several comment that it retains the feel of a family home despite its scale, and one points out that it sits somewhat under the radar because it is not a National Trust for Scotland property. The gardens, views from the rear of the house, and woodland and lakeside walks in the wider grounds are also praised, and the courtyard cafe is mentioned favourably. One visitor notes that the house closes over the winter while the grounds stay open, and found them near-deserted and good for dog walking. Guides are described as knowledgeable and welcoming of questions.
Georgian house with interiors by Robert Adam, seat of the Earls of Haddington.
“Stunning house set in beautiful grounds. Lovely courtyard cafe, and wonderful walks through the woodland and around the lake.”- Matt Blair, visitor review
Practical notes from visitors
Quoted from individual Google reviews, not verified with the operator - treat as a steer, not gospel, and check before you travel.
- Guided tours
- “The tour guide was excellent…on her first ever tour.” - Jane Newley
- Facilities
- “Lovely courtyard cafe, and wonderful walks through the woodland and around the lake.” - Matt Blair
Common questions about Mellerstain House
Where is Mellerstain House?
Mellerstain House is in Scottish Borders, Scotland, at Mellerstain House, Gordon TD3 6LG.
Do you need a ticket to visit Mellerstain House?
Yes - Mellerstain House is a staffed, ticketed attraction run by Baillie family (Earl of Haddington). Ticket prices and opening hours change through the year, so check the official site before travelling.
Can you stay overnight at Mellerstain House?
Yes - Mellerstain House offers bookable accommodation, so you can spend the night in the stately home itself or within its grounds. See the Stately Homes You Can Sleep In guide for the full list and how each stay works.
What is the highlight of visiting Mellerstain House?
The Adam interiors paired with over a thousand acres of grounds - reviewers rate the walks around the woodland and lake as highly as the house itself.
Is Mellerstain House a ruin or still intact?
Mellerstain House is largely intact - Georgian house with interiors by Robert Adam, seat of the Earls of Haddington.
