House of Dun and Montrose Basin Nature Reserve

With so much history behind it, the rich character of the House of Dun is sure to keep you occupied all day. The Dun Estate was home to the Erskine family from 1375 until 1980, but archaeological evidence shows that people have lived here for at least 9,000 years.

The handsome Georgian house overlooking the Montrose Basin was completed in 1730 by William Adam for David Erskine, the 13th Laird of Dun. Inside, grand public rooms with elaborate plasterwork sit alongside family apartments. Here you’ll discover collections of 18th- and 19thcentury furniture, porcelain and portraits, along with exquisite embroidery by the most famous lady of the house – Lady Augusta FitzClarence, daughter of William IV and the actress Dorothy Jordan. Be entertained by the model theatre display with its scaled-down stage and cast of miniature costumed characters. And visit the courtyard buildings where you’ll find a handloom weaving workshop.

The house sits in its own formal gardens with parkland and woodland beyond. You’re free to explore and enjoy the Victorian walled garden and wooded den before venturing further afield to the Montrose Basin Local Nature Reserve. The Trust owns much of the western half, and it is internationally important for its migratory wading birds and wildfowl.

Down at the River South Esk there are salmon and sea trout. The Trust owns fishing rights, and you can buy permits by contacting the North East Regional Office on (01330) 830210.

Acquisition details
House, tenanted estate and woodland (368ha) bequeathed in 1980 by Mrs M A A Lovett