The Hirsel Homestead sits at the center of 3000 acres of beautiful Borders countryside. The Homestead has a vibrant cafe serving locally produced dishes and includes a farmshop selling produce from the estate itself.
There are three creative businesses based here too. Abbey Ceramics, Julia Linstead, Glass and Luke Batchelor, Stone Sculptor (see below). Their studios are open to the public when the artists are in residence but are not open every day. If you wish to visit a particular artist we strongly recommend you contact the artist to make an appointment.
The Homestead also houses a small children's play area, a photographic exhibition of the Hirsel through the seasons and displays about the wild life and history of the estate. There is a picnic area just beside the Homestead and lake and you are welcome to bring your own picnic or take your order from the cafe there.
From the Homestead there are many walks throughout the surrounding estate to suit all tastes and abilities. The easy access walk takes in the Hirsel’s famous pedigree herd of highland cattle, longer walks can take you along riverbanks or through woodland. Whatever time of year you visit the Hirsel Estate there is something wonderful to see in the park, from stunning displays of spring bulbs to the glorious rhododendron and azalea wood, the beautiful autumnal colours of the arboreal collection and the crisp winter outlines of the plants. The Hirsel woodlands and lake also attracts a huge variety of wildlife and we have a hide on the lakeside where amongst many other species you can watch the resident kingfishers or the flocks of migratory geese and swans in autumn and spring. There is a fully paved walk which is accesible for everyone and at the appropriate time of year features swathes of spring flowers and highland calves. Visitors are welcome to stay from dawn until dusk, the Cafe is open from 10am to 4pm and the free public toilets are open all day.
Abbey Ceramics is run by painter and potter Peter Lochhead. Well known throughout Scotland for his range of domestic ware and wall plaques, Peter’s bowls, teapots, cups, vases and more come in many styles and designs and are oven and dishwasher proof. Peter also has a gallery of his beautiful watercolour paintings within the pottery. Often drawing inspiration from local scenes Peter’s images are being exhibited nationally.
Julia Linstead, makes intricately decorated lead crystal bowls by sandblasting her unique designs into the surface of the glass. Her glass gallery also shows a stunning array of crystal bottles, paperweights, vases, stained glass panels and jewellery by British glassmakers most of whom are based locally. Described as “a gem of a shop” Julia is open most weekdays and often on Saturday unless she is exhibiting elsewhere. You can also visit Julia online at www.julialinsteadglass.com. Tel. 01890 882555 Luke Batchelor Stone Sculptor. Luke is a stone sculptor, carver, artist and conservator he specialises in private commisssions such as small and large sculptures, memorials and house signs; he also works on public space commissions. Please contact Luke directly if you wish to see his work. www.lukebatchelorsculptor.com
The Homestead Cafe and Farmshop is open seven days a week from 10am to 4pm. A wide selection of snacks and light meals are freshly made to order and a range of fresh baked cakes, biscuits and hot and cold drinks are always on offer. Please contact the Cafe on 01890 880180 if you would like to book a meal or group in.
The Hirsel Homestead is open almost every day from 10:30 am to 4:30pm. However the artists all work away from their studios too, and have to have some time off, so if you would like to visit one studio in particular please contact them directly in advance to avoid disappointment.
