Historic Scotland - Stewarton

Historic Scotland
EAST AYRSHIRE COUNCIL Information Supplementary to the Statutory List
(This information has no legal significance)
List description updated as part of Stewarton Burgh resurvey, 2009.
Author and Photographer: Mr L Pollock ( Community Council )
Produced for the web site: by Jean & Alex Paterson
WE SAFEGUARD THE NATION'S BUILT HERITAGE AND PROMOTE ITS UNDERSTANDING
AND ENJOYMENT
Rigghead and Lainshaw Estate
1

Stewarton
Bowes Rigg and Dean Street Photo submitted by Mr Brown
2

Index Page
Photo of Bowes Rigg and Dean
Street submitted by Mr Brown
Annick water Viaduct 4 - 5
Institute Halls 6 - 7
Town House 8 - 9
Corsehill Castle 10
Cemetery House 11 - 12
David Dale Avenue 13 - 15
41 Graham Terrace 16 - 17
2B High Street B ofS 18 - 19
John Knox Church 20 - 22
Lainshaw Mains Farm 23 - 24
12 Kirkford 25
14-16 Kirkford 26
Lainshaw House 27 – 28
Lainshaw Stables 29 – 30
Lainshaw Street
nos: 3 – 7 (odds) 31 – 32
Lainshaw Street
nos: 9 – 13 (odds) 33 – 34
Lainshaw Street
nos: 15 – 19 (odds) 35 – 36
Lainshaw Street
nos: 2 – 6 (evens) 37 – 39
Lainshaw Street
nos: 22 – 24 (evens) 40 – 41
Lainshaw Street
no: 14 42 – 43
1 Loudoun Street 44 – 45
Main Street
nos: 11 – 15 46 – 47
St Columbas 48 – 51
Parish Church
Standalane
nos: 16 – 20 52 - 53
13 Vennel Street 54- 55
15 Vennel Street 56 – 57
8 Vennel Street 58 – 59
Vennel Street
nos: 30 & 32 60 – 61
13 Loudoun St 62– 63
Auchenharvie
Castle 64
Chapeltoun
House 65 – 67
Cutstraw
Cottage 68 – 69
21 Draffen Mount
Draffen House 70 – 71
Fairliecrevoch
Farm. Byres &
Stables 72 – 74
Girgenti Cottage 75 – 76
Girgenti Farm
including Tower
& out buildings 77 - 78
Kennox House
including gatepiers
& boundary walls 80- 82
Kilwinning Road
Dovecot,
DeerslandFarm 83 – 84
Little Cutstraw
Cottage 85 – 86
3
Merryhill Farm
& ancillary buildings 87 – 90
High Peacock House.
Old Kilmarnock Rd 91 – 92
Kennox Cottage
Kilwinning Road 93 – 94
Fulshaw Farm
Old Glasgow Rd 95 - 96
High Willamshaw
Old Glasgow Road 97 – 99
Robertland House
Cottage & Walled
Garden 100 – 103
Robertland Bridge
over Annick Water 104
2 Robertland
The Gate House 105 – 106
Glossary 107 - 108

HBNUM: 41074 ITEM NO: 1 Group with Items: Map Ref : 41664 45533 NS : CAT: B ANNICK WATER
VIADUCT: Group Cat.: Date of Listing: 14-APR-1971.
DESCRIPTION:
In 1868, George Cunningham for the Glasgow Barrhead & Kilmarnock Joint Railway.
Landmark, 1O-span r01.ID d-arched railway viaduct over Annick Water. Coursed, rock
faced masonry with impost and moulded string courses
4

REFERENCES:
2nd Edition Ordnance Survey Map (1894-6). R Close, Ayrshire and Arran, An Illustrated
Architectural Guide, 1992 p 121. Gordon Biddle & 0 S N ock, The Railway Heritage of
Britain, 1983 p 138. Other information from Stewarton history website at
www.stewarton.org (accessed 10-04-08).
NOTES:
The An nick Water viaduct is a tan and imposing structure which forms an impressive
and distinctive landmark in the area. It crosses the An nick Water to the South West of
Stew carton and is a dominant feature of the town.
The viaduct was built as part of the Glasgow Barr head & Kilmarnock Joint Railway and
was a key part of a new line going from Glasgow to Kilmarnock through Stewarton and
Kilmarnock. The contractor was James McNaughton.
The previous route had gone through Daley and was rather indirect. Once built, the new
route became the main route to the South was able to connect with trains in England.
Eventually a new station, St Epoch’s (now demolished) was built in Glasgow to
accommodate the rising new traffic. The fo1.Addition stone of the last arch of the viaduct
was laid by Colonel Muire, the Master of the Kilwinning Lodge in 1868 and the day was a
general holiday for the people of Stewarton. Work did not begin on the railway line 1.Instil
1870,but the viaduct was completed in 1868. Two men were killed in the building of the
viaduct.
List description revised as part of Stewarton Burgh resurvey, 2009.
5

HBNUM: 41066 ITEM NO: 2 Group with Items: Map Ref: NSCAT: C(S) Group Cat.: Date of Listing:
03-JUL-1980.
DESCRIPTION:
Early 19th century. 2-storey, 4 x 9-bay Classical civic building comprising public halls with
library and ground floor flat, which was used as a temporary meeting hall for the
Community Council meetings from to, while the Town House was being revenorated.
With a 2-storey, 2-bay extension to the East. Situated on prominent corner site at head
of town centre Square. Droved, coursed sandstone with ashlar margins, concrete bark to
6

1981 extension. Raised sills, band course, cornice.
FURTHER DESCRIPTION:
Principal Elevation to S: symmetrical Central advanced 2-bay pedimented section with
clock at apex. Key stoned, round-arched window openings at 1st storey. To W: 9-bays.
3-bays to right with upper storeys blind. Top floor with round-arched openings.
Segmental-headed windows set within recessed round-arched vociferate openings to
ground. Pedimented door piece. To fur left; lower bays including synnnetrica15-bay
section with door with round-arched moulding with flanking pairs of shaped Voussoirs of
former round-arched openings to ground (currently with rectangular windows, 2008).
Variety of glazing patterns. To S:8-pane metal glazing pattern to ground,4 pane timber
sash and case windows to 1 st storey. Some plate glass timber sash and case windows to
W. Grey slates. Pi-ended roof to principal elevation.
INTERIOR:
(partially seen 2008). Large hall with stage, timber floor and timber panelling.
REFERENCES:
1st Edition Ordnance Survey Map, 1854-9. Rob Close, Ayrshire and Arran, An Illustrated
Architectural Guide, 1992, p 121. S Milligan, 0 Id Stewarton, Dunlop and Lugton, 2001, p
11. Other information from Stewarton website: www.stewarton.org (accessed 28-07-08).
NOTES:
The 1 st Edition Ordnance Survey Map of 1854-9 depicts a gap between the principal
pedimented building to the South and the 5 bay building to the rear.
The building closed on the completion on the Stewarton Area Centre in 2009, the new
facility was built on the grounds of the car park to the Halls rear.
It is likely that the buildings were joined by the 2-storey linking bay in 1876,when plans
were drawn up by John Armour Junior of lrvine.
List description updated as part of Stewarton Burgh resurvey, 2009
7

HBNUM: 41067 ITEMNO: 3 Group with Items: Map Ref: NS 41997 45961
CAT: C(S) Group Cat.: Date of Listing: 03-JUL-1980
DESCRIPTION:
Mid 19th century. 2-storey, 3-bay Classical former burgh offices with lower, 2-storey, 2bay
extension to left. Sandstone ashlar, concrete render to rear and to upper part of
extension. Base course accommodating slope of land, sill courses, eaves band, cornice.
Doric pilasters to outer bays. Slightly advanced central bay with central Doric plastered
door piece. 2-teal: panned timber entrance door with rectangular fun light above.
Predominantly 4-pane timber sash and case windows, plate glass timber sash and case
windows to extension. Grey slates. Raised skews and coped gable stacks with
decorative polygonal cans. Later roof lights.
8

INTERIOR:
(seen 2008). Largely adhered internally, but with curved timber staircase with
decorative iron balusters and timber banister. One room with decorative plaster
cornicing. Some 6-panel timber doors.
REFERENCES:
1st Edition Ordnance Survey Map, 1854-9. The Statistical Account of Scotland, V019 p
379, 1795. New Statistical Account Vo15, 1845 pf727.
NOTES:
Situated in the heart of Stewarton in Avenue Square, the former Burgh
Offices form an important part of the street scape. Dating from the mid 19th century, the
simple CJ classical treatment adds gravitas to this civic building. The street elevation
remains largely unaltered and the fine ashlar stonework is of high quality. The CJ
classical details of Doric plasters and door piece add significant character to the
structure.
Stewarton is described in the Statistical Account of 1795 as consisting of' one long and
one broad street, with a cross one'. By the New Statistical Account of1845, the town is
described as 'three quarters of a mile in length with several streets intersecting one
another.'The town's main trade,from which it developed much of its wealth, was bonnet
making and the number of weavers employed in this and associated trades increased
from 100 in 1795 to around 300 in 1845. It is likely that Avenue Square with its quality
civic buildings was begun during this time of increasing prosperity and growth.
List description updated and category changed from B to C(S) as part Stewarton
Burgh resurvey, 2009.
9

HBNUM: 41080 ITEM NO: 4 Group with Items: Map Ref: NS CAT: B CORSEHILL CASTLE
4171846575 Group Cat.: Date of Listing: 14-APR-1971
DESCRIPTION: A very ruinous mansion, on the outskirts of Stewarton, evidently of a
late date. It was the seat of the family of Cunningham and was apparently on the L plan.
REFERENCES: C and D Arch. Vol iii page 495
10

HBNUM: 51370 ITEM NO: 5 Group with Items:
Map Ref: NS 41334 46057 CAT: C(S) Group Cat.: Date of Listing: 22-SEP-2009
DESCRIPTION:
J & J Armour of Irvine, dated 1907. Single-storey, a symmetrical gabled and crow
stepped Scots Baronial cemetery lodge and waiting room with distinctive stylised
entrance porch rising above wall head. Rough cast cement with smooth margins. Canted
bay windows. Later flat-roofed extension to SW.
FURTHER DESCRIPTION:
tall corbelled parapet to canted entrance porch set in re-entrant angle to NE bearing
carved shield with 1907 date above and roof Oculus window to left. Single-storey gabled
11

waiting room extension to SW with slatted timber bench rood 2 walls. Flat, rood-arched
cast-iron drinking fountain fastened to SW exterior wall with semicircular basin and
attached drinking vessel Predominantly replacement non-traditional windows and door.
Grey slates, gable head and ridge stacks. Beak skew putts
INTERIOR:
Was seen in 2008. Original room plan largely extant. Some cornicing.
GATES AND GATEPIERS:
to East of house. Imposing set off-coloured sandstone ball-bearings square-plan
carriage gate piers with flanking pedestrian gate piers and flanking convex quadrants
with further gate piers. Base courses, highly decorative capitals with shields. Decorative
iron gates with curvilinear patterns; iron railings to low quadrant walls and tall boundary
wall to street with red saddle back coping.
REFERENCES:
Ordnance Survey Map, 1907-9. Other information courtesy of local resident, 2008.
Illustrated Catalogue of McFarland,s Castings, 6th Edition, circa 1880, p411.
Notes
This compact and detailed stylised cemetery house sits on a prominent position on a
main road out of Stewarton and provides an imposing entrance to the cemetery. The set
of six gate piers and associated decorative iron gates add to the imposing nature of the
structure. Together, they form a significant addition to the streets cape of this part of the
town. The house is tightly designed, with a wealth of detail including crow-stepped gables
and a dominant entrance porch. The iron drinking fountain with its attached drinking
vessel is a rare example of its type and was made by Walter McFarland and Co, Saracen
Foundry and is in the 6th Edition of their catalogue as pattern no 15. The inscription to
the arch is 'Keep the pavement dry'. Scotland had a thriving, productive iron founding
industry in the latter half of the 19th century and Walter McFarland and Co, Glasgow was
an architectural iron founder with an international reputation, whose designs round their
way to countries across the globe. The waiting room retains timber slatted bench.
The cemetery was opened in 1907 on the outskirts of the town to provide much needed
burial space for the expanding town Stewarton. As the population grew, the previous
burial site at St Columba's Churchyard proved to be inadequate. The cemetery is now
encroached upon by modern housing.
12

HBNUM: 41077 ITEM NO: 6
Group with Items: Map Ref: 41540 45586 NO CAT: C(S) Group Cat.: Date of Listing: 14-APR-1971
DESCRIPTION:
Probably late 18th /early 19th century. A pair of originally single storey with
Gothic openings. Now 2-storey with later extensions and square-headed
openings, 3-bay, L-plan crennellated Gothic lodges, flanking road leading to
Lainshaw House (see separate listing).
Tooled rubble (formerly harled) with raised, ashlar margins. Base course, eaves course,
broad, dentilled cornice. Windows to East with moulded architraves. Timber entrance
doors with 2-1ight fanlights above.
14

No 2 with section of former wall to North elevation (see Notes) and later single storey
extension to rear. Predominantly 12-pane timber sash and case windows to No 2; non
traditional replacement windows to No 7. Flat roof.
INTERIOR:
No 2 was last in (seen 2008). Altered room plan. Impressive decorative
stone chimney piece with Tudor arch. Some 6-panel timber doors.
REFERENCES:
1st Edition Ordnance Survey Map, (1854-9). S MiI1igan,Old Stewarton, Dunlop and
Lugton, 2001, p18. MC Davis, The Castle and Mansions of Ayrshire, 1991,p314, 135.
Notes
This pair of distinctive lodges to Lainshaw House, which now flanks David Dale Avenue.
They are an important part of the streets cape and history of Stewarton. Originally single
storey, the lodges formed part of the entrance gateway to Lainshaw House and were
joined by walls and gatepiers with a carriage gate and two pedestrian gates. These were
demolished in the 1950s when the road was widened to make way for the new housing
estate, which now occupies the land between the lodges and Lainshaw House itself.
A remnant of the war remains at No 2 David Dale Avenue. A whale jaw bone sat over the
central gate. The windows to the East were formerly Ogee arched. It is likely that the
lodges were raised to two storey around 1920 by the architect James Cairns, of Glasgow.
The lodges were probably built after William Cunningham, a tobacco merchant from
Kilmarnock, brought Lainshaw Estate in 1778. On acquiring the estate he spent a great
deal of money extending the grounds and likely the lodges date from this period.
List description revised as part of Stewarton Burgh resurvey, 2009.
15

