House & Family History: Ashiestiel House began life as a 17th century pele tower that was added to and altered in the 19th century. The house’s most famous resident was Sir Walter Scott, who lived here between 1804 and 1812, before he moved to Abbotsford. During his time at Ashiestiel, which the author described as among the happiest of his life, Scott wrote “The Lady of the Lake,” “The Lay of the Last Minstrel” and “Marmion”; in the 1830s Turner painted a watercolor of Ashiestiel as an illustration for “Marmion.” Ashiestiel was sold in 1987, together with 850 acres. In 2017, the house and 863 acres was listed for sale for £5.5 million; in 2018 the house was relisted, with just 10 acres, for £1.25 million. Queen Elizabeth II visited Ashiestiel in the 1960s.

House Listed: Category A

Park Listed: Not Listed

Past Seat / Home of: Sir Walter Scott (as tenant), 1804-12.

Current Ownership Type: Individual / Family Trust

Primary Current Ownership Use: Private Home

House Open to Public: No

Historic Houses Member: No