NT8553 : Track To Blackadder Cottage
taken 10 years ago, near to Allanton, Scottish Borders, Scotland
A selection of images of the remains of Blackadder House and structures remaining in the estate policies.
Blackadder House was built on the site of an earlier peel tower, with plans by renowned architect by Robert Adam. It was extended in 1853. The house was used by troops for accommodation during WWI, who vandalised the house, destroying many of the wooden features for firewood. Post-war, the government did not pay to reverse the damage done. The house was later de-roofed and then demolished by explosion, in the period 1925-31. The stone from the house was removed via Gold Nick Bridge, leading to deterioration of the bridge.
A folly walkway complete with stone balustrade at the back of the house below ground level, cut into the rock of a cliff face that overlooks the Blackadder Water below still survives. A small plantation was planted on the site of the house. On the bank of the river the remains of the hydro-electric power house is still visible - Blackadder House was reputedly the first in Berwickshire to have electric lighting. Several inhabited estate cottages and gatehouses remain whilst the walled gardens and associated structures are in poor condition.
See Link Link Link Link and Link as a particularly useful selection of references detailing the features of Blackadder Estate.