HBNUM; 41082 Item no: 7 Group with Items: CAT: C(S) 41 GRAHAM TERRACE, ASHBANK
INCLUDING Map Ref: NS 41844 Group Cat.: GATEPIERS 46269 Date of Listing: 12-0CT-1993
DESCRIPTION:
Circa 1880. 2-storey, 3-bay villa with bowed, 4-1ightbay windows to ground
and 1st floors in advanced bay to right. Light sandstone ashlar to entrance
elevation, sneaked rubble to other elevations. Rustic base course, chamfered
16

aised quoins. Broad, den-tilled eaves. Raised, plain architraves. Decorative
carved apron panels with car touches to 1st storey bay window. Bipartite
windows with stone nrul1ionsto left. Porch in re-entrant angle with Corinthian column and
bracketed cornice. Part-glazed timber entrance door with sidelights and firm light above.
Predominantly replacement plate glass timber sash and case windows.
Shallow pi-ended roof with grey slates. Conical roof with iron filial to bowed bay.
INTERIOR:
Was last (seen 2008). Good, decorative interior with original room plan
largely extant. Dog-leg timber staircase with timber balusters and timber
banister and large, 2-light, decorative coloured glass stair window with floral
designs. 6-panel round-arched timber doors with round-arched architraves.
Several marble chimney pieces. Decorative plaster cornicing.
GATEPIERS: pair of square-plan gatepiers with stepped base, nook shafts, pedimented
copes and ball finals.
REFERENCES:
2nd Edition Ordnance Survey Map, 1894-6. Other information courtesy of owner.
NOTES:
Ashbank is a good example of a little-altered Victorian villa with a good
quality interior. It retains its original setting within large landscaped gardens.
Stewarton has relatively few large villas set within their own grounds dating
from this period and the quality of the decorative features sets it apart.
Following the style of well-to-do merchant is villa's laid out in Glasgow, S suburbs in the
later 19th century, Ashbank, with its bowed bay with low relief carved panels, would have
been aspirational and the height off cushion when constructed.
The land the house was built on was feuded in 1880 and the house is likely to date from
soon after this time. There is a date of 1881 carved into one of the stones on the base
course on the East elevation. It is thought that the house may have been built for a pork
butcher in the town.
List description updated as part of resurvey of Stewarton Burgh, 2009.
17

HBNUM: 41068 ITEM NO: 8
Group with Items: Map Ref: 42009 45920 NS CAT: C(S) Group Cat.: Date of Listing: 03-JUL-1980
DESCRIPTION:
The architect W A Railton, completed the building in 1859. In 1879 an additional storey
to the North was added. The 2-storey, 5 x 5 bay Classical bank building with flat above,
situated on prominent corner site. Sandstone ashlar with raised margins; rubble to rear.
cm courses, cornice, blocking course.
18

Round-arched openings to 1st floor. Segmental-arched pediments to ground floor
windows. Central entrance door to South (principal elevation) with rusticated old piece
with dentilled cornice and recessed round-arched doorway with timber door and semicircular
fanlight above. Single-storey single bay extension to right containing timber
entrance door to upstairs flat.
FURTHER DESCRIPTION:
later 2-bay extension to Avenue Square with raised quoins, bipartite corniced window
with shouldered architrave and pedimented door piece with Doric pilasters.
Plate-glass timber sash and case windows to ground; non-traditional
replacement windows to upper floor. Grey slates. Piended roofs. WalI head
stacks with bracketed cornices and decorative square cans.
REFERENCES:
2nd Edition Ordnance Survey Map, 1894-6. Dictionary of Scottish
Architects at www.scottisharchitects.org.uk (accessed 10-04-08).
NOTES:
This is an important building on a strategic corner site in the centre of Stewarton. The
Classical treatment including ground-arched 1st floor windows and the rusticated door
piece ensure that the building contributes significantly to the streets cape. The building
stands on the corner of the High Street and Avenue Square. The High Street contains
predominantly more simply detailed 18th century buildings and Avenue Square, which
was constructed from the late 18th century has more aspirational Classical buildings,
reflecting the increasing wealth of the town. This building provides a pivotal link these two
important streets in the town. William Raihon (1820-1902) was a Kilmarnock architect
who became the architect fur the Union Bank in 1852 and who designed many branches
fur them, principally in this Italianate style.
List description updated as part of Stewarton Burgh resurvey, 2009.
19

HBNUM: 41065 ITEM NO: 9 Group with Items: Map Ref: NS CAT: B 42040 45975 Group Cat.: Date of
Listing: 14-APR-1971
DESCRIPTION:
Dated 1841. Symmetrical 2-storey, 3-bay rectangular-plan church with 3 stage steeple
over entrance bay to S. Tooled, squared and coursed sandstone to South, rubble to other
elevations.
Base course, band course, cornice and blocking course. Some raised cills. Later a
single storey extensions to rear.
SOUTH (ENTRANCE) ELEVATION:
slightly advanced central pedimented entrance bay with 2-lea~ 6-panel timber entrance
doors with rectangular fanlight above and consoled cornice above. Steeple with clasping
Doric pilasters and round-arched louvred openings to 1st stage. Clock stage above.
Finialled stone spire.
INTERIOR:
cohesive interior scheme with panelled timber gallery on 3 sides
supported by slender cast iron columns. Timber pews. Pair of symmetrical
decoratively carved flanking curved staircases lead to carved timber pulpit
with organ case behind.
Shallow piended roof with grey slates. Predominantly diamond leaded-pane
windows with coloured glass decorative borders and images.
REFERENCES:
1st Edition Ordnance Survey Map 1854-9. Rev S Hussein, The 175 Years of John Knox Church, from
website www.johnknox.org.uk (accessed 2407-08). information from www.stewarton.org (accessed on 24-
07-08).
NOTES:
Place of worship in use as such. An important part of the streets cape in the
main thorough fare of Stewarton, the church is built in a simple Classical style
and is little altered externally. The interior remains substantially intact with a
dominant, finely carved pulpit. The church has an interesting ecclesiastical
history which is of significance both for the town and wider church history in
Scotland in the mid 19th century.
21

The church opened as a Church of Scotland church in 1842. In 1843, it became a Free
Church when the Minister, Rev David Arthur, walked out of the General Assembly of
the Church of Scotland and the Free Church of Scotland began in the event known as
The Disruption. In 1900, the church was called John Knox United Free Church and in
1929 it became Church of Scotland again. Thomas Cassels, who was the minister
from1894-1903 began a project to build a hall and installed the pipe organ.
The history of the church dates back to the late 18th century when small groups of
people started leaving the established Church all over Scotland. One group from
Stewarton, called the Auld Lichts, went to Kilmarnock for their service.
After 1814, the Kilmarnock minister did not make them welcome, and they formed their
own congregation back in Stewarton and met in a weaver's shop in the High Street. In
1825, the minister of this group, Rev James Duncan built a New Church at top of Avenue
Street in 1828.
Arguments within the church meant that by 1839, the congregation were looking for a
new building. The local landowner, William Cunningham was not keen to have another
church built on his land, but this piece of ground was owned by a Mr Snodgrass, and the
land was acquired and the church built in 1841.
William Cunningham then used his influence as the major landowner in the area to
prevent a newly appointed minister from Irvine from coming to Stewarton. A legal battle
ensued a result in favour of William Cunningham. This meant that other new
congregation throughout the country lost their buildings as the result.
Cunningham asserted that the John Knox Church belonged to the Established Church
and tried to deprive the congregation of their properties. This 'Stewarton Case' has
been cited in some sources as being one of the factors which led to the Disruption in the
Church in 1843. Eventually, the congregation were given the legal ownership of the Kirk.
List description updated as part of Stewarton Burgh resurvey, 2009.
22

HBNUM: 41079 ITEM NO: 10
Group with Items: Map Ref: NS CAT: B 40918 45603 Group Cat.: Date of Listing: 14-APR-1971
DESCRIPTION:
Probably dates from the late 18th century. impressive, symmetrical courtyard-plan
Classical steading with distinctive, landmark, 2-stage octagonal dovecot above central
farmhouse.
PRINCIPAL RANGE TO South East:
The central 2-storey, 3-bay farm house with single-storey flanking 4-bay wings. Ashlar to
entrance elevation (S), rubble to others. Base course, raised sills. Some moulded
architraves. Advanced pedimented central entrance bay with raised quoins surrounded
by large, corniced, octagonal dovecot on round drum. Roll-moulded door surround with
console bracketed pediment above. Part-glazed timber entrance door. Wings with key
stoned round-arched window openings. Round-arched stair window to rear. Replacement
12-pane timber sash and case windows. Grey slates. Piended roof S.
INTERIOR: comprehensively altered when seen in 2008.
23

COURTYARD RANGES: situated to rear of principal range farming rough V-plan. Singlestorey
rubble and slated former steading ranges, some converted to farm housing. Some
later additions and extensions.
REFERENCES:
1st Edition Ordnance Survey Map, 1854-9. New Statistical Account V015, 1845 pf727. Rob Close, Ayrshire
and Arran, An Illustrated Architectural Guide, 1992, p122. MC Davis.The Castle and Mansions of Ayrshire,
1991, p314,135.
NOTES:
Lainshaw Mains, the home farm for Lainshaw House (see separate listing), is an important
post-improvement period form which farms a distinctive part of the land scape. Situated
on high ground overlooking Lainshaw House the octagonal dovecot is highly visible in the
landscape and it is an architectural testament to the importance of agriculture in the
Scottish economy at this time.
The era of Improvement farming began in the 1740s and it had a significant impact on
farms and farm buildings, changing the face of agriculture and bringing with it rational
and distinguished buildings like Lainshaw Mains. Probably dating to the late 18th century
Lainshaw Mains adopts a rational plan with its impressive well-detailed Classical
principal range incorporating an impressive centrally-placed farm house and combined
with a formal courtyard arrangement of simpler ranges to the rear. This is in notable
contrast to the traditional type of Ayrshire farm where a simply-treated centrally placed
farm house is accompanied by flanking L-plan wings.
The New Statistical Account of 1845 notes that' little wheat is raised in the parish, except
by Mr Cunningham of Lainshaw, who cultivates it to a considerable extent.'
This may account for the difference in the plan of this farm from the more usual V-plan
dairy farms, in that more storage space would be required. The New Statistical Account
also notes that ' by far the best system of cultivation practised here, was introduced and
is still carried on by Mr Cunningham of Lainshaw, the largest inheritor, whose property
extends to 2600 acres and upwards. He retains in his own hands nearly 300 acres under
the best management, equal to the best cultivated spots in England.'
Lainshaw Estate has a history stretching back to the 15th century, and went through
differing fortunes. By 1779, the Estate was leased to Sir William Cunningham who had
made a fortune in America from tobacco. He made many improvements to the Estate and
it is likely that the farm dates from around his time.
List description updated as part of Stewarton Burgh resurvey, 2009.
24

HBNUM: 41071 ITEMNO: 11
Group with Items: Map Ref: NS 42177 45444 CAT: CCS) 12 KIRKFORD Group Cat.:
Date of Listing: 03-JUL-1980
DESCRIPTION:
Dated 1781. Single-storey and attic 3-bay cottage with pair of later, canted
bay dormers. Painted rubble with droved margins. Rubble boulder base course, moulded
eaves. Steps lead to slightish:.set recessed part-glazed timber entrance door with 1781
date incised to lintel Single window opening to left, bipartite opening to right.
Predominantly 4-pane and plate glass timber sash and case windows. Grey
graded slates. Small roof light.
REFERENCES:
1st Edition Ordnance Survey Map, 1854-8. John R Hume, Vernacular
Building in Ayrshire, 2004, p ll.
NOTES:
Dating from 1781, this single-storey cottage is rare and early survivor in
Stewarton. Long, low, single-storey cottages would have been typical of the area at the
end of the 18th century. In the later part of the 18th century, Stewarton was primarily a
weaving town, well-known for its bonnet industry. Much of the weaving would have taken
place in cottages such as this. The asymmetrical arrangement of the street
elevation, with a wider bay to the left here. This not unusual for Ayrshire and
probably indicates that the larger of the rooms was set aside for weaving.
Although there were likely to have been many similar cottages in Stewarton,
many of these have now been extended or altered.
25

HBNUM: 41072 ITEM NO: 12Group with Items:
Map Ref: NS 42183 45434 CAT: C(S) Group Cat.: Date of Listing: 03-JUL-1980 & 22-SEP-2009
Discription
Dated 1781. 2-storey, 5-bay, pair of cottages on roadside, at prominent junction entering
Stewarton. Painted roughcast with contrasting raised margins. Small, centralround-arched
window opening to No 16. Later extensions to rear. Corniced quoin strip.
Predominantly replacement 4-pane timber sash and case windows with horns
to No 14, No 16 with non-traditional replacement windows. Graded grey
slates, raised skews, gablehead and ridge stacks
INTERIOR: partially seen, 2008. No 16 comprehensively modernised.
REFERENCES:
1st Edition Ordnance Survey Map, 1854-6. John R Hume, Vernacular
Building in Ayrshire, 2004, pf 1.
NOTES:
This pair of little externally altered cottages are a significant addition to the
streetscape of this main road entrance into Stewarton and village core. On a
prominent site, they retain a good traditional profile with no additions to the
roofScape. Together with No 12 Kirkfurd, they form a terraced run of
traditional dwellings.
In the later part of the 18th century, Stewarton was primarily a weaving town,
well-known for its bonnet industry. Much of the weaving would have taken
place in cottages such as these. The asymmetrical arrangement of the street
elevation, with a wider bay to the left as at no 16, is not unusual fur Ayrshire
and probably indicates that the larger of the rooms was set aside fur weaving.
Although there were many similar cottages in Stewarton, most have now been extended or altered.
26

