Before the union between Scotland and England in 1707 this was a hotly contested border area, and only fortified buildings survive from earlier times. Patrick’s grandfather and uncle took part in the Jacobite uprising of 1715, and earlier generations of the family had been major players during centuries of border conflict.

Visitors had been less that welcome in the troubled times, but peace and prosperity in the new United Kingdom made it possible to construct this architectural gem just 250 meters from the border. Paxton stands as a fine example of the design and craftsmanship of Adam and Chippendale, and it tells the story of the social and environmental history of the last two hundred years. *

*From the Foreword in the Paxton House guidebook by John Home Robertson.