Description

Late 17th century with alterations in mid 18th century and early 19th century. 3-storey, L-plan tower house on a diminutive and very charming scale. Alterations to the tower, principally the addition of a generous round-ended stair turret to the re-entrant angle were carried out in the mid 18th century. Some interior fittings and alterations to the roofline in early 19th century. A marriage escutcheon over the door bears the initials of Patrick Houston and Margaret Gordon and the date 1674. Rubble built tower now painted, one and a half storey later wing to rear, rubble, partly rendered.

S elevation has blind ground floor, 2 generous 18th century single light windows to 1st and 2nd floors. Sash and case with 12-pane glazing. At the 2nd floor 2 angle turrets are corbelled out on widely spaced corbel stones. Originally these had individual roofs, they are now capped by the main roof, probably an early 19th century arrangement.

The main entrance is to the re-entrant angle entering at the 18th century stair tower, the dated panel has been reset above this door. 2 further entrances have been made probably in the 18th century to the ground floor main block at E and W. All window openings are single light, sash and case with small pane glazing. Flat skews to S block, crowsteps to N jamb. Good graded slate roofs.

Interior: vaulted ground floor, curved 18th century level stair with turned timber balusters runs the full-height of the tower. The 1st floor has mid 18th century chimneypieces and cornice work to its 2 chambers. To the 1st floor, a bolection moulded 17th century chimneypiece survives.

Statement of Interest

Isle Castle, though diminutive in size, is important as a very late example of towerhouse building. Change of category 25.3.93.

External Links

• Historic Environment Scotland Listing
• Wikidata Q17570443

External links are from the relevant listing authority and, where applicable, Wikidata. Wikidata IDs may be related buildings as well as this specific building. If you want to add or update a link, you will need to do so by editing the Wikidata entry.

Recommended Books

• 
  Old House Handbook 2 Books Bundle Collection (Old House Handbook: A Practical Guide to Care and Repair,Old House Eco Handbook: A Practical Guide to Retrofitting for Energy-Efficiency & Sustainability)
• 
  Berkshire (Pevsner Architectural Guides: Buildings of England)
• 
  Yorkshire West Riding: Leeds, Bradford and the North (Pevsner Architectural Guides / Buildings of England)
• 
  Yorkshire West Riding: Sheffield and the South (Pevsner Architectural Guides: Buildings of England)
• 
  Maintaining and Repairing Old Houses: A Guide to Conservation, Sustainability and Economy
• 
  Oxfordshire (Pevsner Architectural Guides: Buildings of England)