HBNUM: 41076 ITEMNO: 13
Group with Items: Map Ref: NS 41017 45272 CAT: B Group Cat.: Date of Listing: 14-APR-1971
DESCRIPTION:
Largely early-mid 19th century, with some earlier fabric (see Notes).
Converted to flats 2008. Asymmetrical 3-storey, 6- x 3-bay Classical
mansion with Tudor-Gothic details and later 4-bay Gothic single-storey and
attic wing to N and 18th century, 3-storey, 2-bay rubble section incorporated
at rear. Cream sandstone ashlar with raised margins. sill course, cornice,
blocking course. Hood moulds to windows at upper storeys. Some segmental arched
window openings to ground.
FURTHER DESCRIPTION:
The principal East elevation: off. center, painted Donric tetrastyle portico with recessed
porch with part-glazed timber entrance door and flanking narrow windows. Advanced 4bay
section to right with narrow full-height angle turrets breaking eaves. 2-storey, singlebay
crenellated section set at right angles to fur right. Some 21st century additions to
rear. Predominantly 8-pane replacement timber sash and case windows to ground
and upper storey. Principal rooms to 1st floor with 12-pane and 8-pane
glazing with fixed lights above with circular glazing pattern Grey slates.
27

REFERENCES:
Andrew Armstrong, A New Map of Ayrshire, 1775. John Thomson,
Northern Part of Ayrshire, 1828. Michael Davis, The Castles and Mansions
of Ayrshire, 1991, p314. Canmore database at www.rcahms.gov.uk
(accessed 07-04-08). Laura MacDonald unpublished dissertation, Lainshaw,
at RCARMS, (DPMI890/50/2/13). Other information from Stewarton
website, www.stewarton,0rg (accessed 12-08-08). Other information
courtesy of developers.
NOTES:
Lainshaw House is one of the principal country houses in the Stewarton area.
It has a complex building history and its external appearance is now largely of
the 19th century. An unusual combination of the Classical style with some
Tudor-Gothic details such as hood-moulds and slender angle turrets, Lainshaw
is an important part of the area's architectural history.
Situated on the banks of the River Annick, it is likely that a residence existed
at this site since the 15th century. The exterior of the present house dates
predominantly from the early part of the 19th century and the majority of the building was
constructed by the first William Cunningham of Lainshaw, who died in 1849. An earlier,
18th century section of the house can be seen at the rear of the house and recent
archaeological work suggests that some sections of a previous 15th or 16th century
tower house may remain within the present house (RCAHMS).
The 10th Laird of Lainshaw, Sir Waiter Montgomery, lost a fortune as a result of the
American War of Independence. The estate was then bought in 1779 by William
Cunningham, a tobacco merchant from Kilmarnock. On acquiring the Estate, William
spent a great deal of money extending the house and the grounds and the earlier section
to the rear of the house may date from his occupancy. His son, William Cunningham the
Younger then inherited the Estate in 1799. He remodelled the house extensively during
the early part of the 19th century and it is recorded that an additional wing was begun in
1824. This may be the single-storey Gothic wing. It may be that the majority of the house
was constructed in 1833. He died in 1849 and the house passed to his younger halfbrother.
The house remained in the family unit.
It was bought by the Local Authority in 1947 and became a care home for the elderly.
Originally situated within large estate grounds, the development of the town of Stewarton
through the 20th century has meant that Lainshaw now sits close by the town and recent
21st century houses are nearby. The interior was previously damaged by fire. It has
recently been converted into flats and some chimney pieces are though to remain (2009).
List description updated as part of Stewarton Burgh resurvey, 2009.
28

HBNUM: 41078 ITEM NO: 14
Group with Items: Map Ref: NS40987 45384 CAT: B Group Cat.: Date of Listing: 03-JUL-1980
29

Description
Late 18th or early 19th century. Single-storey and single-storey and attic,
courtyard-plan classical former stables, now converted to houses (as seen,
2008), situated to North of Lainshaw House (see separate listing) with entrance
pens to South. Droved, ashlar sandstone to S, coursed, snecked rubble to other
elevations; smooth margins. Base course, impost course, cornice and blocking
course to S. Some cat-slide dormers and later skylights.
FURTHER DESCRIPTION:
The South elevation; symmetrical 7-bays, with central
segmental-arched pend with pediment above. Arcaded flanks with recessed
rectangular window openings.
Predominantly replacement 12-pane timber sash and case timber windows.
Grey slates, raised skews. Coped gable and wall head stacks, some without
cans. Velux rooflights.
INTERIOR:
Was partially seen (2008). Comprehensively modernised.
REFERENCES:
1st Edition Ordnance Survey Map, 1854-9. Rob Close, Ayrshire and Arran,
1992 p122. Other information courtesy of residents.
NOTES:
This former stable with its fine classical detailing stands to the North of
Lainshaw House. The main elevation to the south, has a central pedimented
pend, and is constructed from fine, ashlar blocks, in contrast to the other,
rubble elevations. The round-arched motif on the south elevation echoes the
large round-arched openings of Lainshaw Home farm (see separate listing).
Originally the stable would have been able to be viewed from the main house,
but this visual link has been interrupted by modem housing. Following a fire in
the 1980s, the stables have been converted into 4/5 separate houses.
Lainshaw Estate has a history stretching back to the 15th century, and has
had fluctuating fortunes. By 1779, the Estate was leased to Sir William
Cunningham who had made a fortune in America from tobacco. He made
many improvements to the Estate and it is likely that the stables date from
around his time.
List description updated as part of Stewarton Burgh resurvey, 2009.
30

HBNUM: 51371 ITEM NO: 15 Group with Items: Map Ref: NS 41922 45841 CAT: C(S) Group Cat.: Date
of Listing: 22-SEP-2009
DESCRIPTION:
Circa 1900. 2-storey and attic, 2-bay classical tenement with partly altered
shop to ground at end of terrace. Red sandstone ashlar, cream rubble with
contrasting red margins to rear. Timber shop front with pilasters to outer bays
and corniced fascia. Sill course, frieze and deep dentilled cornice, balustrades
parapet. Tripartite corniced windows to 1st floor with outer pilasters and
Corinthian and Doric corniced windows. Pair of pedimented wall head
dormers with pilastered architraves with flanking scrolls.
Predominantly replacement, non-traditional windows. Plate glass windows to
shop. Grey slates. Stacks removed.
31

REFERENCES:
Ordnance Survey Map, 1907-9. The Statistical Account of Scotland, V019 P
379, 1795. S Milligan Old Stewarton, Dunlop And Lugton (2001) p12.
Other information courtesy of local residents (2008).
NOTES:
This well-detailed classical tenement, situated at the main cross roads in
Stewarton adds significantly to the street-scape of the area. Stewarton was
described in the 1795 Statistical Account as consisting of 'one long and
broad street, with a cross one' and this building, with its ornamental front
elevation is an important later addition to this significant historical area.
The detailing to the front of the building marks the building out as being one where
the main street elevation was an important aspect of the design and is
evidence of the prosperity of the town at the beginning of the 20th century.
The shops at ground were at one time Cochrane's the grocers and, local
knowledge suggests, a dairy. The grandeur of design at 1st floor and attic
suggests possible original use as a chambers rather than residential
Cochrane's Hotel (now demolished) adjoined the building to its right at the
corner of Lainshaw and Rigg Streets.
List description updated as part of Stewarton Burgh resurvey, 2009.
32

HBNUM: 51372 ITEM NO: 16 Group with Items: Map Ref: NS 41913 45835 CAT: C(S) Group Cat.: Date
of Listing: 22-SEP-2009
DESCRIPTION:
Probably later 19th century. 3-storey, 3-bay terraced tenement with shops to ground.
Painted ashlar to upper storeys with contrasting raised, moulded architraves to upper
storey windows. Cornice to ground, reeded sill course at the 1 st floor. Ionic pilasters
flanking elevation. Decorative scrolls details to skewputts cornices to 1st floor windows
33

and fleuron to cills at 2 nd floor windows . Adjoining brick outbuildings to the rear.
FURTHER DESCRIPTION:
asymmetrical shop fronts in segmentally arcaded pilastrade with pilasters heavily
vermiculated with distinctive shell capitals. Stone sills and stall risers. Shop to right with
2-leaf 6-pane, timber storm doors.
INTERIOR:
The only shops seen (2008). Some decorative cornicing.
Predominantly non- traditional replacement windows to upper floors, plate
glass to ground. Ashlar stacks to mutual gable heads.
REFERENCES:
Ordnance Survey Map, 1907-8. S Milligan Old Stewarton, Dunlop And Lugton (2001) P12. Other
information courtesy of local residents (2008).
NOTES:
This well-detailed tenement building with its eye-catching shell capitals is a
distinctive addition to the streetscape of one of the main streets in Stewarton.
The vermiculated columns and detailing around the upper storey windows
mark this tenement out from other, plainer tenements in the town and may be
the only example in Scotland of such decoration.
The small scroll decorations at warhead and the Ionic pilasters also add to the interest of
this building.
Lainshaw Street was one of the main shopping streets in Stewarton and is
described in MilIigan as being 'one of Stewarton's most busy thoroughfares', It
forms a pair with Nos 15-19 Lainshaw Street (see separate listing), and both
constitute a distinguished run which adds to the character of this area of the town.
List description updated as part of Stewarton Burgh resurvey, 2009.
34

HBNUM: 51373 ITEM NO: 17
Group with Items: Map Ref : NS 41905 45829 CAT: C(S) Group Cat.: Date of Listing: 22-SEP-2009
DESCRIPTION:
Probably later 19th century. 3-storey, 3-bay terraced tenement with shops to
ground. Painted ashlar to upper storeys with contrasting raised, moulded
architraves. Cornice. Decorative cornices to 1st floor windows. Reeded cills
35

to window architraves with block tabs. Paterae to cornice soflit.
FURTHER DESCRIPTION:
A pair of asymmetrical shop fronts with central later timber door with 2-light fanlight
above, leading to flats. Shop to right with panelled Doric pilasters, stone cills and stall
riser, timber fuscia and cornice.
Shop to left with recessed door to left with gated porch and Buttercup Dairy
pattern tiles to entrance. (see Notes). Slender window mullions. Cornice with
curved console brackets.
Predominantly non- traditional replacement windows to upper floors, plate
glass to ground. Grey slates. Ashlar stacks to mutual gable heads.
REFERENCES:
Ordnance Survey Map, 1907-8. S Milligan Old Stewarton, Dunlop And
Lugton (2001) P12. Other information courtesy of
local residents (2008).
NOTES:
This well-detailed tenement is a significant addition to the streetscape of this
main street in Stewarton. The decoration to the upper storey windows is
unusual in the town and together with nos 9-13 Lainshaw Street (see separate
listing), with which it is a related pair, the building forms a strong addition to
the street scape.
The shop to the left was a Buttercup dairy and retains its porch floor tiles with
the distinctive Company patten The original decorative tiles are thought to
still be in situated behind boarding on the wall of the porch.
The Buttercup Dairy Company began in 1908 in Leith and continued until
1949. Less than 20 of the original 400 shops are now thought to survive with
the majority being in Edinburgh and elsewhere in eastern Scotland.
List description updated as part of Stewarton Burgh resurvey, 2009.
36

HBNUM: 49114 ITEM NO: 18 Group with Items: Map Ref: NS 41945 45825 CAT: C(S) Group Cat.:
Date of Listing: 04-MAR-2003
DESCRIPTION:
Circa 1840, altered 1867 (see Notes). 2 storey, 5- x 4-bay corner building at
Stewarton Cross with canted corner bay with recessed 2-leaf part- glazed
timber door and fanlight above. Base course to Vennel Street (NE); 2
moulded string courses between storeys; moulded eaves course. Regular
37

fenestration with moulded surrounds, some scroll-bracketted. Lined and
rendered surface; painted margins.
FURTHER DESCRIPTION:
The NW elevation (Lainshaw Street): pair of 2-leaf timber panelled doors to centre, that to
left with prominent architrave with plinthed pilasters and consoles supporting cornice with
guttae. Plate glass shop window to outer right. Cill course.
NORTH EAST ELEVATION (VENNEL ST): symmetrical 3-bay section to right; central
2-leaf timber door with 4-pane fanlight above. Further 2-bay section to left.
Predominantly timber plate glass windows to upper storey; some tilt and turn.
Replacement 12-lying pane timber sash and case windows to ground. Grey
slates; corniced ridge stack; flat skews; large corniced stack to SW gable (1
hexagonal can remaining).
INTERIOR:
partly seen in (2008). Stone stair to 1st floor with cast-iron barley
twist balustrade and painted timber handrail Some simple cornices.
REFERENCES:
Corner building marked as public house on 1st edition OS map of1856. In
present form marked on 2nd edition of1895. Sinclair, Statistical Account of
Scotland: V01IX (1793). New Statistical Account of Scotland: V01V Ayr-
Bute (1842).
Strawhorn and Boyd, Third Statistical Account of Scotland:
Ayrshire (1951). Strawhorn and Andrew Discovering Ayrshire (1988)
pp202-204. Close Ayrshire And Arran (1992) ppI20-122. Milligan Old
Stewarton, Dunlop And Lugton (2001) ppl2, 23. Information courtesy of
residents.
NOTES:
Situated at this meeting of routes to and from Kilmaurs and Kilnamock to the
south; Irvine to the south-west; Dunlop to the north;
Fenwick to the south-east and Seams to the north-east, this building is in a prominent
location at the Cross in Stewarton.
In 1794 Stewarton was described as consisting of'one long and broad street, with a
cross one' and this building is an important surviving element of the historic townscape.
Cochrane's Hotel (demolished) stood opposite at the corner of Lainshaw and Rigg Streets
and the once adjoining 2-storey building at 8-12 Lainshaw Street has more recently been
demolished.
The building is the surviving key component of the historic farm
of the Cross. Together, this and the adjoining former granary at 8 Vennel Street (circa
1870, separately listed) were known as the Commercial Buildings and were
owned by Thomas Young & Son, grain merchants. 8 Vennel Street would
have been used for storing and distributing grain and bread. 2-6 Lainshaw
Street served as a town house for Thomas Young (one time provost of
38

