Gunsgreen House
Sightseeing attraction | Eyemouth | Scotland | United Kingdom
Historical building in Eyemouth
Gunsgreen House is a historic building located in the Scottish port town of Eyemouth, which was built in the 18th century and played a significant role in the region's smuggling trade. It was constructed in the 1750s by merchant and smuggler John Nisbet, and designed by renowned architect John Adam. The building is an outstanding example of Palladian architecture of that time and was listed as a Category A monument in 1967.
Palladian architecture Scotland
Architecture and Construction
Smuggling history of the 18th century
Gunsgreen House is a four-story building with a symmetrical facade and a striking entrance area flanked by a staircase with balustrade. The facades are plastered and adorned with contrasting natural stone details. Particularly notable is the harbor-facing fortification wall with pyramidal buttresses, made of rubble stone and likely dating back to the 19th century.
Museum of local history
Smuggling History
Visitor attractions in Eyemouth
John Nisbet, who commissioned the building, was a well-known smuggler who equipped the house with secret passages, hidden chambers, and extensive cellars to store and transport his illegal goods, especially tea, unnoticed. These concealed areas are now part of the exhibitions and provide insight into the region's smuggling history.
Museum and Visitor Attractions
Today, Gunsgreen House houses a museum that tells the story of the building and its connection to smuggling. The exhibitions include interactive elements that allow visitors to learn more about the house's past and the region. The building can be used for events, and there is the opportunity to stay in the adjacent holiday apartments offering views of the harbor and the sea.
Significance and Preservation
Gunsgreen House is a significant cultural heritage and a testament to the history of Eyemouth and the Scottish coastal region. It has been restored by the Gunsgreen House Trust organization and is managed by them to preserve its history and make it accessible to the public.
