Description

1784-5 (see Notes). 2-storey and attic, 3-bay, symmetrical Classical former manse situated on elevated ground with later 19th century 2-storey extension to rear (N). Squared and coursed dark whinstone with contrasting sandstone margins and raised long and short quoins, harl to rear. Moulded architraves, corniced to ground floor windows; eaves cornice and low blocking course. Slightly advanced central pedimented bay to S (principal) elevation with simple corniced Doric-pilastered doorpiece with 4-panel 2-leaf entrance door with rectangular fanlight above. Pair of later, timber pedimented dormers.

Predominantly 4-pane timber sash and case windows. Some 12-pane lying pane timber sash and case windows to E elevation. Grey slate. Raised skews and skew putts. Coped gable stacks.

INTERIOR: (seen 2007). Some original features including 4-panel timber doors, decorative plaster cornicing and working shutters.

WALLED GARDEN (to S): walls to S and E only remain from original rectangular-plan structure. Rubble with some coping to E.

Statement of Interest

This fine, early example of a (former) Church of Scotland manse is prominently sited on elevated ground a short distance from Cairnie Parish Church (see separate listing). The carefully proportioned principle elevation survives near-intact and is particularly notable for its distinctive use of whinstone with contrasting pale sandstone margins and quoins. The restrained classical decoration in features such as the pedimented central bay and architraved windows are of some quality. The site has an earlier religious history with the remains of the probably 16th century St Martin's Church, now incorporated into a burial enclosure in the associated churchyard (see separate listing).

The local Parish Records suggest that the manse was built in 1784-5 by the then minister, Mr Chalmers, who was married to the sister of the Duke of Gordon, the local landowners.

Situated to the South-East of the walled garden and adjacent to it are the remains of a rectangular-plan cobbled floor with flagstones at the centre of West end. This structure is possibly of medieval origin although the original purpose is currently (2007) unknown.

External Links

• Historic Environment Scotland Listing
• Wikidata Q17776279

External links are from the relevant listing authority and, where applicable, Wikidata. Wikidata IDs may be related buildings as well as this specific building. If you want to add or update a link, you will need to do so by editing the Wikidata entry.

Recommended Books

• 
  London 4: North: North v. 4 (Pevsner Architectural Guides: Buildings of England)
• 
  A Buying and Owning a Listed Building: A Brief Guide
• 
  This Old House: Restoring, Rehabilitating, and Renovating an Older House
• 
  Derbyshire (Pevsner Architectural Guides) (Pevsner Architectural Guides: Buildings of England)
• 
  Oxfordshire (Pevsner Architectural Guides: Buildings of England)
• 
  For the Record