Stewarton) and his family with shops, including the bakery, on the ground
floor.
This elevation is certainly the more formal, reflecting the importance of
the street as 'one of Stewarton's most busy thoroughfares, crowded with small
shops, cottages and tenements' (Milligan p2).
There were apparently two large decorative pots on top of the entrance architrave but
these have long since gone. A cast-iron hopper with the date 1867, removed from the
building for safety, is understood to be in the possession of a former owner and it is
likely that an existing building on this site was either extended or the facade
and interior remodelled at this date.
The corner building is marked as a public house on the Ordnance Survey map of 1856
and the Commercial Buildings continued to operate as an inn or hotel into the 20th
century. In the 1920s however, the Temperance Movement put an end to alcohol
consumption in the town until the 1960s.
Robert Boag, baker, owned the property prior to World War I and sold it to
bakers Lydall and Gillies before World War 11.
The Gillies family became sole owners in 1947 and the buildings, including 8 Vennel
Street, were still in Gillies ownership until 1999 . Their bakers shop was on the corner. In
the mid 20th century, the shop on Lainshaw Street followed in Stewarton's famous
textile tradition accommodating Mrs Bowie's drapery and millinery,and the
Misses Watt Browns' millinery and dressmaking business (see illustrations in
Milligan).
List description updated as part of Stewarton Burgh resurvey, 2009.
39

HBNUM: 51375 ITEM NO: 20
Group with Items: Map Ref: NS 41909 45797 CAT: C(S) Group Cat.: Date of Listing: 22-SEP-2009
DESCRIPTION:
Peddie and Kirmear, 1858-60. 3-storey, 3-bay symmetrical classical palazzo
bank building with manager house (now flats) above and single-storey extension to rear.
Sandstone ashlar to street (N) with raised margins; coursed rubble to rear. Base course,
moulded cill band courses, string course, overhanging eaves with decoratively carved
exposed rafters. Segmental- arched bipartite windows with Corinthian columned mullions
to ground and 1st floor. 6-panelled timber door to W, leading to the flats.
40

FURTHER DESCRIPTION:
central 2-leaf 6-panelled timber doors set within shouldered-arched doorway and with
segmental-arched door surround with console brackets and decorative cornice.
2-pane over plate glass timber sash and case to ground, replacement windows
to upper storeys. Piended roof with grey slates. Warhead stacks with some
decorative cans.
INTERIOR: ( partially seen, 2008). Ground floor largely modernised. Some cornicing to
flats above. Coloured glass to stair windows.
REFERENCES:
2nd Edition Ordnance Survey Map, 1894-6. Dictionary of Scottish
Architects, www.scottisharchitects.org.uk(accessed20-08-08).S Milligan
Old Stewarton, Dunlop And Lugton (2001) p12.
NOTES:
This bank building with its fine classical detailing has a significant presence in
the street scape of this main road in Stewarton. The Corinthian columned mullions and
the door surround in particular mark the bank out as being a building of some quality
within the town.
Lainshaw Street was one of the main shopping streets in Stewarton and is
described in Milligan as being 'one of Stewarton's most busy thoroughfares'.
The decorative elements of the bank emphasize the importance of the street. The
stonework to the street elevation changes in the building above the lintels of the first
floor. This may indicate that this floor was added later, but the stonework to the other
elevations does not support this.
It is possible that the builders found themselves with a reduced cash flow at this stage.
The Edinburgh architectural practice of Peddie and Kinnear was one of the most
influential and prolific in Scotland from mid to late 19th century and was responsible for
many key buildings in a large number of Scottish towns. Jolm Dick Peddie seemed
business with the Royal Bank of Scotland who set up branches in many Scottish towns
from circa 1855. Peddie took Charles George Hood Kinnear on as a partner circa 1856.
List description updated as part of Stewarton Burgh resurvey, 2009.
41

HBNUM: 51374 ITEM NO: 19
Group with Items: Map Ref: NS 41929 45817 CAT: C(S) Group Cat.: Date of Listing: 22-SEP-
2009.
DESCRIPTION:
Probably late 19th century Symmetrical storey, 3-bay classical former
bank and manager's house (currently unused, 2008). Ashlar with ornamental
raised margins and channelled quoins; rubble to rear. Base course, cill course,
cornice.
Tall, panelled and corniced parapet above 1st floor. Central tripartite
window to ground. 1st floor windows with moulded reveals and basket arches
with delicate carved motif above. Top floor windows as warhead attic
with segmental-arched pediments with disc finials. Small tear drop motif
decoration to ground.
Wide, 2-windowed gabled warhead dormer to rear with apex stack. Round headed
42

pair of windows to gable head. Predominantly 4-pane timber sash and case windows to
upper storeys, windows boarded to ground. Grey slates, ashlar gable head stacks.
REFERENCES:
2nd Edition Ordnance Survey Map, (1894-6). The Statistical Account of
Scotland, Vol9 p 379, 1795. New Statistical Account Vo15, 1845 pf727.
S Milligan Old Stewarton, Dunlop And Lugton (2001) p2.
NOTES:
This finely detailed dignified former bank is a significant addition to the
street scape of this main road in Stewarton. The symmetrical street elevation
with its delicate motif South to the window architraves mark this out as a building of
some quality and is evidence of Stewarton's 19th century wealth and
prosperity.
Stewarton is described in the Statistical Account of 1795 as consisting of' one
long and one broad street, with a cross one'. By the New Statistical Account
of1845, the town is described as 'three quarters of a mile in length with
several streets intersecting one another.' The town's main trade, from which it
developed much of its wealth, was bonnet making and the member of weavers
employed in this and associated trades increased from 100 in 1795 to around
300 in 1845.
Lainshaw Street was one of the main shopping streets in Stewarton and is described in
Milligan as being 'one of Stewarton's most busy thoroughfares.
List description updated as part of Stewarton Burgh resurvey, 2009.
43

HBNUM: 51376 ITEM NO: 21
Group with Items: Map Ref: NS 42213 45418 CAT: C(S) Group Cat.: Date of Listing: 22-SEP-2009
DESCRIPTION:
Early or earlier 19th century. 2-storey and attic 3-bay probable former toll house
(see Notes) with single-storey bays to NW (acute angled and piended)
and SE (gabled), situated at edge of road at corner intersection. White painted
rubble with contrasting black margins. Cornice.
Pair of piended roof dormers. Single-storey bay to NW with small window openings to
street. Later further extension to SE.
Predominantly replacement non- traditional windows. Grey slates, raised
skews. Gable head stacks.
INTERIOR: (seen 2008). Standard room plan with little original fabric.
REFERENCES:
1st Edition Ordnance Survey Map (1854-6). John Thomson. Atlas of Scotland, 1832, in NLS.
Other information courtesy of local residents (2008).
44

NOTES:
This prominent house is situated at the junction of 2 main roads into
Stewarton and is thought to be a former toll-house.
The house occupies a prominent position directly at the edge of the road and the small
extension to the NW overlooks all three roads.
The contrasting margins give the house a little decorative detail and the traditional 2storey
and attic, 3-bay structure of the house makes it a prominent addition to the
streetscape of this entrance into Stewarton. It is likely that the house was extended in the
later part of the 19th century.
Tolls were introduced in Scotland following the Turnpike Act of 1750. This
allowed private roads to be built and tolls to be charged for their use and the
quality of the roads improved as a result. Toll houses were placed every 6
miles along a road, with a bar across the road to prevent passage without
payment. Tolls were abolished on roads in 1880, although they can still be
charged on bridges.
A Kirkford Toll is marked on the John Thomson's 1832 Map, close to the site of the
house.
List description updated as part of Stewarton Burgh resurvey, 2009.
45

HBNUM: 51377 ITEM NO: 22
Group with Items: Map Ref: NS 41970 45852CAT: C(S) Group Cat.:Date of Listing: 22-SEP-2009
DESCRIPTION:
Early 19th century core with later additions. 2-storey and attic, 3-bay
symmetrical property in regular terraced street with flats to upper storeys and
pair of mirrored shops to ground. Painted concrete bar! with contrasting
painted margins. Central non-traditional timber door leading to flats above.
Flanking canted recessed entrances to shops with part-glazed 2-leaf timber
doors. Continuous fascia uniting with cornice (as 1st floor cill course) and
outer console. Timber mullions to shop windows. Later pair of piended
46

dormers. Later single-storey extension to rear.
Predominantly plate glass timber sash and case windows with horns to upper
storeys, plate glass to shops. Non-traditional windows to rear. Grey slates.
Single brick stack.
REFERENCES:
1st Edition Ordnance Survey Map, 1856-9. The Statistical Account of
Scotland, Vol9 p 379, 1795.
NOTES:
Likely to date from the early 19th century, this building is situated directly
onto the main street close to the historic centre of Stewarton and contributes
significantly to the streetscape. The building is unusual in retaining the
symmetrical traditional shop fronts with unifying corniced fascia.
Stewarton was described in the 1795 Statistical Account as consisting of
'one long and broad street, with a cross one' and this building is situated close
to this crossroads. Stewarton was famous for its bonnet making and weaving
industry and the town's wealth grew from this. The first Edition Ordnance
Survey Map of 1856-9 depicts the building with a smaller footprint at the rear
and it is likely that the building was extended during the early 20th century to
provide increased accommodation.
List description updated as part of Stewarton Burgh resurvey, 2009.
47

HBNUM: ITEMNO: 23 Group with Items: Map Ref: NS 41891 45686 CAT: B Group Cat.:Date of
Listing: 14-APR-1971
49

DESCRIPTION:
Dated 1696, with later alterations in 1723, 1775, and 1825 (see Notes). Now roughly
Greek cross-plan church with unusual off centre bell tower to W and pair of advanced 2and
3-bay gabled aisles to S. Sandstone rubble with some raised, ashlar margins. Later,
single-storey porch and vestry extensions.
WEST ELEVATION: gable with advanced, off:centre corniced bell-tower with square-plan
belfry supported by corner columns with bell and surmounted by dome, conical pinnacle
and finial Triangular window to ground.
Above; plaque with carved Y representing local legend (see Notes); date of 1696 and
clock. Predominantly margined metal fixed windows. Some stained glass. Skews.
Wallhead stack.
INTERIOR:
Last seen in 2008. Good cohesive, largely 19th century interior with timber pews. High
quality decoratively carved pulpit, font, communion table and organ case. 4-panel timber
doors. Staircases with metal balusters and timber banisters. Timber gallery to E and W,
supported by iron columns. Number of 19th and 20th century stained glass windows. Pair
of windows on either side of the pulpit represent Dorcas and St Paul.
CHURCHYARD:
predominantly 18th and 19th century gravestones. Some decorative carvings to
headstones; one iron recumbent gravestone; ashlar lair to N (in disrepair).
BOUNDARY WALLS:
coped rubble walls to N, S, E and W.
REFERENCES:
1st Edition Ordnance Survey Map 1854-8. S Milligan, Old Stewarton, Dunlop and Lugton,
2001, p15. Rob Close, Ayrshire and Arran, An Illustrated Architectural Guide, 1992, p
120. George Hay, The Architecture of Post-Reformation Churches, 1957 p250. John
Sinclair. The Statistical Account of Scotland, 1793, Vo19 p379. Other information from
members of the church.
NOTES:
Place of worship in use as such. This was the only church in Stewarton until
the 19th century and it is an important part of the history of the town. Later
alterations and additions have changed the plan-from considerably and
resulted in the bell tower assuming its off:centre form. The core of the church
dates to the late 17th century, and includes the crow stepped aisle to the South
and the distinctive bell tower. The kirk yard is the original burial place for the
town and continued to be the only one until the beginning of the 20th century.
It contains some 18th century headstones and also some lairs used by the
50

families in the area. As the only burial place in Stewarton in the 18th and 19th
centuries, the Kirk yard has great local historical significance.
The church is probably built on the site of the former church in Stewarton which was run
by the Abbey of Kilwinning. This current church was constructed in 1696 as the Laigh
Kirk and the elements remaining from this time include the bell-tower, which was in the
centre of the old church and the Corsehill Aisle. The church was gradually extended over
the years and dates on the interior mark these phases in 1730, 1773 and 1825. In 1772
the roof was removed and the walls heightened.
The timber floors were added in the late 1860s, when other interior alterations may have
been done. In 1913, the single-storey vestry to the North was added. The organ installed
in the early20th century. The clock on the bell-tower was manufactured in Stewarton.
The church changed its name from the Laigh Kirk to St Columba's when it
united with Cairns United Free Church in Stewarton in 1962. Some stained glass
windows from the Cairns church were installed into this church and the Lainshaw gallery
to the South was converted into a small chapel.
The Y fork on the bell-tower represents the motto of the Cunningham’s 'overfork over' .
The legend describes how Malcolm Canmore was fleeing South from Macbeth, King of
Scotland who wanted to kill him. Malcolm took refuge in a barn at the estate of Corsehill,
just outside Stewarton and called to the farmer to 'over fork over' and the :farmer
covered him with hay and Macbeth did not find him.
List description updated as part of Stewarton Burgh resurvey, 2009.
51

HBNUM: 41075 ITEM NO: 24
Group with Items: Map Ref: NS 41547 45828 CAT: C(S) Group Cat.: Date of Listing: 14-APR-1971
DESCRIPTION:
Late 18th century / early 19th century. 2-storey, 3-bay T-plan house with projecting later
entrance porch. Separate single-storey gabled wings, form V-plan courtyard. Sandstone
ashlar to entrance elevation, rubble to rear. Painted margins. Base course, band course,
moulded eaves. Later single-storey extension and conservatory to South.
Predominantly replacement 4-pane timber sash and case windows. Raised skews, grey
slates. Gable stack to South.
INTERIOR: (seen 2008). Comprehensively altered. Curved staircase with decorative iron
52

alusters and timber banister extant.
PROJECTING WINGS: to left; white painted rubble with black margins.Grey slates, raised
skews. Gable stacks. Currently converted to housing (2008).
To right: rubble with triangular pigeon-loft to attic Currently garage (2008).
REFERENCES:
1st Edition Ordnance Survey Map, 1854-9. Rob Close, Ayrshire and Arran, An Illustrated
Architectural Guide, 1992, p 121. Other information courtesy of owner.
NOTES:
Standalane House is now one of the principal early houses within Stewarton itself;
although the burgh has encroached on its setting and it was originally surrounded by
farmland. Dating from around the turn of the eighteenth century, the V-plan created by
the flanking ancillary ranges echoes the plan of the distinctive Ayrshire farms and is an
important part of the character of the group. The house itself is of some refinement and
quality with its principal elevation finished in ashlar. Its early date is evident in the widely
spaced bays and windows set close to the eaves. The pigeon loft in the gable of the right
hand wing is a particular feature of this area of Ayrshire.
List description updated and category
changed from B to C(S) as part of Stewarton Burgh resurvey, 2009.
53

