Mellerstain House

Mellerstain, one of Scotland's great Georgian houses, was begun in 1725 by William Adam, and completed by his famous son, Robert, between 1770 and 1778.

History

First mentioned in 1451, the estate was granted by Royal Charter to George Baillie of Jerviswood in 1642. His descendant, George Baillie and his wife, Lady Grisell Baillie, commissioned the design of the present house.

The House

The interior decoration is outstanding - the ceilings especially worthy of note, having been preserved in their original Adam colours. The Library is a masterpiece of Classical decoration and colour - fine detail plasterwork incorporating marble busts by Roubiliac.

Mellerstain houses a superb collection of paintings including works by Van Dyck, Gainsborough, Ramsay, Aitken and Nasmyth and many lovely pieces of period furniture. The portraits on show in the house depict many members of the family.

Other attractions

There is an unusual Thatched Cottage, with its own delightful garden. The courtyard Tea Room sells a comprehensive range of delicious home-cooked food, together with a selection of gifts.