Scotland 2019 3: Traquair Interiors

Traquair House is is a real gem, and unlike any other I have visited.  First, it's very much on a human scale: the rooms are small and cosy, without the lofty ceilings which might be expected from stately homes of a later date.  The walls are rough and the furniture homely - presumably owing to the relative poverty of the family over the centuries.  Second, although central heating and electric lights have been installed, there hasn't been much modernisation or renovation.  In particular, there's nothing obviously Victorian in the house, which makes it really unusual.

The Entrance Hall, with its copy of the death warrant for Mary Queen of Scots.

The Still Room is now used for storing china.

The main Drawing Room.  At the upper right it's possible to see one of the original beams, which have been exposed in a few places.  The old ceiling was richly decorated, including something I've never seen before: a Green Woman.

In other parts of the house, the paintings on the original plasterwork have also been uncovered.

The Master Bedroom, which is far from grand.

The Nursery, with associated collection of dolls.

The library, with its "Library Chair" on the left.  This is designed to be straddled like a horse, with the reader's legs either side of the central column.

Unsurprisingly, given the history of the house, there were secret locations where priests could be hidden.  The room which provided access to the Priest Hole had several of the original vestments on display.

At the rear of the house is a maze, and the shot below shows a person who was conveniently lost in the middle.

The view up the drive to the main Bear Gates, which have been locked since 1745 as a result of Bonnie Prince Charlie's hubris.

One of the wings is now used for wedding receptions.  What a wonderful place to get married.

The other wing houses the modern chapel and the brewery.