Manderston

📌 Duns, Scottish Borders
★★★★

Manderston is undisputedly the finest Edwardian country house in Scotland. Mostly redesigned by John Kinross (to massively upgrade a 18th century mansion) between 1901 and 1905, the house is still home to the Palmer family and exudes wealth from every pore, from its magnificent ballroom to a grand silver staircase. The construction budget? Reputedly unlimited. Today’s visitor can also explore large parts of the extensive grounds; these comprise a lake and woodland garden on the south side, while on the north side there are formal gardens, a Marble Dairy and a cavernous stable block. The ingredients are therefore all present for a very impressive day out indeed – shame then about the indifferent attitude of a couple of the tour guides on our visit. Recent changes to opening times also mean, depending on when Easter falls, you are unlikely to see the gardens at the best time of year – unlike in the photos below.