East Lothian has several homes owned by the Nisbet family of Dirleton; the spectacular Dirleton Castle is opened by Historic Scotland, and the nearby Archerfield is now a hotel and golf course, accessible by public walks.

Here we take a broad definition, to include the county of East Lothian that stretches east of Edinburgh to the coast. This is countryside easily reached by car from Edinburgh. In winter a day's round trip could easily tick off most of these locations, with a brief stop at each; in summer, many attractions are open and it would be a pity not to allow several days to visit these properly, and some of the many historic places associated with related clans such as Home, Swinton and Kerr.​

Expect to see varied countryside: fertile soils and flat fields in east Lothian and in the Merse of Berwickshire; wild and lonely in the Lammermuir hills.

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Nisbet House

Located just south of Duns on the A6112, the 17th century (east) portion was built by Sir Alexander Nisbet, possibly incorp--orating an earlier building. The house was lost by the Nisbets at the time of the Civil War, and visitors are particularly asked not to disturb the current occupants. Excellent views of Nisbet House can be obtained by stopping a little way south at one of the field entrances.

Nisbet
Roxburghshire

An attractive hamlet between Kelso and Jedburgh, Nisbet lost its church and parish status early on, being united with Crailing. It is now a conservation zone, valued  as an example of an estate village that has ben virtually unaltered since it was developed in the 19th Century. The village was built for the workers of West Nisbet and East Nisbet farms. Unlike West Nisbet in Berwickshire (location of Nisbet House) this Nisbet is not thought to be an ancient home of the family.

Gunsgreen

Designed by John Adam in 1753 for local merchant and smuggler John Nisbet, and recently beautifully restored with interesting displays. Open to the public most days March-October, the whole house can also be hired for weddings. The top floor and Nisbet's Tower are available for let. Located in the attractive fishing town of Eyemouth. Website

Winton House

In East Lothian. Bought by William Nisbet (of the Dirleton branch) and the heiress Mary Hamilton in 1779, this joined the very considerable property portfolio of what came to be the Nisbet Hamilton family. After the Hon. Mary Georgina Constance Nisbet Hamilton died in 1921, the estate was inherited by her husband's Ogilvy family, with whom it remains. The house contains many Nisbet portraits and is sometimes open. Website

Paxton House

Built as a neo-Palladian mansion for the Home family in the 1760s. The principle architect was John Adam, but James Nisbet, of Kelso (d. 1781) was responsible for the interpretation of outline drawings into stone, as well as the design of many of the outbuildings and the bridge. Now a charitable trust with extensive walks, tours of the house and a good cafe. An excellent place to explore the landscape and history of the River Tweed. The Union Bridge, nearby, is also worth a visit. Website

The Hirsel

Another Home property that would have been well known to the Berwickshire Nisbets. The house is not open, but attractive walks, a museum and a cafe. Also cottages to let. Website

Raecleuch

Nisbet lands between 1442 and the mid 17th century. Today a 19th century farm and more recent houses, northwest of Westruther. Details