A gorgeous sprawling mansion built for Sir Walter Scott 200 years ago, this home served as his inspiration for his best works. Now open to the public, tours examine the objects and artifacts that inspired Scott’s greatest poems.
The estate started with humble beginnings, being a 100 acre farm when Scott first purchased it after lapsing on his lease for a different property. He started by building a small villa and named it Abbotsford. From there he put in additions until he had created a mansion.
Sir Walter Scott wanted the medieval charm of a castle with the comforts of modern living. The result was a cross between a mansion and a castle, with imitation battlements and small towers. Scott also collected parts of other historic structures and incorporated them into the mansion’s design, such as the doorway of the old Tolbooth in Edinburgh and the 15th century Edinburgh Mercat Cross. Guests are welcome to relax as they explore the impressive mansion, dine in the cafe, or stroll the lush gardens for their own literary inspiration.