Guided Tour: The Steading
Guided Tour: Explore The Steading – The Home and Legacy of Tim SteadDiscover the Vision. Experience the Craft. Be Inspired.
Join us for an unforgettable guided tour of The Steading at Blainslie, nestled in the rolling landscape of the Scottish Borders. This remarkable A-listed building was not just a home – it was the life's work and personal masterpiece of renowned sculptor, furniture maker, environmentalist, and poet Tim Stead.
Step inside a space where every beam, carving, and detail speaks of creativity, sustainability, and soul. The Steading is widely recognised as Tim Stead’s most significant creation – a living expression of his philosophy and deep connection to nature, craft, and place.
Led by our knowledgeable guides, you’ll embark on a journey through the stories and spaces that make The Steading so unique. Uncover hidden details, learn about the materials and techniques that defined Tim’s work, and gain insight into the extraordinary vision that brought this home to life.
As part of this special tour, you’ll also enjoy exclusive access to the Tim Stead Trust’s collection and archive. View original sketchbooks, photographs, and notebooks, see sculptural works in progress, and experience film clips from Beatrix Wood’s Memory Bank project, commissioned by the Trust to capture personal reflections and stories about Tim and his legacy. These rare and intimate materials offer a deeper understanding of his creative process and the lasting impact of his work.
Whether you're passionate about art, craftsmanship, architecture, the environment, or history, or simply curious to explore a space like no other, this tour offers a rare opportunity to engage with one of Scotland’s most inspiring creative legacies.
You'll also hear the fascinating story of how The Steading was saved for the nation by the Tim Stead Trust, and the exciting, ambitious plans to preserve and share this treasure with future generations.
Don’t miss this chance to be part of something truly special. Come and see why The Steading continues to captivate all who enter.
The Tim Stead Trust was established in 2015 to raise enough funding to purchase The Steading, and the Tim Stead Archive, and then to safeguard its future for the nation as an influential and internationally significant example of Scottish craftsmanship and environmental philosophy, all for the benefit of local, national and international communities.
Tour Schedule
Tours run for 2 Hours and include refreshments at The Steading. You will explore The Steading, Workshop, Barns & see our onsite restoration project as it unfolds. Arrival time is limited to 10 minutes prior to the start time and we kindly ask that you park at The Steading only and not locally. This is to reduce disturbance to our neighbours.
These tours are for over 16's only and we kindly ask you to let us know if you have any mobility restrictions so that we can make arrangements.
For any other information please contact: info@timsteadtrust.org
Tickets
Funds raised through the sale of tickets support our ongoing programme of Tours, Workshops & Events. Should you wish to add Gift Aid to your ticket please let us know upon arrival and we will provide a 2-minute form for you to complete that enables us to claim an additional 25% from the government.
