Description
A pair of small, square neo-classical ashlar gate lodges likely dating from the late 18th century, which originally formed the west entrance to Valleyfield House (demolished in the mid 20th century) in Higher Valleyfield. The lodges are first shown on a map of the Valleyfield Estate from around 1815. They are orientated north to south with a channelled gate pier abutting the inner elevation of each lodge. The main (west) and rear (east) elevations have a blind round arch to the centre with a single window opening (now blocked). A decorative roundel of a horse's head and crown remains to the rear of the north lodge. The inner elevations have a single door opening in plain surrounds, with a uPVC door inserted (2023). The former pyramidal roofs and central chimneystacks (all collapsed prior to 2007) have been replaced with flat roofs in recent years (2023), which are concealed behind corniced parapets.Statement of Interest
The lodges form a set piece that originally included lions on stone pillars from which the gates to the estate were hung, with smaller pedestrian entrances to either side. The two lodges were originally in use as a single residence - with sleeping accommodation in one and living accommodation in the other (Buildings at Risk Register, ref: 1650). Images from 1975 (Canmore, ref: 49452) show that the gates had been removed by this time and the lodges were in a state of disrepair with the windows blocked and the roof of the north lodge collapsed. Images on the Buildings at Risk Register show that the roof of the south lodge collapsed at some point between 1995 and 2007.
The lodges are good surviving example of a pair of Neo-classical Georgian box-lodges that display an austerity of design that is typical of the building type in Scotland. Dating to around the late 18th century, they are early examples of their building type. The associated gates have been lost and the lodge buildings have been partially altered but the pair survive in their original position, with much of their early form and character evident. The associated Valleyfield House, which was the seat of the Preston family, is demolished. The policies of Valleyfield Estate were added to the Inventory of Gardens and Designed Landscapes (GDL00381) in 1987 and a number of other features associated with the former house are also listed, including two bridges (listed building refs: LB19122 and LB19123), the walled garden (ref: LB19120) and ice house (ref: LB19121). See also Torryburn Parish for listed items in Valleyfield House policies.
Listed building record revised in 2023.
External Links
External links are from the relevant listing authority and, where applicable, Wikidata. Wikidata IDs may be related buildings as well as this specific building. If you want to add or update a link, you will need to do so by editing the Wikidata entry.
Recommended Books
Berkshire (Pevsner Architectural Guides: Buildings of England)
Northumberland (Pevsner Architectural Guides: Buildings of England)
Nottinghamshire (Pevsner Architectural Guides: Buildings of England)
Harrow on the Hill: A photographic portrayal of listed buildings and structures (Historic Buildings Picture Guides)
ENGLAND GUIDE TO POST WAR LISTED: A Guide to Post-war Listed Buildings
Hertfordshire (Pevsner Architectural Guides: Buildings of England)