Floors Castle

Floors Castle near Kelso is seat to the Duke of Roxburghe. It is the largest inhabited castle in Scotland. It is absolutely incredible.

I was wearing the T-shirt I bought at the Jane Austen centre with a Pride and Prejudice quote. It was very apt for today (even a member of staff felt so!) as the whole experience seemed very surreal. We walked in to find a larger than life portrait of the current Duke with his daughter. Touring the house, the staff were very happy to tell us how kind and affable he is.

The house was full of portraits (including miniatures) and tasteful curiosities of every type. Every window had a “pleasing prospect” of the gardens. I have no photos of the interior of the house, as the family lives there so photos are obviously not permitted.

I have never felt so discombobulated in my life. There was even a billiard room! Knowing that this was still a lived in house was amazing. We even watched a short film from the Duke which really summed it all up. He explained the history, showed current changes and explained how he sees himself as a steward over the castle and grounds, trying to leave them in even better condition for future generations.Read more