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Manderston House, Duns (Borders)
Manderston is a supreme country house of Edwardian Scotland; gardens; tea room. Thursday and Sunday; May - September.
Introduction
The home of Lord and Lady Palmer, Manderston is a supreme country house of Edwardian Scotland. It was built with no expense spared and with every modern convenience of that era. Manderston has sumptuous staterooms and a silver staircase, coupled with the elaborate domestic quarters, it gives an intriguing insight into the daily life of the Edwardian Country House. Outside, there are princely stables, an octagonal marble dairy and fifty six acres of immaculately kept garden to enjoy.
Manderston is open to the public every Thursday and Sunday from early May to the end September, and Bank Holidays of late May and August. Guides are situated throughout the house, and would be delighted to answer any questions you may have. The Gardens and Tearoom open at 11.30am and the house opens at 1.30pm, last entry 4.15pm.
History to the present day
The first house built on this site was a square mansion, built for Mr. Dalhousie Weatherstone in the 1790's probably by Alexander Gilkie or John White. In 1855 the estate was bought by Richard Miller. On his death it was bought by his younger brother, William Miller, who was the maternal great-great- grandfather of Lord Palmer, who lives here today.
William Miller made a fortune trading hemp and herrings with the Russians. The Georgian house was a little old fashioned for Sir William, so in 1871 he asked architect, James Simpson to add a pillared entrance porch and extra servants bedrooms hidden behind a new French Renaissance style roof. On Sir William's death, the estate passed to his second son, James Miller, tragically his eldest son, William died choking on a cherry stone at Eton in 1874. Sir James Miller was a perfect Edwardian gentleman and was affectionately known by all his friends as "Lucky Jim".
In 1893 Sir James married the Hon. Eveline Curzon, and eagar to impress his father-in-law, at once accelerated works to improve Manderston and the estate. The Architect John Kinross was commissioned in 1895, and when enquiring about what budget he may have to carry out the works he was told "it simply does not matter".
Above the new main entarnce door, a coat of arms bears the family motto: Omne Bonum Suprerne - all good things come from above - ironic for a family whose fortune came from herrings - from below!
Food and Drinks
Manderston Tearoom seats approximately 50 people, serving light lunches and mouth watering home baking.
Grounds and gardens
There are fifty-six acres of formal and informal gardens at Manderston. In the spring, the lawn in front of the house is studded with daffodils and beyond is the gateway to the formal gardens.
The Woodland Garden was developed by Major Bailie and contains many rare specimens of rhododendrons and azleas.
Other facilities
Manderston has a small gift shop, and a Tearoom serving light lunches and a variety of home baking.
Arrival information and how to find us
Address: Manderston House, Duns, Borders, TD11 3PP, United Kingdom
Opening hours: the Gardens and Tearoom open at 11.30am and the house opens at 1.30pm, last entry 4.15pm.
Address: Manderston, Duns, Berwickshire, TD11 3PP Scotland
Directions: Manderston is in the Scottish Borders, roughly one hour drive from Edinburgh and Newcastle. It is located just outside the town of Duns from where it is signposted. It is 47 miles from Edinburgh and 12 miles from Berwick-upon-Tweed. Once you reach the South Gates on the A6105 (which will be closed) please follow our signs which will lead you to the correct entrance.
More photos of Manderston House, Duns
The Boat House
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stables
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South Front of House
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Portico Bedroom
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Marble Dairy
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Stable Block
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