Edinburgh Has Its Own Mr. Darcy Estate | Hopetoun House

#edinburghtrips On a rare sunny day, I finally set out to visit Hopetoun House, a place that had long been on my bucket list. I first stumbled upon it during a hiking trip when it wasn’t open to the public yet — but now, I finally got the chance to explore! Overview Hopetoun House is the ancestral home of the Hope family, who over the generations have held the titles of Earls and later Marquesses of Linlithgow. The family produced notable figures, including a Viceroy of India and a former Principal of the University of Edinburgh. The estate was constructed by two successive architects and has stood for over 300 years. • The South Wing has been modernised and is still a private residence — the current 4th Marquess is alive, and the 5th Marquess and his family actually live there today. • The North Wing retains its historical charm and is open to visitors, including access to the second floor and rooftop, offering sweeping views of the estate and Firth of Forth. Quirky Anecdote Each room has a guide who shares delightful stories. My favorite? One Earl had the dining room redesigned to impress royalty, hoping to host King George IV properly. But when the King finally visited, he only had three glasses of red wine and left in a hurry. Oops. Chinese Elements Westerners really do love Chinese art! Throughout the house, I spotted China-inspired porcelain and even a silk tapestry with tigers and bamboo patterns — intricate and beautiful. The Gardens The gardens stretch far behind the house and are home to deer, sheep, and birds. Looking north, you’ll spot remnants of WWI and WWII shipyards, once used by the Royal Navy. Walk westward and you’ll reach the historic Blackness Castle. Tickets • Book on the official website • Young Scot Card holders only pay £1! • On-site purchase is also available Getting There (Tricky) Transport is a bit of a challenge, so it’s best for those who enjoy walking: • From Edinburgh city centre, take Bus 43 and get off at either Walker Drive or Queensferry Police Station • Then walk about 45 minutes toward the coast (no turns — it’s a straight scenic walk) • Beautiful, peaceful path, but if you’re not into long walks, you might want to skip it