Traquair house, at 55:36:37N 3:04:06W, is considered to be the oldest continually inhabited house in Scotland. It is built in the style of a fortified mansion, and not strictly a castle. It predates the Scottish Baronial style of architecture, and may have been one of the influences on this style.

Tradition dates the origins of the house to 950 when Alexander I stayed in a hunting lodge on the site.

The house is open to the public and counts among its features:

  • The Bear Gates, which legend has will not be opened till a Stewart again sits on the Scottish Throne
  • Traquair House Brewery which brews the Traquair Ales
  • A bed said to have been slept in by Mary Queen of Scots
  • An excellent garden maze

External Links

http://www.traquair.co.uk/