Designed Landscapes – Mertoun House
Mertoun House, lies approximately 2km south of St Boswells and is a historically significant property, known for its elegant architecture and beautifully landscaped grounds.
Background
Mertoun House wasdesigned in 1703, by Sir William Bruce for Sir William Scott of Harden. This classical mansion, constructed from red sandstone, originally featured a symmetrical two-storey design over a raised basement. Over the centuries, the house underwent several architectural changes, including the addition of wings by William Burn in the 19th century and further extensions in the early 20th century. However, in the 1950s, architect Ian Gordon Lindsay restored the house to its original proportions.
The estate also includes Old Mertoun House, dating back to 1677.A remarkably well-preserved 16th-century dovecot built in 1576, is another fine feature worthy of exploring
The grounds of Mertoun Estate, cover nearly 200 hectares and feature a mix of parkland grassland, woodlands, tree-lined avenues and a walled garden. The River Tweed flows through the property, adding to its scenic charm and ecological importance.
The Designed Landscape at Mertoun evolved over time, beginning with formal avenues and plantations, in the early 18th century, transitioning to a more naturalistic style in the 19th century, receiving ornamental enhancements in the early 20th century, reflecting the changes in architecture at Mertoun House itself. The estate also holds archaeological interest, with remnants of the medieval village of Mertoun still visible in the grass parks.
Planting Activity
Working with the landowner, project facilitator Derek Robeson has carefully helped map historic plantings and helped the introduction of 327 landscape trees at the site. Planting consisted of a mix of parkland and hedgerow trees including Beech, Oak, Giant Redwood and Rowan.
The Designed Landscape boundary covers the immediate policies around the House, including the large sweep in the bend of the River Tweed.
Tree Planting Summary
67 parkland trees were planted in boxes
260 hedgerow trees were planted in deer proof shelters
TOTAL: 327 TREES PLANTED
Long Term Impact & Benefits
Mertoun (The old town by the Mire), is historically very interesting. The parkland is extensive with particularly dramatic views from the house, in a westerly direction. New parkland trees have been placed in wide wooden tree boxes to protect them from browsing by cattle and horses. Parkland landscapes are one of the most pleasing landscapes to walk in, as they manage to merge together a mix of history, wildlife, beauty and wellbeing.
The River Tweed takes a significant sweep around the western side of the parkland. Landscape Trees have been planted along the north bank to help enhance the riparian zone. The trees when mature, will help cast shade onto the river, helping to keep water temperatures down, which in turn will help riverine wildlife, such as the Atlantic Salmon.
The Designed Landscapes project is funded by National Lottery Heritage Fund Scotland, Fallago Environment Fund and private contributions.