Traquair House

Traquair House, in the Scottish Borders, is a fortified mansion style dwelling that is considered Scotland's oldest continuously occupied house. Traquair House was designed as a hunting lodge for Scottish monarchs and has been inhabited for over 900 years. The 21st Lady of Traquair and her family live in the house today, however, the historic house and the extensive Traquair estate remain open to the public.

Traquair is derived from the Celtic terms hamlet or residence and a winding stream, alluding to the site's location at the confluence of the Quair Burn and the River Tweed. While the house's founding date is unknown, it was built in 1107 to accommodate King Alexander I, who signed a royal charter while there. Traquair was a royal hunting lodge set amid the deep Ettrick Forest, but it also served as a location for administering justice, holding court, and passing laws.

Traquair became one of the numerous fortified tower houses along with the Tweed during the 13th century Wars of Independence. During English invasions, the towers flashed signals downriver to raise an alert. When Robert the Bruce became king in 1306, he returned Traquair House to the Crown following a brief English occupation, ushering in an era of relative calm.

The main house at Traquair, designed by Edinburgh architect James Smith and completed in 1695, has remained unchanged for over 300 years. A stately driveway and gate greet visitors as they approach a whitewashed stone house with two big side wings and a double terrace overlooking formal grounds. The Traquair coat of arms can be seen atop the gate.

Location: Traquair House, Traquair, Innerleithen EH44 6PW, Scotland

Phone: +44 1896 830323

Website: traquair.co.uk