Abbotsford

Abbotsford is the ancestral home of Sir Walter Scott, the 19th century novelist and poet of "Waverley", "Ivanhoe", and "Lady of the Lake".

Scott purchased Cartleyhole Farmhouse and Steading on the banks of the River Tweed near Melrose. Together with his family and servants, he moved into the farmhouse in 1812 and renamed it Abbotsford. Scott already had plans to enlarge the property. The present main block of Abbotsford today replaced the farmhouse.

Abbotsford is full of memorabilia and treasures connected with the history of Scotland including Montrose's Sword, Rob Roy's gun and a lock of Bonnie Prince Charlie's hair.

Visitors will see Scott's study where he wrote many of his best known novels. Attractions include a library containing over 9,000 rare volumes, a drawing room decorated with the original Chinese hand painted wallpaper, an entrance hall and armouries with a display of items from all corners of the world. The dining room overlooking the Tweed is where Sir Walter Scott died on 21st September 1832 aged 61 years old.

You can explore the grounds and woodland walk, soaking up the atmosphere that helped Sir Walter achieve his world fame. Visit the chapel which was built after his death by his granddaughter Charlotte and her husband James Hope-Scott. Cardinal Newman celebrated mass here on numerous occasions.

The house will remain closed until 2013 to allow for an extensive programme of refurbishment; however the brand new visitor centre is home to a fantastic restaurant, gift shop and exhibition.