HBNUM: 41081 ITEMNO: 25 Group with Items: Map Ref : 42040 45795 NS CAT: B Group Cat.: Date
of Listing: 20-MAY-1993.
DESCRIPTION:
Dated 1855. 2-storey, 3-bay, largely rectangular-plan, Tudor-Gothic villa. Painted ashlar
to entrance elevation (W); coursed, droved, squared and snecked rubble to other
elevations. Ashlar margins. Cornice. Tudor-arched windows to W, some bi-partite with
hood moulds.
WEST (PRINCIPAL) ELEVATION:
advanced gabled bay with fleur-de-lys finial to right with 4-light canted bay at ground and
corniced tripartite window above. Single storey entrance porch in re-entrant angle with
deep-set 4panened timber entrance door to N with Tudor-arched fanlight above and
shield with 1855 date to West.
54

Predominantly 2-over 3-lying pane timber sash and case windows to principal elevation
and 4-over 6-pane lying pane timber sash and case windows to other elevations. Grey
slates. Coped gable and wall head stacks with octagonal cans. Stepped skews.
INTERIOR: fine interior with good decorative features. Original room plan largely extant.
Curved, dogleg staircase with decorative metal balusters and timber banister with curved
end. Some good quality decorative plasterwork to cornices and ceiling roses. One marble
chimney piece with horseshoe cast iron grate. Timber shutters, 4-panel doors. Some
Tudor-arched openings.
REFERENCES:
1st Edition Ordnance Survey Map (1854-9). Other information courtesy of owner.
NOTES:
This is a fine example of a Tudor-gothic mid 19th century villa retaining its
original setting. The villa retains fine distinctive detailing in the Tutor arches
above the doors and windows and has a fine interior. The front elevation is
particularly striking and the lying pane glazing pattern is a rare survival which
adds significantly to the character of the building.
Tudor Gothic detailing in domestic architecture in Scotland grew in popularity from circa
1820s. Known particularly fur the bonnet making since the 16th century, Stewarton's
wealth was derived primarily from its mills, which developed from the beginning of the
19th century.
Kersland is situated close to the villas of Woodlands and Braehead (see separate listings)
on what would have been more open ground to the South of the town and may have
been built for one of the mill owners. Local knowledge suggests that there may have
been a decorative beebole in one of the surrounding walls.
List description updated as part of Stewarton resurvey, 2009.
List description updated as part of Stewarton Burgh resurvey, 2009.
55

HBNUM: 41069 ITEM NO: 26 Group with Items: Map Ref: NS 42061 45738
CAT: C(S) Group Cat.: Date of Listing: 03-JUL-1980
DESCRIPTION:
Dated 1811, with later bay windows to ground. 2-storey, 3-bay Classical villa, set within
own grounds. Coursed, squared, tooled sandstone with ashlar margins. Raised cills. N
(entrance) elevation with advanced central porch with Doric pilasters. 4-pane~ 2-leaf
timber entrance door with rectangular fanlight above with fun glazing pattern.
56

Glass and timber inner door. Canted bay window to left, projecting bipartite window to
right. Rear elevation (South) with central projecting 2-storey gabled bay with moulded
Gibbsian architrave to door with keystone dated 1811 and with lean-to out shot to right.
Singled-storey gabled outbuilding to North East
Glazing pattern predominantly 4-and 6-pane over 2-pane to N elevation and 12-pane to
S elevation in timbers as hand case windows. Purple slates. Coped gable stacks. Raised
skews.
INTERIOR:
(seen 2008). Original room plan largely extant. D-plan staircase with shallow treads,
metal balusters and timber handrail Decorative cornice plasterwork. Some original
chimney pieces.
GATEPIERS AND WALLS:
A pair of square-plan gate piers with base course and shallow, pyramidal capstones,
linked to wan to NW. Further, rubble boundary walls.
REFERENCES:
1st Edition Ordnance Survey Map, (1854-9). Other information courtesy of owner.
NOTES:
Datingtrom 1811, Woodlands sits with in its own grounds .Its simple 3-bay room was
altered later in the century with the addition of a bay window, porch and the advanced
bipartite window. When it was built, it would have been situated on the Southern edge of
Stewarton and on the first edition Ordnance Survey Map of 1854 it is shown with a large
garden to the South East.
Known particularly of the bonnet making since the 16th century, Stewart’s wealth was
derived primarily from its mills,which developed from the beginning of the 19th century.
Woodlands may have been built ror one of the mill owners and is situated close too the
larger villas of the town, including Kersland House and Braehead House (see separate
listings).
List description updated and category changed from B to C(S) as part of Stewarton Burgh
resurvey, 2009.
57

HBNUM: 49115 ITEM NO: 27 Group with Items: Map Ref : 41956 45811 NS
CAT: C(S) Group Cat.: Date of Listing: 04-MAR-2003
DESCRIPTION:
Circa 1870. 2-storey 5-bay former granary (not currently in use, 2008). Squared and
coursed, stugged yellow sandstone with raised margins and chamfered openings; rubble
sandstone to side and rear. Off:.centre door opening (now boarded) to ground; 2
windows to right and fin1her door opening (boarded) to outer right. Segmental-arched
pend to outer left, leading to rear. 5 single windows to 1st floor. Cast-iron lintel to pend at
rear and to 10ft opening above.
58

Windows predominantly boarded. Piended roof with grey slates.
REFERENCES:
Ordnance Survey Map, 1895. New Statistical Account of Scotland: Vol V
Ayr-Bute (1842). Strawhorn and Boyd Third Statistical Account of Scotland: Ayrshire (1951).
Information courtesy of Miss J Gillies.
NOTES:
Built circa 1870 and located next to the Cross, this former granary is important part of the
townscape of Stewarton and is a rare survival of a town granary.
The Cross, 'with other roads radiating from it, was a convenient gathering centre for the
surrounding rural area' (Strawhorn and Boyd p483). The trading of grain (bread was
produced in the adjoining bakery) would have taken place from the premises, performing
an important role in the town.
Together with the adjoining 2-6 Lainshaw Street and 2-6 Vennel Street (separately listed),
the buildings were known as the Commercial Buildings and were owned by Thomas
Young & Sons, grain merchants. Young, at one time the provost ofStewarton, lived with
his family in the town house above the shops at 2-6 Lainshaw Street. The bakers shop
was on the corner.
By the 1950s increasing industrialisation of food production meant that many bakeries
began buying in bread from central bakeries located in the cities. 8 Vennel Street is a
survivor from the period when food was produced and sold locally. Lydall and Gillies the
bakers took over the business from the baker Robert Boag prior to World War II and the
Gillies family were sole owners of these buildings from 1947 until 1999 .
List description updated as part of Stewarton Burgh resurvey, 2009.
59

HBNUM: 41070 ITEM NO: 28 Group with Items: Map Ref: 42000 45711 NS CAT: B
Group Cat: Date of Listing: 14-APR-1971
DESCRIPTION:
Later 18th century and early 19th century. Unusual and distinctive building combining late
18th century 2-storey, 3-bay, former farmhouse to N (30 Vennel Street) and adjoining,
back-to-back with early 19th century, 2-storey, 3-bay rectangular-plan Classical villa to S
(Braehead House).
30 VENNEL STREET: Symmetrical Rough cast to N with painted margins. Cornice. Later
gabled central entrance porch with glass and timber entrance door. Later gabled
60

projecting extension to right Gabled former byre to far right with 2 dovecot openings in
gable.
Predominantly 2-pane timber sash and case windows. Grey graded slates. Raised
skews, ridge tiles, corniced gable stacks with decorative cans.
INTERIOR: (seen 2008). Original room plan largely extant Stair with decorative iron
balusters and timber handrail Some simple decorative cornicing.
BRAEHEAD HOUSE: symmetrical Ashlar to S, coursed rubble to sides. Base course,
cillcourse, cornice. 4 giant Doric-style pilasters separate bays to South.
Central painted Doric-columned porch with cornice and stepped blocking course.
Panelled 2-leaf timber door with rectangular fanlight, leading to glass and timber inner
door. Flanking windows to ground set in recessed segmental-arched panels with flanking
narrow blank windows.
Predominantly 12-pane timber sash and case windows. Piended roof with grey slates.
Coped wallhead stacks with decorative cans.
INTERIOR: (seen 2008). Fine interior with original room plan largely extant and good
decorative features. Curving staircase with shallow treads, fine metal balusters and
timber handrail Decorative 6-panel timber doors. Timber shutters.
REFERENCES:
1st Edition Ordnance Survey Map (1854-9). MC Davis, The Castles and Mansions of Ayrshire, 1991,
188. Other information courtesy of owners.
NOTES:
This is a particularly unusual combination of a late 18th century probably former
farmhouse (30 Vennel Street) with an early 19th century Classical house of some
refinement built directly onto the rear, a construction which was facilitated by the
removing the rear wall of the farmhouse.
30 Vennel Street is likely to have been a farmhouse in the traditional Ayrshire form with
attached byres. Braehead House was built in the early part of the 19th century with a
connecting door from one to the other and it is possible that the North section became
servants. accommodation to the later house.
When it was built, Braehead was positioned on the Southern edge of the town, and it is
close to other villas of Kersland and Woodlands (see separate listings).
The 1st Edition Ordnance Survey Map describes the building as a bank. Information from
the owner suggests that a Robert Miller lived in the house in 1841 and in 1847 he was
the agent for the Union Bank in Stewarton.
List description updated as part of Stewarton Burgh resurvey, 2009
61

13 LOUDOUN STREET,
CRAGSTON HOUSE (no Photo)
HBNUM: 51389 ITEM NO: 29 Group with Items:
Map Ref: 42436 45307 NS CAT: C(S) Group Cat.: Date of Listing: 29-0CT-2009
DESCRIPTION:
Henry Edward Clifford, 1902. Asymmetrical~ 2-storey, 3-bay Arts and Crafts
villa with probably later lower, recessed half .timbered 2-storey wing to W
and circa 2000, single-storey extension to S (garden elevation). Distinctive
advanced bays with curved gables. Strugged, irregularly-coursed, squared
sandstone with ashlar margins. Overhanging bracketted eaves. Some 3- and
4-light windows with stone mullions, canted bay window at East.
FURTHER DESCRIPTION:
The entrance elevation to N: off:centre, full-height, 9-light stained-glass window with
stone mullions and transoms. Curved gabled bay to right with part-glazed timber
entrance door set within round-arched moulded door piece. Crow-stepped gabled bay to
left with ta~ narrow, corniced chimney stack at right and balustrades corner parapet to
left.
INTERIOR:
full height entrance hall with good quality timber work. Three quarter height timber
panelling with timber chimney piece with tiled insert.
Large stained glass window depicting sitting lady wearing bonnet (see Notes).
Galleried landing above. Timber staircase with barley sugar balusters.
Predominantly 2-panel timber doors with bespoke brass doorknobs. Ground
floor principal room with decorative timber flooring in herringbone pattern
Tudor-arched openings over ground floor windows. Barrel vaulting to 1st
floor ceilings. Principal bedroom with full-height timber panelling and built-in
dressing table and wardrobes.
Predominantly 8 square-pane glazing to metal casement windows. Tiled roof
Coped gable and ta~ wall head chimney stacks. Cast-iron rainwater goods
with decorative hoppers. Raised skews.
WALLS AND GATEPIERS:
circa 2000. Partial boundary walls, some
squared and coursed sandstone, some rubble with half round coping to East
and North. Pair of circular-plan squared and coursed sandstone gatepiers to
left at street elevation with semi-spherical caps.
REFERENCES:
13 LOUDOUN STREET, CRAGSTON HOUSE
Ordnance Survey Map, 1907-9. Michael Davis, The Castles and Mansions
of Ayrshire, 1991 p214. Dictionary of Scottish Architects,
www.scottisharchitects.org (accessed 16-10-08)
62

NOTES:
This impressive and distinctive Art and Crafts villa, set within its own grounds
is an important part of the architectural development of Stewarton Stylistically
unique in the town and designed by a notable architect, it forms an impressive
feature when entering Stewarton from the South East. The asymmetric plan,
shaped gables and large glazed openings with casement windows are all
typical features of Arts and Crafts architecture.
The Arts and Crafts movement was one of the key design movements of the late 19th
and early 20th centuries. It had an impact on many rooms of artistic works, particularly
domestic architecture. The movement focussed on hand-crafted processes
and was interested in using local natural materials.
Known particularly fur the bonnet making since the 16th century, Stewarton's
wealth was derived primarily from its mills,which developed from the beginning of the
19th century.
It was common for mill owners to build large houses in the area close to their mills and
this house was built for a Mr Cunningham, who is thought to have been a factory or mill
owner.
The stained glass window in the entrance hall depicts a lady sitting down and
prominently wearing a bonnet and this is thought to be a direct reference to Stewarton
bonnets and the profession of the owner. The grandeur of the house and its
fashionable design is testimony to the wealth of the owner. Henry Edward Clifford (1852-
1932) was a Glasgow-based architect whose apprenticeship was spent with John Burnet.
His prolific output included both public and private buildings, mainly in the West of
Scotland. This villa is a good example of his domestic Arts and Crafts style.
List description updated as part of Stewarton Burgh resurvey, 2009.
63

