Come and Visit.. Arniston House Georgian Mansion Steeped in Scottish History Beloved by Sir Walter Scott Just Outside Edinburgh

Arniston has been the home of the Dundas family for over four hundred years. The present owners, direct descendants of the first occupants, take pride in opening their home with its wonderful architecture, and period contents. 

Arniston is situated almost due south of Edinburgh about eleven miles from the city centre. Although so close to the city, the house is set in a tranquil policies surrounded by farmland and forest. 

-The House-
The mansion house you see today was begun in 1726 and completed in the 1750's on the site of a previous tower house. The architect was William Adam but the building was completed by his son John, brother of the more famous Robert. Between them, the brothers designed and built many great Scottish buildings including the New Town of Edinburgh.

The Dundas's of Arniston were, through the generations, a successful family and in the 1700s were one of the most powerful families in Scotland, the legal profession being the principal field of achievement. Solicitor General, Lord Advocate for Scotland and Lord President of the Court of Session being some of the family's appointments.
Robert Dundas by Sir Henry Raeburn	Many of the family had their portraits painted by contemporary artists including Henry Raeburn and Allan Ramsay. These and other pictures now hang at Arniston and form a remarkable collection. This is Robert Dundas 3rd Lord Arniston, 1685-1753 and Lord President of the Court of Session.

As well as the paintings, there is to be admired the magnificent Adam architecture with moulded ceilings, fireplaces, stucco work and a collection of fine furniture and other fascinating contents.

The west side of the house was ravaged by Dry Rot, discovered in the 1950's. This required the gutting of the wing which included the John Adam Dining Room and Drawing Room.

These rooms have now been faithfully restored, with grant aid from HistoricScotland, and their completion returns the house to the elegant and comfortable family dwelling it was and is today.