A Brief History

The Hirsel Estate was acquired by the Earls of Home between 1611 and 1621, with early development including tree planting and the original Hirsel House around 1620. The estate was known for its sport, particularly salmon fishing. Significant development of the house and gardens occurred in the mid-1700s, followed by major forestry and agricultural improvements by the 9th Earl. A memorial obelisk commemorates Lord Dunglass, who died in the American Revolutionary War.

In the 19th century, the 11th Earl and his wife undertook further extensive improvements. A storm in 1881 led to the planting of the renowned rhododendrons in Dundock Wood by the 12th Earl, who also oversaw substantial investment, including a new wing, chapel, stables, and the Coldstream Cottage Hospital. The 13th Earl’s marriage connected the family to another major Border family.

The 14th Earl, a former cricketer and MP, served as PPS to Neville Chamberlain and later as Foreign Secretary and Prime Minister (after renouncing his title as Sir Alec Douglas-Home). He was succeeded by his son, the 15th Earl, in 1995, and then by the current 16th Earl in 2022, who is responsible for the estate today.