House of Dun is an 18th-century Georgian mansion near Montrose, with a guided tour that brings the Erskine family’s home and its history to life. Inside, look for ornate plasterwork, family rooms and the quarters used by servants. The walled garden has colourful displays, and woodland paths lead farther into the estate. An on-site cafe serves food and drinks, making it easy to add lunch to a visit. Book a house tour ahead, especially for a weekend visit, as places are limited.
A Georgian home built for the Erskines
House of Dun is a Georgian mansion near Montrose, built for lawyer David Erskine, known as Lord Dun. Designed by architect William Adam, the house took 13 years to complete and replaced a medieval towerhouse that had been home to the Erskine family for centuries. Its carefully balanced exterior gives way to richly decorated rooms inside.
The Erskines lived at the house until 1947, when it was given to the National Trust for Scotland along with its furnishings. The interiors and objects help tell the story of the family’s time here, with historic documents and artworks in the collection dating back to the 14th century.
What to look for inside
The house is visited on a guided tour, which covers a range of rooms, including bedrooms, kitchens and the servants’ quarters. Guides explain how life worked in the house, from the family’s rooms to the practical labour carried out by staff. One detail from that domestic routine is how servants carried water up and down stairs for bathing.
Look for the ornate plasterwork and Lady Augusta’s embroidery. The tour also touches on the house’s history and its connections to Scotland and the wider United Kingdom. Stories of the people who lived here, including the family’s Jacobite sympathies, add context to the rooms and furnishings.
Gardens, trails and a cafe
The walled garden is a good place to spend time after the house tour, with floral displays to explore. Woodland paths continue beyond the formal grounds and lead to other garden areas and a waterfall. The wider estate gives the visit more room to breathe than a tour of the house alone.
The on-site cafe serves food and drinks, and the courtyard has small exhibits to look around while waiting for a tour. Families can also find a playground, and Nature Nippers events are held for children. If you want to explore the interior, arrange your tour before arriving; the garden and estate walks can fill out the rest of your visit.
FAQ
Do I need to book a House of Dun tour in advance?
Advance booking is recommended for the guided tour, especially at weekends, when places are limited.
How long does the House of Dun tour take?
The guided tour takes about an hour.
What can you see at House of Dun?
The tour visits rooms including bedrooms, kitchens and servants’ quarters. The house is known for its plasterwork and also displays Lady Augusta’s embroidery; outside, there is a walled garden and woodland trails.
Is there a cafe at House of Dun?
Yes. There is an on-site cafe serving food and drinks.