HBNUM: 18485 ITEM NO: 1 Group with Items: Map Ref: 36286 44316NS CAT: B
AUCHENHARVlE CASTLE Group Cat.: Date of Listing: 14-APR-1971
DESCRIPTION:
Ruin of castle, originally belonging to the Cunningham’s of Auchenharvie ;" interior vaults
and a greater part of the two sides have been removed; a portion of the corbelling of the
parapet and other features remain
REFERENCES:
C and D Arch. Vol V. pp. 228-9 illus. and plan fig. 1337.
64

HBNUM: 51379 ITEM NO: 2 Group with Items: Map Ref: NS 39531 44234
CAT: C(S) Group Cat.: Date of Listing: 30-SEP-2009
DESCRIPTION:
Alex Cullen, Lochhead & Brown 1909-10. 2-storey, and single-storey and attic, a
symmetric, multi-bay, gabled, Arts and Crafts manor house with Scots Renaissance
details and elaborately carved entrance door surround. Painted harl with exposed stone
margins and ashlar components. Base course. Ashlar to gable heads. Some pedimented
dormers breaking wallhead. Some bipartite and 4-light windows with bare stone mullions.
Ashlar panels with rope work moulded border linking ground and 1st floor windows to W.
Later flat-roofed extension to NE.
65

FURTHER DESCRJPTION:
ENTRANCE ELEVATION TO N: 8 bays. Off:.centre, advanced, balustrade d entrance bay
with deeply recessed 2-leaf panelled and carved timber doors set into chamfered roundarch.
Elaborately carved hood moulding above and carved panel to blank shield above.
GARDEN ELEVATION TO S: 8-bays. 5-bays to left with central balustraded bowed ashlar
window to ground. Outer bays with canted bay windows with parapet to upper storey.
Bowed oriel window to far right.
Predominantly 6-pane over plate glass timber sash and case windows. Grey slates.
Raised skews with some scrolled skewputts. Tall, wall head stacks. Cast-iron rainwater
goods with some decorative hoppers.
INTERIOR: (seen 2008). Good, decorative interior with original room plan largely extant.
Timber panelled hall with dominant moulded stone fire surround and chimney. Straight
staircase with timber screens. Highly decorative plasterwork to some public rooms.
Panelled timber doors. Some simple cornicing to bedrooms.
REFERENCES:
Michael Davis, The Castles and Mansions of Ayrshire, 1991, 206. R Close,Ayrshire and
Arran, An Illustrated Architectural Guide, 1992 p 122.Dictionary of Scottish Architects,
www.scottisharchitects.org.uk (accessed 18-12-08). Canmore database at
www.rcahms.gov.uk (accessed 28-1-08).
66

Other information courtesy of owner.
NOTES:
This distinctive manor house with Arts and Crafts details and particularly fine door
surround was designed by the well-known architect Alexander Cullen and is a good
example of an early 20th century manor house. The contrasting painted harl and bare
stone margins provides an effective decorative device. The decorative interior retains
much of its original form and the panelled hall is notable.
The house was designed for Hugh Neilson, the owner of Summerlee Iron Company in
Coatbridge and it replaced a previous 19th century house which lay to its South West.
The old house was demolished.
It is possible that there was an earlier chapel near this site although no remains of this
exist. The Summerlee Iron Works began in 1836 by James Neilston and its production
peaked in the 1880s. Thereafter, it declined and closed in 1926.
The site is now Summerlee Museum of Industrial Lire.
Alex Cullen, Lochhead & Brown were a Hamiton and Glasgow based firm formed from
1908-1911. Cullen had prolific practice with most of his work concentrated in Hamilton,
Motherwell and the surrounding area and is known to have designed over 100 buildings
in the period between 1888 and his death in 1911. Most of his work was fur public
buildings such as churches, schools, police stations, hospitals, libraries, offices and
public halls, but he also executed a number of domestic commissions, such as here. In
1902, because of his heavy workload, he took on the architects James Lochhead and
William Brown as partners. The firm Cullen, Lochhead and Brown was one of the leading
practices in Lanarkshire and continued to hold this position after Cullen's death.
67

HBNUM: 18501 ITEMNO: 3 Group with Items: Map Ref: 43243 45664 NS
CAT: C(S) Group Cat.: Date of Listing: 14-APR-1971
DESCRIPTION:
Early 19th century. Single-storey 8-bay, former irregular pair of cottages,
(now one dwelling) adjacent to road with pair of later piend roofed dormers
over 3-bay cottage to right. White painted rubble with contrasting painted
ashlar margins. Inscribed I.Y. 1807 M A on door lintel to off-centre left. Later
flat-roofed dormer extension to rear. Small gable window to upper level to E.
68

Predominantly modem out-of-character timber top-opening and pivoting
windows. Grey slates. Raised skews and skewputts. Gable head and ridge stacks.
INTERIOR: (seen 2008). Largely altered. Large stone chimney piece and stone hearth.
REFERENCES:
1st Edition Ordnance Survey Map, 1854-9. John Hume, Vernacular Building
in Ayrshire, 2004 p.
NOTES:
This early 19th century cottage sits directly at the side of the road and forms a
significant presence in the road scape. The low profile of the building and the
relatively little altered street exterior are essential components of the building
and add to its character. The initials over the door are likely to be a marriage
lintel and probably indicate the date of the cottage. The cottage is particularly
notable fur the retention of the large stone chimney piece in the interior.
Weaving and farming were important industries throughout Ayrshire in the late
18th and early 19th century. The cottages used for weaving were often
simple, single-storey buildings, with one room for the loom and the rest used
fur dwelling. They were often thatched. This cottage may have been a
weavers cottage, or they may have been cottages fur farm workers. Married
manual workers usually had their own quarters, using part of the cottage for
animals, and part fur living quarters. These single-storey cottages directly on
the roadside are an important landscape feature of the area and add to its
character. Here, they road has been raised through the years, and the original door is
now below the level of the current road.
List description updated as part of Stewarton Parish resurvey, 2009.
Category changed from B to C(S).
69

HBNUM: 45920 ITEM NO: 4 Group with Items: CAT: C(S) Map Ref: NS 42517 45441 Group
Cat.: Date of Listing: 02-MAR-1999
DESCRIPTION:
Earlier 19th century, with mostly reconstructed 20th century wings.
Symmetrical 2-storey, 3-bay U-plan former farmhouse, with flanking single storey, single
bay wings projecting to N, forming U-plan court. Painted droved ashlar to principle
elevation. Base course, eaves band, cornice, blocking course. Doric pilasters to outer
bays. Raised cills. Central projecting
flat-roofed entrance porch with angled pilasters, cornice and blocking course. Later full
width lean-to extension with central porch to rear.
Predominantly replacement 4-pane timber sash and case windows. Coped wall head
gable stacks. Piended roof with grey slates.
INTERIOR:
Last seen in 2008. Comprehensively modernised.
70

REFERENCES:
1st Edition Ordnance Survey Map, 1854-9. New Statistical Account, V01V 1845, p732.
NOTES:
This former farmhouse is distinguished by its refined Classical detailing on the principal
South elevation. Three bay, two storey farm houses of this date are typical if this part of
Ayrshire but the Classical style of Draffren House sets it apart from its contemporaries.
While farmhouse architecture was primarily about practicality the designer of Draffren
house clearly sought a grander and more fashionable principal elevation that was the
norm. The U-plan form of central house with extending wings is the common
arrangement for dairy farms in the area, and the wings would previous held a barn and a
byre.
The New Statistical Account of 1845 notes that it was owned by a Thomas Deans.
Situated on a prominent hill site just to the South of the town of Stewarton, recent
housing now encroaches on the once surrounding open farmland and on the gardens to
the South and North.
List description updated as part of Stewarton Parish resurvey, 2009.
Category changed from B to C(S) in 2009.
71

BNUM: 18489 ITEM NO: 5 Group with Items: CAT: C(S) Map Ref: NS 36948 Group Cat.: 42389
Date of Listing: 03-JUL-1980
DESCRIPTION:
Early 19th century. Traditional V-plan Ayrshire former farm incorporating
asynnnetrica12-storey, 4-bay farmhouse with former steading wings to E and
W and separate single-storey former stable block to North (all converted into
housing). Rubble with some contrasting margins and some raised margins.
Double-gabled steading to West. Forestair to East of stable. Slit openings to former
barn. Some later openings.
Predominantly 4-pane heavily detailed replacement sash and case windows to
house, 12-pane timber sash and case windows to other buildings and other,
73

non-traditional windows. Grey slates. House with coped gablehead and ridge
stacks. Raised skews. Some large Velux roof lights.
INTERIOR: (partially seen, 2008). Former outbuildings comprehensively modernised.
REFERENCES:
John Thomson, Northern Part of Ayrshire Map, 1828, in NLS. 1st EditionOrdnance Survey Map,
1854-6. Other information courtesy of owners.
NOTES:
This is a good example of a traditional unpretentious U-plan Ayrshire former
farm and stable block. The farm has been converted into 5 separate dwellings
but retains it original distinctive V-plan form and has few external extensions
or additions.
This U-plan formd ,incorporating a two storey farmhouse centrally within the lower byre
ranges, is typical of the area and evolved specifically to suit the requirements of dairy
farming. Farms like Fairlie crevoch form a key
part of Ayrshire's landscape and are an important record of the area’s
agricultural history.
Many similar farms in this forming Stewarton Parish have
now been extended and Fairlie crevoch, although now 5 separate dwellings is one which
still retains its original plan farm. There are the remains of a former lime kiln in the
garden.
List description updated as part of Stewarton Parish resurvey, 2009.
74

HBNUM: 18488 ITEM NO: 6 Group with Items: CAT: C(S) Map Ref: NS 36520 Group Cat.:
43457 Date of Listing: 03-JUL-1980
75

DESCRIPTION:
Early 19th century, with later extension to NE. Single-storey, now T-plan lodge with
distinctive deeply overhanging eaves supported by single cast iron columns forming
corner verandahs. Squared and snecked rubble with ashlar margins. Wide canted bay
window to West.
Non-traditional 4-pane, top-opening windows. Shallow,part-piended roof with 5 section s
over bay window. Grey slates. Red brick ridge stack.
REFERENCES:
1st Edition Ordnance Survey Map 1854-9. New Statistical Account, Vol V 1845, p734. M Davis,
The Castles and Mansions of Ayrshire, 1991, p268. Hugh Macintosh, The Origin and History of
Glasgow Streets, 1902 on www.gdLcdlr.atrath.ac.uk (accessed 20-10-08).
NOTES:
Comprising distinctive cast iron columns and corner verandahs, this lodge now marks the
entrance to Girgenti Farm (listed separately). It farms one of a pair of lodges which were
built originally for the now-demolished Girgenti House. Map evidence suggests that the
lodge was originally square-plan, with verandahs at each corner, each supported by a
single cast iron column.
The shallow roof is distinctive and the unusual design marks this lodge out as a building
of special interest.
The land here, together with an existing farm called Muirhead, was acquired in the late
1820s by an Army Captain, John Cheape.
Cheape built a new house on the site and renamed the house and farm Girgenti after a
town in Sicily of which he was particularly fond. The house was described in the New
Statistical Account as being ''built in rather an uncommon style" and it was demolished in
the 1940s.
The lodges were probably built around the same time as the house. Cheape live in the
house from 1829 until his death in 1850.
List description updated as part of Stewarton Parish resurvey, 2009. Category
changed from B to C(S), 2009.
76

HBNUM: 18486 ITEMNO: 7 Group with Items: Map Ref: NS 36547 43595 CAT: Group Cat.:
Date of Listing: C(S) 14-APR-1971 GIRGENTI FARM, INCLUDING TOWER AND
OUTBUILDINGS.
DESCRIPTION:
Circa 1828 with 1843 tower. Single storey and attic form comprising range of
outbuildings, in 2 L-plan sections forming loose courtyard and incorporating prominent
landmark polygonal tower to principal (SE) elevation. Rubble with some ashlar margins.
77

Segmental-arched pend to SE elevation leading to courtyard. Later box dormer to
farmhouse, incorporated in SE range.
FURTHER DESCRIPTION:
A tan polygonal tower within SE range to left of farmhouse. Coursed, squared and
snecked sandstone rubble with ashlar margins. Deep, moulded cornice. 2 armorial
shields, one with inscription (see Notes).
Inset clocks to 4 faces with narrow round-arched louvred openings above. Tapered
polygonal grey slated roof with skylights. Interior with cantilevered spiral staircase with
metal balusters and handrail
OUTBUILDINGS: L-plan byre to NE with part-glazed, sliding timber doors.
Slated roof with regularly spaced skylights. Rubble SE range with piended roof to North
end. Predominantly replacement windows. Grey slates. Flat skews. Ridge stacks.
REFERENCES:
1st Edition Ordnance Survey Map, 1854-8. New Statistical Account, Vol V1845, p734.
James Paterson, History of Ayrshire, Vol ll, 1852 p463. Michael Davis, The Castles and
Mansions of Ayrshire, 1991, p97 & 268.
NOTES:
The distinctive and unusual tower incorporated into this farm forms a prominent landmark
in the area. Reminiscent of an Italian campanile, it was built by John Cheape, a sea
captain turned agricultural improver who bought this site in the 1820s. Cheape was
particularly fund of Sicily and he may have taken the inspiration fur the design of the
tower from bell towers seen on his travels. The inscription to one of the armorial shields
on the tower reads:
"designed and erected by Captain John Cheape, MDCCCXLIll".
When he bought the site, Cheape built a new house on it in 1828, in place of
the previous Muirhead Farm The house, called Girgenti after a town in Sicily, was
described in the New Statistical Account as being ''built in rather an uncommon style"
and was demolished in the 1940s. Girgento is an older name fur the current Sicilian town
of Agrigento. The current Girgenti Farm is located in the former offices of this original
Girgenti House which lay to the East.
Local knowledge suggests that he built the tower to enable him to look out to sea.
Cheape died in 1850, leaving his house to the five principle Infirmaries of Scotland.
List description updated as part of Stewarton Parish resurvey, 2009.
Category changed from B to C(S), 2009.
78

