Local Literary Legends, Part 2.

The front entrance to Abbotsford House.

In my previous LLL blog, I posted a picture of the small house in George Square, wherein the great Sir Walter Scott resided for a short time. This blog is going to show his other house, Abbotsford House, near Galashiels in the Scottish Borders, his main residence. I'm lucky enough to have this treasure only 35 minutes from my home.

Having bought the land, and having overseen the building of this Scottish Baronial country house on the banks of the River Tweed, this was the place which provided Scott with his inspiration for the many novels he wrote, including Rob Roy, Ivanhoe, Waverley, and the Bride of Lammermoor, to name but a few. It was opened to the public in 1833, only a few months after the great author's death. Major events are run here throughout the year, these can be seen here.

Scott's study/library from where he wrote his novels.

And yet more books in his sitting room!

Scott's dining room where he entertained William and Dorothy Wordsworth several times. Scott also died in this room, having had his bed moved in so that he could enjoy the lovely view over the River Tweed in his dying moments.

A visit here is highly recommended. All guests are issued with their own Walkman type tour guide, so the house can be visited at each guest's own pace. I took my family there and we spent over three hours wandering around the house and the gardens. There is also a gift shop, café, and lavatories. In addition, there is ample wheelchair access, as the public are only allowed in the rooms on the ground floor.

Abbotsford House, back view from the River Tweed.