Description

Circa 1835 with late 19th and earlier 20th century additions. 2-storey and basement; 3-bay; rectangular-plan villa; extended to N and W to form E-shaped building. Original block symmetrical; Greek Revival with Doric porch. Polished sandstone ashlar principal (S) and side elevations to original block; rear elevation stugged sandstone with droved ashlar dressings; polished ashlar principal elevation to W extension; harled elsewhere; harled extensions with ashlar dressings to N. Base course; band course beneath mutuled eaves cornice to original block; architraved windows.

S (PRINCIPAL) ELEVATION: steps up to central Greek Doric entrance porch (entablature with mutuled cornice supported on pair of fluted columns with pilasters set back flanking entrances) to main block; 2-leaf 4-panel timber door with rectangular fanlight. Flanking 3-light windows with timber mullions; cornices and aprons. Pedimented window to each bay to 1st floor; each with moulded architrave with frieze and decorative cast iron balcony. Low parapet over central bay. Late 19th century single bay extension set back slightly to left.

E ELEVATION: 3-bay to main block; corniced window with moulded architrave to each bay to ground floor. Pedimented window with moulded architrave and frieze and decorative cast iron balcony to each bay above. Earlier 20th century 3-bay extension set back to right. Earlier 20th century 8-bay section adjoins to right.

W ELEVATION: 3-bay late 19th century addition set forward from original block; gabled flanking outer bays; much altered fenestration.

N ELEVATION: slightly projecting curved bay to centre of main block; entrance (boarded) with small window to left, both probably inserted; semicircular-headed stair window above. Window to right to each floor; inserted window to left of that to 1st floor. Earlier 20th century extension adjoins at right angles to left bay. Late 19th century extension adjoins to right; cornice above coursed stugged sandstone ground floor indicates it was originally single storey.

Mainly 4-pane timber sash and case windows to principal (S and E) elevations of main block; aluminium windows to rear. Aluminium windows to later 19th/early 20th century extensions. Grey slate roofs, that to main block is piended. Pair of wallhead stacks with octagonal flues to E and W elevations; cans missing. Pair of decorative cast-iron hoppers with lion rampant and rose motifs to downpipes to principal (S) elevation.

INTERIOR: much altered as nurses' home. Stone half-turn staircase with landings and cast iron handrail to central entrance hall.

Statement of Interest

Formerly the home of Erskine Beveridge, a pioneer of mechanised weaving in Dufermline. He set up a damask linen warehouse in Priory Lane in 1833 and the St Leonard's Works in Bothwell Street from 1850 onwards. He was also a notable reformer and the house became a meeting place for advocates of political and social reform.

External Links

• Historic Environment Scotland Listing
• Wikidata Q17816498

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

• 
  Berkshire (Pevsner Architectural Guides: Buildings of England)
• 
  Kent: North East and East (Pevsner Architectural Guides: Buildings of England)
• 
  Historic Environment Law: Planning, Listed Buildings, Monuments, Conservation Areas and Objects by Harwood, Richard (2012) Paperback
• 
  Hertfordshire (Pevsner Architectural Guides: Buildings of England)
• 
  Harrow on the Hill: A photographic portrayal of listed buildings and structures (Historic Buildings Picture Guides)
• 
  Northamptonshire: Buildings of England Series (Pevsner Architectural Guides) (Pevsner Architectural Guides: Buildings of England)