The Castle from an 1831 engraving
Earlier Houses: Elements of the earlier medieval castle were incorporated into the current house.
Collections: A portrait of Prince Charles Edward Stuart (probably the most iconic image of Bonnie Prince Charlie) by Louis-Gabriel Blanchet was commissioned in Rome in 1739 by William Hay and remained in the collection of Duns until the mid-20th century. At the Christie's sale of the property of Lt. Colonel G.H. Hay in 1966, the portrait was purchased by Queen Elizabeth II. It remains in the Royal Collection today.
Garden & Outbuildings: John Baxter designed the gateway in a Gothic style in 1791 and the Stables between 1792 and 1794.
Architect: John Baxter, Jr.
Date: 1791-94John Preston (J.P.) Neale, published under the title of Views of the Seats of Noblemen and Gentlemen in England, Wales, Scotland, and Ireland, among other titles: Vol. VI, 1823. Scotland, 1830.
Title: Buildings of Scotland: Borders, The
Author: Cruft, Kitty; Dunbar, John; Fawcett, Richard; et al
Year Published: 2006
Publisher: New Haven: Yale University Press
ISBN: 0300107021
Book Type: Hardback
Title: Biographical Dictionary of British Architects, 1600-1840, A - SOFTBACK
Author: Colvin, Howard
Year Published: 1995
Reference: pg. 113
Publisher: New Haven: Yale University Press
ISBN: 0300072074
Book Type: Softback
House Listed: Category A
Park Listed: Listed
Current Seat / Home of: Alexander Hay of Duns; Hay family here since 1696.
Past Seat / Home of: Robert Hay, 18th century.
Current Ownership Type: Individual / Family Trust
Primary Current Ownership Use: Private Home
Ownership Details: House is available for private events.
House Open to Public: Limited Access
Phone: 01361-883-211
Fax: 01361-882-015
Email: [email protected]
Website: http://www.dunscastle.co.uk
Historic Houses Member: No