Bowhill House

Bowhill House stands near Selkirk in the Scottish Borders, a grand historic house set in designed gardens and woodlands. It has been the home of the Duke of Buccleuch for centuries and is protected as a Category A listed building. The estate began in 1690 when William Murray bought the land, and the first house was built in 1708 by his brother John Murray. In 1747 the 2nd Duke of Buccleuch acquired Bowhill for his son Lord Charles Scott. The 3rd Duke started planting forests in the grounds in 1767, shaping the landscape visitors see today. The house contains part of one of the world’s greatest private art collections. The dining room displays works by Canaletto, Gainsborough and Reynolds alongside 500 paintings and 1,000 miniatures. This collection has grown over 600 years through the merged heritages of the Montagu, Douglas and Scott families. The Buccleuch miniatures are said to be second only to the Royal Collection. The art is shown across three locations: Bowhill, Drumlanrig Castle and Boughton House. Visitors find walks through the woodlands and designed gardens around the house. Inside, rooms display the art collection in historic settings. The grounds also include an adventure playground for younger visitors. The estate offers a quiet setting where history, art and nature come together.