The House from a 1913 postcard
House & Family History: Archerfield House was named after the archers of King Edward I, who pitched their tents here during the English invasion of 1298. It is golf, however, with which Archerfield is associated today. Situated between the eighth hole at Muirfield and the ninth at North Berwick, it's believed that golf has been played over this land for at least 500 years. During the second half of the 19th century games were frequently played on the original 13-hole course. Archerfield was such a desirable place to play that the local reverend, John Kerr, wrote in 1896: "no snugger, cosier, more delightful links can be found anywhere. For pure, unalloyed enjoyment of a summers day play give us Archerfield." Circa 1910 the course was extended to 18 holes to a design by Ben Sayers. The Archerfield course was later described by noted "Times" golf correspondent Bernard Darwin as "the most enchanting short course in the world." During World War II Archerfield was taken over by the British Army, an occupation from which it never recovered. In the years after the War, the Estate fell into severe decline and was only rescued in the late 20th century, when Archerfield was turned into an exclusive golf club. Today the newly-restored Archerfield House looks out over two David Russell-designed golf courses: the Fidra and the Dirleton.
Garden & Outbuildings: The House today is set in 500 acres of grounds.
Architect: Robert Adam
Date: 1790-91
Title: Last Lion: Winston Spencer Churchill: Visions of Glory, 1874-1932, The
Author: Manchester, William
Year Published: 1983
Reference: pg. 430
Publisher: Boston: Little, Brown and Company
ISBN: 0316058130
Book Type: Hardback
Title: Biographical Dictionary of British Architects, 1600-1840, A - SOFTBACK
Author: Colvin, Howard
Year Published: 1995
Publisher: New Haven: Yale University Press
ISBN: 0300072074
Book Type: Softback
House Listed: Category A
Park Listed: Listed
Past Seat / Home of: William Nisbet, late 18th century. Asquith family.
Current Ownership Type: Corporation
Primary Current Ownership Use: Mixed Use
Ownership Details: Archerfield House is available for conferences and private stays. The Estate is home to Archerfield Links Golf Club.
House Open to Public: By Appointment
Phone: 01620-897-050
Email: res@archerfieldhouse.com
Website: http://www.archerfieldhouse.com
Historic Houses Member: No