Historic Scotland - Stewarton

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.
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