Abbotsford House

Abbotsford is the house built and lived in by Sir Walter Scott, the 19th century novelist, and author of timeless classics such as Waverley, Rob Roy, Ivanhoe and The Lady of the Lake.

In 1811 Sir Walter bought the property which was to become Abbotsford, set in the heart of the Scottish Borders, on the banks of the River Tweed. The building of Abbotsford took six years, and was completed in 1824. William Atkinson was the chosen architect, and George Bulloch gave his advice on the furnishings, while local craftsmen carried out the work. The house was opened to the public in 1833, five months after Sir Walter’s death, and has been enjoyed by visitors ever since.

The house contains an impressive collection of historic relics, weapons and armour, (also Rob Roy’s Gun and Montrose’s Sword), and a library containing over 9,000 rare volumes. Visitors will be able to see Sir Walter Scott’s Study, Library, Drawing Room, Entrance Hall, Armouries and the Dining Room where he died on 21st September 1832.

“It is a kind of Conundrum Castle to be sure and I have great pleasure in it for while it pleases a fantastic person in the stile and manner of its architecture and decoration it has all the comforts of a commodious habitation.” – Journal, 7 January 1828