The Hirsel
| The Hirsel | |
| Berwickshire | |
|---|---|
 West facade of The Hirsel | |
| Location | |
| Grid reference: | NT829407 |
| Location: | 55°39’36"N, 2°16’21"W |
| History | |
| Built c1600–c1850 | |
| For: | The Earls of Home |
| Country house | |
| Information | |
| Owned by: | The 15th Earl of Home |
The Hirsel is a stately home near Coldstream in Berwickshire. It has been a seat of the Earls of Home since 1611, and the principal seat following the destruction of Hume Castle during the mid-17th century. It was the home of the former Prime Minister, Sir Alec Douglas-Home, the 14th Earl of Home.
The house is Category A Listed.
Architecture
A large mellow Georgian house of grey stone, most of which dates from the early 18th century, with an earlier portion dating from the early 17th century. Victorian alterations and additions were carried out by William Burn in 1851. David Bryce, George Henderson, and James Campbell Walker are also known to have worked here. Most of the Victorian additions were demolished during the mid 20th century. The interior contains a fine stone staircase in the centre portion.[1]
Garden and park
The house is set within an outstanding crafted garden in late 18th to 19th centuries, within a designed landscape which spans the valley of Leet Water. The landscape comprises informal parkland, woodland, and a large artificial lake (the Lake of the Hirsel), and a late 19th century rhododendron and azalea woodland garden, Dundock Wood. The walled garden dates from the mid 18th century.
In addition to forming an attractive setting for the category-A listed house, the grounds contain nationally important archaeological remains, a designated Site of Special Scientific Interest and two notable heritage trees.[2]
Visitor access
The Homestead Craft Centre and Museum of Country Life, the Tea Room and Craft Workshops are all located within the grounds. The 'Homestead Walk' and the 'Hirsel Walk' are open to the public 365 days of the year.
Outside links
References