Description

Late 14th century rectangular-plan tower house with mostly
18th and 19th century alterations and low additions. Out-
buildings to west. TOWER HOUSE: 3 storeys over vaulted
basement, small-paned irregularly-spaced windows mostly
altered, with segmental heads; coursed rubble, ashlar
dressings; gabled stone slab roof with ball finial and ridge
stack all enclosed by parapet latter crenellated in 19th
century: cap house over north wallhead; Interior: yett
survives, and iron-studded door; wheel stair at north; now 2
rooms on each floor, north ground floor room vaulted with
plain plaster ceiling ribs and masks; bedroom cupboard on
upper floor has (re-set) plaster mask over door; attic also
vaulted. ADDITIONS: (mostly red ashlar) roofed forestair at
west to original door; castellated porch (after 1856) at
north, segmental-arched east-facing 2-leaf door with side
lights, recessed piended bay adjoining with segmental-arched
window (also east-facing) flanked by blind square openings
having margins linked with eaves band. Asymmetrical rear
elevation, kitchen linked with outbuildings. Corniced
octagonal or diamond flues; slate roof.

Statement of Interest

After the mansion house of Closeburn was destroyed by fire

1748, the Kirkpatrick family returned to the castle "fitting

it up as their residence" (Ramage). A Rowan, in SHAMBELLIE,

1982, p.16, notes that David Bryce, architect, had visted

Shambellie ".... while on business in the area at Capenoch

and Closeburn tower" (July 1854). Porch not shown on 1st ed

O.S. (surveyed 1856). View in Grose's ANTIQUITIES shows a

plain parapet.

External Links

• Historic Environment Scotland Listing
• Closeburn Castle at Wikipedia
• Wikidata Q5135303

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

• 
  Nottinghamshire (Pevsner Architectural Guides: Buildings of England)
• 
  England's Post-War Listed Buildings
• 
  Hertfordshire (Pevsner Architectural Guides: Buildings of England)
• 
  Old House Eco Handbook: A Practical Guide to Retrofitting for Energy-Efficiency & Sustainability
• 
  [(Cumberland and Westmorland)] [By (author) Nikolaus Pevsner] published on (January, 1967)
• 
  Specifications for Building Conservation: Volume 1: External Structure: Practical Examples v. 2