Description
Possibly James Playfair, circa 1785. Single and 2-storey, rectangular-plan, classical stable court around central courtyard, on ground sloping to S and E. Pedimented S front with niches containing statues. Squared and snecked dark whinstone rubble to S, coursed rubble elsewhere, ashlar sandstone dressings. Base course, moulded cornice and pilastered blocking course to S. Segmental- and round-headed openings.
S (PRINCIPAL) ELEVATION: 9-bay (grouped 1-3-1-3-1). Slightly advanced pedimented bay to centre with segmental-headed cart arch below blind tablet, 3 flanking bays with niches to ground and small windows above close to cornice; outer bays as centre bay but with blind round-headed recesses.
N ELEVATION: centre bay with pedimented, segmental-headed cart arch, small window above and clock on tympanum, 3 further cart arches to left with 2-leaf boarded timber door and multi-pane fanlight to outer left, 6 louvered openings above. Advanced range to right of centre with stone forestair to outer left and 3 cart arches to right, similar openings above.
E ELEVATION: block-pedimented bay to outer left with window to each floor; slightly recessed bay to right with asymmetrical fenestration and projecting round stair beyond; bays to outer right also asymmetrically fenestrated.
W ELEVATION: taller block-pedimented bay to outer right with window to 1st floor and dovecot above in attic space; range to left with variety of glazed and blinded windows over raised basement with 4 doors to right, stone forestair to left; further forestair and stepped roof bay on return to left with 2 recessed cart-arches beyond to left (that to left blocked). Further range projecting to outer left and adjoining brick range (see below).
COURTYARD ELEVATIONS:
N ELEVATION: segmental-headed arch to centre with oval panel above, bays to right with centre door and flanking windows below hayloft opening and flanking small windows, further door to outer right. 4 bays to left as above.
S ELEVATION: chequered stonework of contrasting yellow and cream stone to centre pedimented cart-arch with round panel on tympanum; 2 bipartite windows to left with small windows above, and blinded window and door to right with louvered openings above.
E ELEVATION: single storey. 3 cart arches to centre, 3-bay centre door cottage to left, 2 windows to right with door beyond, window in penultimate bay to right and further window to outer right.
W ELEVATION: 2 cart-arches to centre, 4 bays to left with alternate blinded doors and doors, pend entrance to right with door and window beyond. 9 small windows to 1st floor.
NE BOTHY: isolated block with 6-bay elevation to W: door with forestair to right of centre, 2 windows beyond to right and 3 windows to left. E elevation: 3 windows to right of centre close to eaves with dominant shouldered wallhead stack beyond.
BRICK RANGE TO NW: S elevation: slightly higher, piend-roofed centre bay with door to centre and flanking segmental-headed windows; recessed bay to left with 3 lunettes, and that to right with lunette to left and larger round-headed window to right.
Mainly 4-, 9- and 12-pane glazing patterns in timber sash and case or fixed timber windows. Grey slates with corrugated asbestos to N range. Coped ashlar stacks with some cans.