Description

Possibly 17th century in origin, altered, with mid 19th century detailing. Single storey, irregular 3-bay cottage above cellar, jutting out on shore into Firth of Forth as if growing out of coastal rock. Very random sandstone, some blocks massive and eroded, partly rendered. Walls raked against sea.

E elevation with S section recessed and rendered with steeper roof pitch and incorporating modern glazed timber porch and door. 2 windows flanking, that to N with droved and painted margins. W elevation with boarded cellar door below ancient timber lintel; main floor with

3 windows, asymmetrical and altered with margins raised (in cement) and painted. 2 foreshortened windows to upper N gable, which is roughly cement rendered.

Windows all modern uPVC with dummy astragals. Roof in ungraded Welsh slates, gabled with skews plus central skew. Tall brick stack at S gable plus brick stack on ridge, plain cans.

Statement of Interest

An odd building, probably of ancient vintage, which could repay research into its origins and use - there is much vague physical evidence of changes to its extent and openings. Rock Cottage is unusually-sited, reminiscent of the "lodberries" of Lerwick. This little house is listed partly as a rare vestige of an earlier species of vernacular buildings in Prestonpans, although survivors such as Hamilton House in adjoining Preston give a grander favour of the period. In 1907, Prestonpans was described as "one continuous village of old houses, set down with grotesque rather than picturesque irregularity (C E Green)". Several ancient structures are described and illustrated in McGibbon and Ross, "The Castellated and Domestic Architecture of Scotland", Vol V, p 51-57 (1892). These have been totally swept away in the 20th century, though many photographs survive to their memory.

External Links

• Historic Environment Scotland Listing
• Wikidata Q77771610

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

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  Somerset: North and Bristol: The Buildings of England (Pevsner Architectural Guides) (Pevsner Architectural Guides: Buildings of England)
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