Photo: Paxton House by Unknown author, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Paxton House is a historic house in Berwickshire, and a member of Historic Houses. Read about its history, architecture and gardens, plus how to visit and what's nearby.
About Paxton House
Paxton House sits on the banks of the River Tweed just outside Berwick-upon-Tweed, where Scotland meets England.
This Georgian mansion dates from the 1750s and houses one of the largest collections of Chippendale furniture found anywhere in Scotland.
The collection was commissioned by Ninian Home, who acquired the house in 1773 and engaged Thomas Chippendale to furnish the interiors.
The Paxton Trust, a registered charity, now cares for the house and its grounds.
Visitors can join guided tours of the interior and walk the riverside paths, woodland trails, walled garden and adventure playground beyond.
History of Paxton House
The house was built from 1758 for Patrick Home, a Scottish landowner. Legend holds that he constructed it in hope of bringing home a Prussian noblewoman he had courted while travelling in Europe; she never came to Scotland. Patrick Home left the house largely unfinished, and the estate later passed to his cousin Ninian Home in 1773. Ninian Home transformed the interiors by commissioning an extensive collection of Chippendale furniture, engaging the renowned craftsman Thomas Chippendale directly. The estate remained with the Home family for generations before coming into charitable care.
Architecture of Paxton House
Paxton House is a Palladian country house traditionally attributed to the Adam family of architects, with a symmetrical stone facade typical of mid-18th century Scottish classical design.
Worth knowing
The house is known for its extensive Chippendale furniture collection, considered one of the finest outside London. It was commissioned by Ninian Home and assembled in the 1770s and beyond.
Gardens & grounds at Paxton House
The grounds run down to the River Tweed and include woodland walks, a walled garden and an adventure playground, making them as much a draw as the house itself.
Plan your visit to Paxton House
Nearest station: Berwick-upon-Tweed Rail Station (4.2 miles)
Places to visit near Paxton House
Norham Castle
View Norham Castle on heritage mapBerwick Castle
View Berwick Castle on heritage mapBerwick-upon-Tweed Castle & Berwick Ramparts
View Berwick-upon-Tweed Castle & Berwick Ramparts on heritage mapKing's Own Scottish Borderers Regimental Museum
View King's Own Scottish Borderers Regimental Museum on heritage mapHistoric places nearby
Within 5 miles of Paxton House there are 6 historic properties, including 2 castles, across English Heritage and Historic Environment Scotland sites.
Within 10 miles of Paxton House there are 11 historic properties, including 3 castles, 2 historic buildings and 2 historic houses, across English Heritage, Historic Houses and Historic Environment Scotland sites.
Within 20 miles of Paxton House there are 23 historic properties, including 6 castles, 5 historic buildings and 4 historic houses, across Historic Houses, Historic Environment Scotland and English Heritage sites.
Facts
A Georgian house built on heartbreak, filled with Chippendale furniture commissioned decades later, sitting exactly where Scotland meets England.
- Type
- historic house
- Location
- Berwickshire, Scotland
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