HBNUM: 18490 ITEM NO: 8 Group with Items: Map Ref: 38472 44942 NS
CAT: A Group Cat.: Date of Listing: 14-APR-1971
DESCRIPTION:
Predominantly mid 18th century in origin with substantial early 19th century additions and
alterations (see Notes). Symmetrica12-storey and attic, 3-bay classical house with
earlier, lower, 2-storey and attic wing to rear, forming T-plan. Cream painted rubble with
raised ashlar margins; raised quoins to wing. Raised basement, band course, eaves
course and cornice. Pair of piended dormers.
80

FURTHER DESCRIPTION:
PRINCIP AL ELEVATION TO S: central double fore stair with decorative cast-iron
balustrade leads to pedimented and Corinthian pilastered door piece with 2-lea~ 6-panel
timber doors with segmental glazing pattern semi-circular fanlight above and with 2-lea~
metal diamond-pane internal door. Central Venetian window to 1st floor.
WING TO REAR (N): West elevation: central symmetrical 16-bay house with advanced 2bay
gabled central section and pair of piended roofed dormers.
Single storey to North with later glass cupola and date inscribed 1762 to skewputt.
Predominantly 12-pane timber sash and case windows. Graded grey slates. Gable head
stacks. Raised skews.
INTERIOR: original room plan in main house largely extant: other areas largely modified.
Some decorative plasterwork, 4-panelled timber doors.
GATEPIERS AND GATES: pair of square-plan painted stone gatepiers. Base course,
cornices with graded capstones. Ornamental iron gates. Flanking symmetrical low rubble
walls with metal railings and decorative pedestrian gates with fretwork and key patterns
and with iron ogee tops. Evidence of possible former gatehouses remaining to E and W.
BOUNDARY WALLS: to South. Tall, coped rubble walls. Sections flanking gates with blind
windows and ashlar margins.
REFERENCES:
Andrew Armstrong, A New Map of Ayrshire, 1775, in NLS. John Thomson, Map of North Part of
Ayrshire, 1832 in NLS. Canmore database at www.rcahms.gov.uk (accessed 07-04-08). 2nd
Statistical Account of Scotland Vo IV, 1845 p 733. James Paterson, History of the County of Ayr,
V01II, 1852 pf 462. Michael Davis, The Castles and Mansions of Ayrshire, 1991, p291. Other
information courtesy of owner.
NOTES:
This finely detailed small country house with its highly decorative accompanying gates
and gatepiers is an excellent example of its type. The principal elevation of the house is
finely proportioned and the double staircase with its fine cast iron balustrade and the
central Venetian window is testimony to the impression that the house was built by a
person of monetary substance.
The gatepiers and decorative gates, positioned directly opposite the former
Kennox Lodge, now Cottage (see separate listing)form a significant addition
to the local streetscape and provide an elegant entrance to the house. The
late 18th century rear elevation is little altered to the West and this adds to the
significance of the house.
81

A fuller history of Kennox House is not currently known. It is noted in the 2 nd Statistical
Account of 1845, that Kennox in owned by a Col S MacAlister and that the house is a
modern building worthy of notice.
Paterson, in 1852, states that the mansion built circa 1720 still exists but has been
extensively extended by his successors. It is difficult to ascertain if there is any of this
early 18th century fabric left, as the earliest date on the house in 1762. Col MacAlister
was one of the Somerville family who had owned the estate from around the beginning
over the 18th century, although at that time it seems to have been known at Crevice.
Armstrong’s Map of 1775 shows Crevock House, in what is apparently the same location
as the current Kennox.
The name Kennox (or Kenox) does not appear until the Thomson Map of 1832.The
house seems to have been further extended to the East in 1831, as this date appears in
a stone on the east side of the house, but the extent of the work is not known. A
bathroom extension was built on the east side of the house in 1911 by James A Morris, a
major local Ayr architect.
List description updated as part of Stewarton Parish resurvey, 2009.
House and gatepiers were previously listed separately.
82

HBNUM: 18491 ITEM NO: 9 Group with Items:
Map Ref:: 38378 45002 NS CAT: C(S) Group Cat.: Date of Listing: 14-APR-1971
DESCRIPTION:
2-stage square-plan dovecot with tan 1st stage, said to be dated 1835 (see Notes) with
recessed coped upper stage. Incorporated into SE corner of courtyard walls to Deersland
Farm. Rubble to lower part with droved quoins, upper part likely to be brick with lined
concrete render. South face with 12-pigeon holes in 3-rows, set in round-arched, keystoned
niche and with concrete platforms. Further similar pigeon holes to upper stage.
Alighting ledge to around top of 1st stage.
83

REFERENCES:
1st Edition Ordnance Survey Map, 1854-6. Camnore database at www.rcahms.gov.uk (accessed
15-12-08). Other information courtesy of owner. Other information courtesy of Scottish Vernacular
Buildings Working Group.
NOTES:
This individualistic dovecot is located at the SE corner of the courtyard walls to
Deerlands Farm Dovecotes were built in many different architectural styles and this is a
good example of one which shows some design features, including the key-stoned
arches around the pigeon ports.
Dovecotes were limited by early Scottish law to landowners owing a certain area of land,
and they acquired a prestige element together with the more practical means of providing
food.
By the 19th century, they were built as much for prestige as for food and became an
important part of the estate architecture. This one forms an important part of the wider
Kennox Estate with Kennox House and Kennox Cottage (see separate listings).
The previous List Description noted that the dovecot was dated 1835, but this date was
not seen at time of visit in 2008. It is possible that the upper section of this dovecot as
been rebuilt in brick and rendered with lined concrete.
List description updated as part of Stewarton Parish resurvey, 2009.
The Farm was formerly listed at category B as Kennox Stables
Category changed from B to C (S), 2009.
84

HBNUM: 19885 ITEM NO: 10 Group with Items: Map Ref: 42859 45145 NS
CAT: C(S) Group Cat.: Date of Listing: 14-APR-1971
DESCRIPTION:
Early 19th century. Single-storey, 6-bay traditional cottage with pair of intercalated, piendroofed
dormers to left, situated on sloping ground overlooking road. White painted rubble
with contrasting painted margins. Later small single-storey extension and conservatory to
rear.
85

Predominantly 8-pane, lying or small pane timber sash and case windows, 4 pane to
dormers. Grey slates. Raised skews. Ridge and single gablehead stacks.
INTERIOR: (seen 2008): largely altered. Non-working panelled timber shutters.
REFERENCES:
John Thomson, Map of North em Part of Ayrshire , 1832, in NLS. 1st Edition Ordnance
Survey Map, 1854-9. Other information courtesy of owner.
NOTES:
This early 19th century cottage is prominently situated on a ridge set back from the main
road and overlooking Stewarton. It is little altered externally to its road elevation and the
long low line of the cottage is an essential part of its character.
Simple, single-storey cottages of this type were typical in the Ayrshire region and many
have been significantly altered. Little Cutstraw is unusual in its retention of the essentially
simple features of the cottage.
Weaving and farming were both important industries throughout Ayrshire in the late 18th
and early 19th century. Weaving cottages were often simple, single-storey buildings, with
one room for the loom and the rest used for dwelling. They were often thatched. It is
possible that this may have been a weaver's cottage. It may, however, have been farm
workers' accommodation. Little Cutstraw, the neighbouring farm is depicted in John
Thompson's Map of 1832 and this cottage may have provided accommodation for the
workers from this farm, with a byre and living accommodation.
List description updated as part of Stewarton Parish resurvey, 2009.
Category changed from B to C(S).
86

HBNUM: 18505 ITEM NO: 11 Group with Items: Map Ref: 43377 48677 NS
CAT: C(S) Group Cat.: Date of Listing: 03-JUL-1980
DESCRIPTION:
Late 18th century. Traditional U-plan Ayrshire farm incorporating 2-storey, 3 bay
farmhouse with steading wings to East and West and projecting single-storey gabled
barn and pair of byres and cart shed to rear (N) forming a courtyard. Painted rubble with
contrasting painted margins.
Single storey wing to E. Later central single-storey entrance porch to S elevation of a
farm house.
89

Farmhouse: predominantly 4-pane timber sash and case windows with horns to N and
non-traditional replacement top-opening windows to S. Some 12 pane timber sash and
case windows to E wing. Graded grey slates. Coped gable stacks.
Byres to E with boarded timber sliding doors. Barn with boarded timber door, small slit
openings and boarded timber loft opening. Graded grey slates, some skylights.
REFERENCES:
John Thomson, Map of North Part of Ayrshire, 1828. The Statistical Account of Scotland,
Vo19, p378, 1793. James Paterson, History of the County of Ayr and Wigton, Scotland,
1853 p611. New Statistical Account,1842. Name books accompanying 1st Edition
Ordnance Survey Map, 1854 9. Other information courtesy of owner.
NOTES:
Dating from the late 18th century, Merryhill Farm is a good, largely externally altered
example of an Ayrshire farm. The U-plan farm,incorporating a two storey farmhouse
centrally within the lower byre ranges, is typical of the area and evolved specifically to
suit the requirements of dairy farming.
Farms like Merryhill form a key part of Ayrshire's landscape and are an important record
of the area's agricultural history. Many similar farms in this form in Stewarton Parish have
now been extended and Merryhill is a good example of one which shows little external
alteration.
Marked on the John Thomson Map of 1828, Merryhill is described in the Name Book fur
the 1st Edition Ordnance Survey Map of 1854-9 as being a large dairy furm with dwelling
house. The farm is described by James Paterson in 1852 as having been acquired by
John Dalziel from a Sir William Cunningham of Livingstone in 1771. It is probable that
this new owner set about building the present farm.
The byres to the East are of a later date than the house and barn as they are not
indicated until the 2nd Edition Ordnance Survey Map of 1894.
Farming has always been an important part of the economy in this part of Ayrshire, in
particular, dairy farming. The Statistical Account of Scotland of 1793, states that 'This
parish and neighbourhood is remarkable for large good milk cows-they make fine sweet
milk cheese, for which there is a great demand, and which gives a high price.'
List description updated as part of Stewarton Parish resurvey, 2009.
List description updated as part of Stewarton Parish resurvey, 2009.
90

HBNUM: 18500 ITEM NO: 12 Group with Items: Map Ref: NS 42106 44732
CAT: C(S) Group Cat.: Date of Listing: 14-APR-1971
DESCRIPTION:
Dated 1787. 2-storey, 3-bay former farm house with slightly advanced,
pedimented central bay. Painted ashlar to front (E) with contrasting painted
raised margins; painted rubble to rear. Base cotn"se, cornice. CentraI 2-leaf
4-panel timber entrance door with simple corniced doorway. Inscribed 1787
in pediment. Pentice to left. Later, flat-roofed 2-storey extension to rear.
Predominantly replacement plate glass timber tilt-and tun windows to front
elevation. Grey slates, raised skews, coped gable head stacks with polygonal
cans.
91

INTERIOR: (seen 2008). Original room layout largely extant. Some decorative cornicing.
Curved staircase with shallow treads, iron balusters and timber banister.
REFERENCES:
John Thomson, North Part of Ayrshire, 1828. 1st Edition Ordnance Survey
Map, 1854-9. M Davis, The Castles and Mansions of Ayrshire, 1991, p360.
Other information courtesy of owners.
NOTES:
This late 18th century farmhouse with its classical details retains much of its
early form and outline to its principal elevation. The house has wide
proportions and the roof line remains unadorned with the exception of the fine
corniced gable stacks. The closeness of the upper storey windows to the
wall head are typical for its early date. Ayrshire was a particularly rich
agricultural area with many farm houses but the pedimented bay here suggests
that this was a farm of some quality. The end of the 18th century brought
many improvements to agriculture and many existing farm buildings were
extended and new ones were erected at this time, as here. Local knowledge
suggests that there was a farm called Pearce Bank Farm on this site in the
earlier 18th century.
High Peacockbank Farm was previously listed in its entirety. The farm buildings adjoining
were later converted into 4 separate dwellings and only this principal farmhouse
component has been retained in the listing following the resurvey of Stewarton Parish in
2008.
List Description updated as part of Stewarton Parish resurvey, 2009. Category
changed from B to C(S).
92

HBNUM: 18493 ITEM NO: 13 Group with Items: CAT: C(S) Map Ref: NS 38464 44821 Group
Cat.: Date of Listing: 14-APR-1971
DESCRIPTION:
Early 19th century. Symmetrical single-storey, 3-bay, L-plan former lodge to Kennox
House (see separate listing) with later, single-storey addition to re-entrant angle to rear.
Painted rubble with contrasting painted margins. Raised cills, moulded architraves. Hood
moulding above timber entrance door. Bipartite windows to front elevation with
vermiclliated stone mullions. Panelled timber entrance door with hood mould above.
Non traditional glazing to casement windows to other elevations. Piended roof with grey
slates. Tall, warhead stacks.
INTERIOR: (seen 2008) comprehensively modernised.
REFERENCES:
1st Edition Ordnance Survey Map, 1854-9. Other information courtesy of owner.
93

NOTES:
This is a distinctive piended-roofed former lodge, situated on the main road opposite the
entrance to Kennox House and is a significant addition to the streetscape. The building
retains the simple, picturesque details of vermiclliated stone mullions and hood moulding
which add considerable character to its principal elevation.
The lodge was an important and integral part of a 19th century estate, as visitors would
pass it on their way to the main house. This one is situated directly across from the gates
to Kennox House.
List description updated as part of Stewarton Parish resurvey, 2009.
Category changed from B to C(S).
94

HBNUM: 18495 ITEM NO: 14 Group with Items: Map Ref: NS 43670 47497 CAT: Group Cat.: Date
of Listing: C(S) 14-APR-1971 OLD GLASGOW ROAD, FULSHAW FARM
DESCRIPTION:
Early 19th century. Former farm complex incorporating 2-storey, 3-bay farmhouse with
single-storey wings forming U-plan to N. Snecked random rubble with cream sandstone
margins; wings painted. Later low coped wan to street with metal rails, square-plan
gatepiers and metal gates. Some skylights.
95

