The Hirsel

The Hirsel

West facade of The Hirsel
Coordinates 55°39′36″N 2°16′21″W / 55.6599°N 2.2726°W / 55.6599; -2.2726Coordinates: 55°39′36″N 2°16′21″W / 55.6599°N 2.2726°W / 55.6599; -2.2726
Built c1600–c1850
Built for The Earls of Home
Owner The 15th Earl of Home
Listed Building – Category A
Designated 9 June 1971
Reference no. 4069
Designated 1 July 1987
Reference no. GDL00364
Location in West Lothian

The Hirsel is a Category A Listed stately home near Coldstream in the Scottish Borders, and seat of the Earls of Home since 1611. It was the home of the former British Prime Minister, Sir Alec Douglas-Home.

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]

East front, mid 20th century, after the demolition of the chapel and north service wing

Garden and park

The house is set within an outstanding designated English garden style late 18th to 19th century designed landscape which spans the valley of Leet Water. The landscape comprises informal parkland, woodland, and a large artificial lake (Hirsel Lake), 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 (SSSI) 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.

References

External links

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