The Story Behind the Stay: The Sophia Suite

Welcome to The Story Behind the Stay, where we take a closer look at the rooms of the Hope Scott Wing.

The Hope Scott Wing offers five-star, self-catering accommodation, bookable through our Stay at Abbotsford website. However, before it became a space for modern stays, the wing had already lived a rich and fascinating history. 

Today, we step inside the Sophia Suite.

Nestled in the west end of the wing, the Sophia Suite forms a natural companion to the Lockhart Room. Together, they almost feel like the official ‘husband and wife’ bedrooms. However, in reality, this room was once a bedroom of the Forester’s flat.

The room is named for Charlotte Sophia Scott, the eldest child of Sir Walter Scott and, reputedly, his ‘favourite’. Born in 1799, Sophia was celebrated as a dutiful daughter, an accomplished singer, and a skilled harpist. Distinguished guests at Abbotsford were often entertained by her performances in the Chinese Drawing Room, much to her father’s pride.

At just 21, Sophia married John Gibson Lockhart, a Scottish literary figure of some renown. Educated at Balliol College and both Edinburgh and Glasgow universities, Lockhart went on to become editor of the prestigious Quarterly Review in 1825. Students of Romantic literature might recognise him for his notorious “Cockney School” essays for Blackwood’s Magazine, where he famously criticised writers such as Leigh Hunt and John Keats.

Tragically, Sophia and Lockhart suffered the loss of several infants, including their ten-year-old son, Johnnie. Sophia passed away suddenly in her 38^th year.

Today, the rooms within the Hope-Scott Wing are more than just accommodation; they provide a tangible connection to Abbotsford’s storied past. Within these walls, the family's legacy endures, offering guests a glimpse into the lives, music, and literary pursuits that once defined this home.

To experience a stay where history was made, visit our Stay website for further details.