Lothian Estates
Harestanes is a fine example a former model farm with detached farmhouse associated with a major country house. The former farm has a varied and interesting plan form set around multiple courtyards and demonstrates good decorative detailing in its bargeboarding, finials and polygonal vents. The exterior has seem some alteration to openings in its conversion to a visitors' centre, but the overall appearance is one of a good example of a late 19th century model farm. The farm was originally converted to a visitor centre in 1979-89 by Alistair M Smith.
Harestones appears on a 1770 Map of Roxburghshire and it is likely that there is some early fabric in the steading complex. The farm is depicted on the 1st Edition Ordnance Survey Map of 1863 with the detached farmhouse to the south.
Monteviot Estate, on the banks of the River Teviot, was developed in the 19th century as the main residential estate of the Marquises of Lothian. The 9th Marquis spent a great deal of his time at Monteviot towards the end of the 19th century and extended the house and adding other structures to the estate, which included developing the home farm.
As agricultural and farming methods changed and developed over the 18th and 19th centuries, a number of large estates built large model farms. These were built in a variety of architectural styles and were usually sited in an eye-catching positions in order to display the wealth and enlightened vision of the owners. Although differing styles were used, the farms were often formed around an ordered plan form, as in the courtyard plan adopted here.
Harestones appears on a 1770 Map of Roxburghshire and it is likely that there is some early fabric in the steading complex. The farm is depicted on the 1st Edition Ordnance Survey Map of 1863 with the detached farmhouse to the south.
Monteviot Estate, on the banks of the River Teviot, was developed in the 19th century as the main residential estate of the Marquises of Lothian. The 9th Marquis spent a great deal of his time at Monteviot towards the end of the 19th century and extended the house and adding other structures to the estate, which included developing the home farm.
As agricultural and farming methods changed and developed over the 18th and 19th centuries, a number of large estates built large model farms. These were built in a variety of architectural styles and were usually sited in an eye-catching positions in order to display the wealth and enlightened vision of the owners. Although differing styles were used, the farms were often formed around an ordered plan form, as in the courtyard plan adopted here.
Business Tenants
There has been a tradition of independently run businesses based at Harestanes for over 50 years. Lothian Estates has always been supportive of artisan crafts, outdoor education and public access to walks and grounds around Harestanes, Monteviot and Peniel Heugh.
The two courtyards of Harestanes are home to that continuing tradition. Business tenants based in and around the buildings are :
Out-There Artisan , Buy Design Gallery , The Big Tree Society , Rub A Dug , Harestanes Glass Studio , Mary's Dairy
Business hours may vary between the resident businesses and workshops so it’s always best to check the websites for current opening times.
The two courtyards of Harestanes are home to that continuing tradition. Business tenants based in and around the buildings are :
Out-There Artisan , Buy Design Gallery , The Big Tree Society , Rub A Dug , Harestanes Glass Studio , Mary's Dairy
Business hours may vary between the resident businesses and workshops so it’s always best to check the websites for current opening times.
Volunteer HArestanes
Volunteer Harestanes are a committed group of locals and visitors ready to help make change. There are many opportunities to meet, work, learn and share.
Meet like-minded people work with them on woodland conservation, biodiversity recording, allotment and nursery projects. Learn more about the living landscape of a working estate and help create a space for locals and visitors to share.
This is important and valuable work and volunteering will give you pride and make you feel valued through collective action.
It’s a great chance to meet people of all ages and differing backgrounds - coming together in a common aim to make Harestanes a very special place to visit.
If you think you may have some of the skills our group is looking for and would like to learn more please get in touch with our team.
More information can be found here at Volunteer Harestanes page
Meet like-minded people work with them on woodland conservation, biodiversity recording, allotment and nursery projects. Learn more about the living landscape of a working estate and help create a space for locals and visitors to share.
This is important and valuable work and volunteering will give you pride and make you feel valued through collective action.
It’s a great chance to meet people of all ages and differing backgrounds - coming together in a common aim to make Harestanes a very special place to visit.
If you think you may have some of the skills our group is looking for and would like to learn more please get in touch with our team.
More information can be found here at Volunteer Harestanes page
The Hub@Harestanes
There's always a need for a point of contact, a place to find out about, a source of information on a local area. The Hub is run by volunteers and is the touch point for Harestanes CIC. It's a place to find out about what's going on in the area, a starting place for new discoveries, connecting with others, finding out about opportunities. It's not all about social media and internet. Sometimes is just better to have a chat with someone face to face. Our team of volunteers know the area well, know its history, the wildlife, the walks, the cycle routes, the other local towns in the Borders etc etc.
walks around HArestanes
There are four beautiful walks around Harestanes taking in spectacular views, bird filled woodland, restful riverside and more energetic hill climbs. Ask for a map at The Hub@Harestanes or download one here prior to your visit.
St Cuthbert’s Way passes through Harestanes and is a popular drop off and pick up point for these longer distance walkers.
This busy network of paths is added to by the Roman road Deer Street running down from Melrose and has carried visitors to the area for over 2000 years.
A newly established route The Bishop’s Way is soon to opened. Information about all these walks and paths are available from The Hub@Harestanes
St Cuthbert’s Way passes through Harestanes and is a popular drop off and pick up point for these longer distance walkers.
This busy network of paths is added to by the Roman road Deer Street running down from Melrose and has carried visitors to the area for over 2000 years.
A newly established route The Bishop’s Way is soon to opened. Information about all these walks and paths are available from The Hub@Harestanes