Description

19th century large castellated gothic mansion with towers,

turrets and crenellated parapets, 2/3 storeys over basement,

now (1989) a hospital. Several building phases, beginning

with a north-facing Georgian villa (built late 18th/early

19th century) originally free-standing, now part of rear

wing; additions in at least 2 phases, viz 1858 and 1890, the

last by James Thomson of Glasgow. VILLA has 2 storeys over

basement, 3-bay front with advanced centre, originally

classical it has been gothicised, though the modillion eaves

cornice survives on 3 sides; the angled pilaster bases

surviving either side of the door suggest that there was

originally a semi-circular porch; original stair at rear

partly projects from wall. Rubble and ashlar 1858 ADDITION

extends southwards from east wall of villa before returning

west, south front with port-cochere against tower that south

range deepened in plan perhaps c. 1890; centre spine wall

retains original exterior windows; east (garden) front has asymmetrically advanced ends, near centre stair window. Large

1890 WING at west extends southwards; it has cusped-headed

gothic windows at ground (most other openings hood-moulded

and square-headed, many also mullioned) and also has a

full-length spine wall, a long gallery at west. Built of

stugged yellow coursers, polished dressings; plate glass sash

windows; roofs concealed, but mostly slated and leaded.

Interiors are handsome, also gothic; extensive cornice

plasterwork, many ribbed ceilings; 2 main stairs, one with

cast-iron balustrade, the other (at axis with 1890 wing) has

balustrade encased by timber sheeting; leaded glass

(heraldic) window in stair hall below; chimney pieces; many

original lavatory/bathroom fittings. Gated rear courtyard. In

forecourt, 2 massive stone balls which lie within the

curtilage.

Statement of Interest

Formerly owned by the Mackirdy family.

External Links

• Historic Environment Scotland Listing
• Wikidata Q17852737

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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  Gwent/Monmouthshire (Pevsner Architectural Guides: Buildings of Wales)
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  Old House Handbook: A Practical Guide to Care and Repair
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  Northamptonshire: Buildings of England Series (Pevsner Architectural Guides) (Pevsner Architectural Guides: Buildings of England)
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  County Durham (Pevsner Architectural Guides: Buildings of England) by Elizabeth Williamson Nikolaus Pevsner(1983-03-11)
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  Building Small Projects (New Best of Fine Woodworking)
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  Farrow & Ball How to Decorate: Transform your home with paint & paper