Paxton House

Built in 1758 to the design of John Adam for the dashing Scottish Laird, Patrick Home of Billie, Paxton House is the finest eighteenth century Palladian Country House in Britain. On view are 12 period rooms featuring superior Adam interiors as well as Scotland's pre-eminent collection of Chippendale furniture and exquisite Regency Period furniture by Trotter of Edinburgh, the finest examples in existence.

The House was extended in 1811 to include the largest Picture Gallery in a Scottish Country House, which as an outstation of the National Gallery of Scotland, now exhibits over 70 paintings from masterpieces by Raeburn, Wilkie and Lawrence to many works of local importance. The fully restored working Georgian kitchen is complete with active charcoal stoves and baking oven and the newly renovated nursery, a visual insight into a child's room of previous years includes an early Victorian cradle and a wonderful example of a Victorian doll.

Standing on a ridge overlooking the majestic River Tweed in the beautiful Scottish Borders, Paxton House estate covers 80 acres of woodland, parkland and gardens, originally landscaped in the 18th century by Robert Robinson and now incorporating a variety of footpaths and trails. Take a stroll among rare shrubs, rhododendrons and herbaceous borders, visit the fountain and well garden or follow riverside paths and you may see salmon, heron, mute swans or even otters, hares and deer.

Visitors can take advantage of Paxton's excellent wildlife viewing hides which are positioned to spot red squirrels and some of the 60 species of woodland and riverside birds found here, or try out the 9 hole putting green croquet lawn and take a look at the prestigious new Rod Fishing Museum just off the courtyard which tells the story of the oldest Fishing Club in the world, Ellem Ford and includes displays of traditional costume worn in 1829 by the clubs' original founders alongside contemporary dress used by members today. And with picnic areas, adventure playground, gift shop, licensed tea-room and a superb mix of events and exhibitions throughout the year, Paxton house is not just a Country House but a great day out for everyone!

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