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Traquair House

📍 Scottish Borders, Scotland

4.4 ★★★★½ 2,200 reviews

About

Traquair House, approximately 7 miles southeast of Peebles, is claimed to be the oldest continually inhabited house in Scotland. Whilst not strictly a castle, it is built in the style of a fortified mansion. It pre-dates the Scottish Baronial style of architecture, and may have been one of the influences on this style. The estate contains the famous Traquair Brewery.

Claimed to have been inhabited since 1107, making it Scotland's oldest continuously occupied house. Originally a royal hunting lodge, later the seat of the Stuart Earls of Traquair. Mary Queen of Scots stayed here in 1566. The famous Bear Gates were closed in 1745, with a vow not to reopen until a Stuart sat on the throne again. Features a working brewery, hedge maze, and Catholic chapel. Open to visitors.