Predominantly non-traditional tih and turn timber windows. Grey slates. Copedgablehead
stacks.
REFERENCES:
John Thomson's Atlas of Scotland, 1832 at NLS. 1st Edition Ordnance Survey Map,
1854-8.
NOTES:
Dating from the early 19th century, Fulshaw is a good example of an Ayrshire farmhouse
building and farm, now converted into residential use. The U-plan form is typical of the
area.
The barns forming two wings of the courtyard. This plan evolved in particular to meet the
needs of dairy farming, which has always been important for the local economy. Farms
like Fulshaw form a key part of Ayrshire's landscape and are an important record of the
area's agricultural history.
Farming has always been an important part of the economy in this part of Ayrshire, in
particular, dairy farming. The Statistical Account of Scotland of 1793, states that 'This
parish and neighbourhood is remarkable for large good milk cows-they make fine sweet
milk cheese, for which there is a great demand, and which gives a high price.'
List description updated as part of Stewarton Parish resurvey, 2009.
96

HBNUM: 18496 ITEM NO: 15 Group with Items: Map Ref: NS 44006 48330 CAT: Group Cat.: Date of Listing:
A 03-JUL-1980 OLD GLASGOW ROAD, HIGH WlLLlAMSHAW, INCLUDING OUTBUILDING
DESCRIPTION:
Circa 1771, extended 1862. Symmetrical2-storey and attic, crow stepped, 3 bay house
with later single-storey wings to rear (N), forming U-plan courtyard. Fusion of classical
and traditional detailing. Painted with raised ashlar margins and quoins. Base course, cill
course, eaves course. Nepus gable with single window and gablehead stack. Small attic
windows to gables.
FURTHER DESCRIPTION: PRINCIPAL ELEVATION: to South. Central Venetian door piece
with key-stoned semicircular arch above and 2-leaf timber panelled entrance door with
glazed interior doors. Central3-bay section with flanking2-bay single-storey wings with
98

false Venetian windows and initials TLD on door lintel to right.
WINGS TO REAR: single-storey, with slatted timber garage doors, window and door
openings. Predominantly 12-pane timber sash and case windows. Grey slates. Coped
gablehead stacks.
OUTBUILDING: to West. Single-story, double-gabled rubble, slated outbuilding with
pigeon holes to each gable.
INTERIOR: (seen 2008). Renovated in 1980, keeping largely original room plan and with
some original features retained. Horseshoe staircase with timber balusters and banister.
Some original simple plaster cornicing.
REFERENCES:
Andrew Armstrong, A New Map of Ayrshire, 1775, in NLS. 1st Edition Ordnance Survey
Map 1854-9. Michael Davis, The Castles and Mansions of Ayrshire, 1991, p135 & 282.
Rob Close, Ayrshire and Arran, An Illustrated Architectural Guide, 1992, p 121. Other
information courtesy of owner.
NOTES: This distinctive, well-detailed, classical house has fine external features and is
an excellent example of a late 18th century gentleman's house. The classical
symmetrical proportions are typical of Scottish laird's houses in the late 18th century and
the addition of the Nepus gable adds to the grandeur and interest of the front facade.
The deep space above the upper storey windows identifies the attic space, which is lit, in
typical fashion, by small gable windows. The addition of the side wings, forming a V-plan
to the rear of the property turned the house into a typical Ayrshire farm plan.
The house was built originally for a Lt Col T L Donaldson who had connections with the
Royal Artillery and army and whose initials are seen on the door lintel of the RHS wing.
It appears on the 1775 Armstrong Map as Whitlaw. The house was then extended for the
family in 1862 with the offices wings. The property was in bad state of repair in the
1980s and was comprehensively restored.
List description updated as part of Stewarton resurvey, 2009.
99

100

HBNUM: 18498 ITEM NO: 16 Group with Items: Map Rei: NS 44094 47052 CAT: Group Cat.: Date
of Listing: B 03-JUL-1980 ROBERTLAND, INCLUDING OUTBUILDINGS, COTTAGE AND WALLED
GARDEN
101

DESCRIPTION:
Possibly David Hamilton, circa 1820. 2-storey, 3-bay symmetrical classical House, with
mid 19th century 2-storey extension to rear (E). Sandstone ashlar, with raised, moulded
architraves; painted to rear with contrasting raised, painted margins. Base course, cill
courses, cornice, blocking course.
FURTHER DESCRIPTION: PRINCIPAL ELEVATION:
The central advanced pedimented bay. Shallow steps lead to centra12-leaf timber
panelled entrance door with Doric-column door piece. Floating cornices to windows at
ground. Doric pilasters to outer aspects. Predominantly 12-pane timber sash and case
windows. Grey slates. Piended roof, corniced wall head stacks with decorative polygonal
cans.
INTERIOR:
Was (seen 2008). Original room plan largely extant. 4-pane timber doors, some simple
cornicing.
OUTBUILDINGS: to EAST.
Single-storey and attic 3-bay cottage with adjacent, long, single-storey outbuilding to N.
Rubble, some painted, with raised margins. Predominately 4-pane sash and case timber
windows. Grey slates, raised skews, ridge and gable stacks, some cans missing.
COTTAGE, FURTHER TO EAST, WITH FRONT ELEVATION FACING NORTH:
A 2 -storey, 4-bay, piended roofed. Rubble with raised cills. 12-pane sash and case
timber windows to ground, small, 6-pane fixed windows to upper storey. 2-leaf boarded
timber door. Wall head stacks. Adjoins tall rubble wall to rear.
WALLED GARDEN:
circa 0.8 acres. Virtually intact rubble wall incorporating a number of 16th century stones
from the old Robertland castle, which lies to the South East (currently a Scheduled
Monument). Stone over gateway to walled garden is inscribed with initials IR and AR (see
Notes) with Royal Arms of Scotland. Another panel is inscribed 1597 with the Latin
sentence VITA POST FINE ERAVERIT (there will be life after the end).
REFERENCES:
John Ainslie, Map of Southern Scotland, 1821 (Robertland evidenced). 1 st Edition
Ordnance Survey Map, 1854-9. J Paterson, History of the County of Ayr, Vol II, 1852
P462. M Davis, The Castles and Mansions of Ayrshire, 1991, p360. First Statistical
Account of Scotland, 1791-9, Vo19, p378. 2 nd Statistical Account of Scotland Vol V, 1845
p 733.
Other information from Stewarton website, www.stewarton.org (accessed 30-07-08).
102

NOTES:
This is a good example of a small early 19th century estate which retains some elements
of a previous castle to the south east. The principal elevation of the house has welldetailed
Classical elements and good proportions. The estate retains some good
outbuildings close to the house, in particular a little altered, piended roof cottage.
Together with Robertland Lodge and Robertland Bridge (see separate listings) the house
forms an important small estate group.
Robertland is noted as belonging to Sir John Hunter Blair in the 1st Statistical Account of
Scotland of1791-9. The 2nd Statistical Account of1845, notes that the old castle of
Robertland which was formerly the stronghold of the Cunningham’s, Baronets of
Robertland, and situated behind the modern mansion of Alexander Kerr, Esq of
Robertland and James Paterson, in his History of the County of Ayr of 1852, notes that
Robertland was purchased by Alexander Kerr at the beginning of the 19th century,
probably around 1913.
Alexander Kerr was a native of Stewarton who had spent many years in America and
made his fortune in the tobacco trade. Davis (1991), suggests that the house may have
been built by David Hamilton, the renowned and prolific Glasgow architect, but currently
this has not been confirmed.
The house has since passed through a number of owners. In 1914, when the house was
lying empty, two suffragettes broke in through the conservatory window which lay to the
South, and set fire to the building. Only the front of the house was severely damaged and
this was restored shortly afterwards. The Estate was sold in 1913 and consisted of
2,243acres with 26 farms.
The initials IR and AR on one of the stones in the walled garden commemorates the
marriage of James VI of Scotland to Anne of Denmark of 1589.
List description updated as part of Stewarton Parish resurvey, 2009.
103

HBNUM: 19884 Group with Items 17: Map Ref: NS 43292 47199 ITEM NO: 17 CAT: C(S) Group Cat.:
Date of Listing: 03-JUL-1980 ROBERTLAND BRIDGE OVER ANNICK WATER
DESCRIPTION:
Earlier 19th century. Single span segmental-arch bridge on main entrance drive to
Robertland House (see separate listing). Rubble with low parapet and 4 corner pyramidal
capstones. Bracketted string course. Later metal railings.
REFERENCES: 1st Edition Ordnance Survey Map, 1854-9.
NOTES:
This is a good example of a single-span bridge with simple design which forms
an integral part of the Robertland estate. The bridge lies on the entrance drive
to the house, linking Robertland Lodge (see separate listing) to the House.
Previous list description noted that the date 1835 was on round panel on
parapet, but this was not seen at the visit in (2008).
List description updated as part of Stewarton Parish resurvey, 2009.
104

HBNUM: 18499 ITEM NO: 18. Group with Items: CAT: C(S) 2 ROBERTLAND, THE GATEHOUSE, Map
Ref: NS 43530 Group Cat.: INCLUDING GATE PIERS. 47333 Date of Listing: 03-JUL-1980
DESCRIPTION:
Later 19th century. Single-storey, 3-bay, L-plan Classical lodge situated at entrance drive
to Robertland House (see separate listing).Droved, squared and snecked sandstone with
raised, smooth ashlar margins. Base course, eaves band, cornice. South elevation with
105

central advanced pedimented door piece with moulded architrave and replacement
entrance door.
Non-traditional top-opening windows. Piended roof with grey slates, Corniced wall head
stacks with decorative cans.
INTERIOR
Was (seen 2008). Comprehensively modernised.
GATE PIERS:
A pair of tall square-plan gate piers to drive with flanking smaller pedestrian gate piers.
Ashlar with base course, cornice and overhanging swept pyramidal capstones. Modern
metal gates.
REFERENCES:
2nd Edition Ordnance Survey Map, 1894-6. New Statistical Account, V01 V 1845, p734.
S Milligan, Old Stewarton, Dunlop and Lugton, 2001 p30.
NOTES:
This roadside lodge has refined, well-detailed Classical features. Together with the
distinctively designed gatepiers, it is situated at the entrance to the drive of Robertland
House and forms an important and integral part of the wider estate. Gate lodges such as
this played an important function for large estates as they were usually the first building a
visitor would see on approach to the main house. The design of the lodge therefore was
of importance in establishing an impression within the visitors' mind.
The lodge first appears on the 2nd Edition Ordnance Survey Map of 1894-6. The drive
way to the house appears to have been realigned further to the South sometime after the
1st Edition Ordnance Survey Map of 1854 and the lodge and gatepiers may have been
built at this time.
Robertland Estate is one with a long history within the Parish. There was originally a
castle at Robert and (the site is now a Scheduled Monument) lying to the SE of the present
house. The present house was built at the beginning of the 19th century by the then
owner Alexander Kerr, a native of the area who had made his money in the tobacco
trade.
The Estate then passed to his son after his death in the 1840s. The Estate passed
through a number of different owners in the 20th century.
List Description updated as part of Stew arton Parish resurvey, 2009.
Category changed from B to C(S) in 2009.
106

Glossary
crennellated: (Military / Fortifications) having battlements
cyma: Moulding (USA) or moulding (AUS, CAN, UK and rest of the world) is a strip of
material with various cross sections used to cover transitions between surfaces or for
decoration. It is traditionally made from solid milled wood or plaster but may be made
from plastic or reformed wood. In classical architecture and sculpture, the moulding is
often carved in marble or other stones
Doric: In classical architecture, one of the five types of column
Gatepiers; Gate piers: Pillars at either side of a gate to a country house. These could
be especially ornate, perhaps displayed a coat of arms.
Guttae: small projections under the triglyphs in a doric frieze. Said to represent pegs
used in the original timber construction. See Classical Architecture.
Harling: is a Scottish term describing an exterior building surfacing technique. The
theory of harling is to produce a long-lasting weatherproof shield for a stone building. The
pigment is embedded in the harled material, thus obviating the need for repainting.
Harling is a technique used to surface many of the Scottish castles, but it is also used for
a variety of common building types. It is long-lasting and practical and well suited to the
Scottish weather.
Hood-moulds: A projecting moulding over an anchor lintel designed to throw off water,
also known as dripstones. Ogee In architecture, the term is used for a moulding with an
ogee-shaped profile, consisting (going from low to high) of a concave arc flowing into a
convex arc, with vertical ends; if the lower curve is convex and higher one concave, this
is known as a Roman ogee, although frequently the terms are used as if they are
interchangeable and for a variety of other shapes. Alternative names for such a true
Roman ogee molding include cyma reversa and talon.
Ogee: In architecture, the term is used for a moulding with an ogee-shaped profile,
consisting (going from low to high) of a concave arc flowing into a convax arc, with
vertical ends; if the lower curve is convex and higher one concave, this is known as a
Roman ogeealthough frequently the terms are used as if they are interchangeable and
for a variety of other shapes. Alternative names for such a true Roman ogee molding
include cyma reversa and talon.
Oculus: A round opening or window without stone tracery but occasionally cusped.
107

Paterae: A round or oval shaped disk, often enriched with ornament.
Piended: The main block has a piended (hipped ) slate roof, while the single-storey
wings have skew (sloping) gable s.
Skew – Skewputt:
(Scottish) the sloping tabling which caps a gable and is upstanding above the plane of
the roof. The skew end is the larger, usually square bottom stone of a skew, which holds
the sloping stones in place. The skew end does not project over the wallhead, unlike a
Steading: The brans, stables, cattle-yards, etc., of a farm; -- called also onstead ,
farmstead , farm offices , or farmery . [ Prov. Eng. & Scot.]
Stugged: Used to describe a flat stone surface which has had regularly-spaced small
indentations made on it.
Tetrastyle: Tet'ra·style adjective [ Latin tetrastylon , Greek ... with four pillars in front;
te`tra- (see Tetra- ) + ... a column.] (Architecture) Having four columns in front; -- said of a
temple, portico, or colonnade. -- noun A tetrastyle building.
Vermiculated: a tooling on the face of stone which appears as worm tracks. Can carry
ghosted outlines eg a face or figure. Similar to frost work.
voussoirs: stones or bricks used in the construction of an arch. Usually wedge shaped.
Wallhead: The top of a masonry wall. On the inside this can sometimes be seen from the
roof space. Related Words: Masonry .
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