Photo: The Hirsel by Mainlymazza, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
The Hirsel is a Category A listed 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 The Hirsel
The Hirsel has been the seat of the Earls of Home since 1611, located in the Scottish Borders near Coldstream.
The house stands within extensive parkland that includes a lake and river, with walks running through Dundock Wood.
It is Category A listed, a designation reflecting its national architectural and historic importance.
The estate offers public access to its grounds throughout the year.
Read more on WikipediaHistory of The Hirsel
The Hirsel became the principal seat of the Earls of Home after Hume Castle was destroyed in the mid-17th century. Sir Alec Douglas-Home, the 14th Earl of Home, spent his childhood here. He served as British prime minister from 1963 to 1964, and later took the title Baron Home of the Hirsel when he entered the House of Lords. The estate is run today by Douglas and Angus Estates, the family company.
Architecture of The Hirsel
The Hirsel is a Category A listed stately home, a designation that marks it as a building of national architectural or historic importance.
Worth knowing
The Hirsel was the childhood home of Sir Alec Douglas-Home, who served as British prime minister in 1963 and 1964 and later sat in the Lords as Baron Home of the Hirsel.
Gardens & grounds at The Hirsel
Dundock Wood within the estate features rhododendrons and azaleas, with spring flowers including daffodils. The lake attracts ducks and summer migrant birds.
Plan your visit to The Hirsel
Nearest station: Berwick-upon-Tweed Rail Station (12.9 miles)
Places to visit near The Hirsel
Etal Castle
View Etal Castle on heritage mapNorham Castle
View Norham Castle on heritage mapKelso Abbey
View Kelso Abbey on heritage mapHistoric places nearby
Within 10 miles of The Hirsel there are 8 historic properties, including 3 historic houses and 2 castles, across Historic Houses, English Heritage and Historic Environment Scotland sites.
Within 20 miles of The Hirsel there are 31 historic properties, including 7 historic buildings, 6 castles and 5 historic houses, across Historic Environment Scotland, Historic Houses and English Heritage sites.
Facts
The Borders seat that shaped a British prime minister and still carries his family name.
- Type
- historic house
- Location
- Berwickshire, Scotland
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