Scotland Peter Irvine’s the best
Great country houses Steeped in history, Scotland has many beautiful homes that are well worth a visit this summer
Haddo House, near Ellon
Designed by William Adam for the Earl of Aberdeen, the Palladian-style mansion is by guided tour only (must book) but the extensive, superb grounds open always. Not so much a house, more a leisure land; grounds with bluebells, wild garlic then a cafe, estate shop and gentle education. Grand house, full of things; the basements are where to ponder. Glorious window by Burne-jones in the chapel. Most come for the walks, including to the lake and down the Scots Mile and a kids’ adventure playground.
Traquair House, Innerleithen
Archetypal romantic Border retreat steeped in Jacobite history (the famous Bear gates). An enchanting house, a maze (20th Century) and tranquil duck pond in the garden. Traquair ale still brewed.
Newhailes House, Musselburgh
Well signed from Portobello end of Musselburgh (two miles), Newhailes is an NTS flagship project stabilising this microcosm of 17th/18th Century history. Great rococo interiors, very liveable, especially library. A rural sanctuary near the city: parklands, shell grotto, summer house.
Fyvie Castle
NW of Aberdeen, an important stop on the Castle Trail, which links the great houses of Aberdeenshire. Before opulence fatigue sets in, see this pleasant baronial pile first. Inhabited till 1980s, it feels less remote than most. 13th Century origins; Edwardian interiors. Fantastic roofscape and ceilings.
Crathes Castle, near Banchory
West of Aberdeen on A93. In superb gardens, a 16th-century tower house that is fascinating. Up and down spiral staircases and into small rooms. The notable painted ceilings and the Long Gallery at the top are all worth lingering over. 350 years of the Burnett family are ingrained in this oak.
Peter Irvine is the author of the essential travel guide Scotland the Best published by Collins, priced £15.99