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 you are unlikely to see the gardens at the best time of year – unlike in the photos below.