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Standing Building Recording
Date May 2006 - November 2007
Event ID 557330
Category Recording
Type Standing Building Recording
Permalink http://canmore.org.uk/event/557330
NT 4423 6908 A series of site investigations was carried out between May 2006 and November 2007 prior to the
construction of a private dwelling at the former Pencaitland House. The main part of the house was destroyed by fire in 1876. It was originally flanked by two pavilion buildings, one of which is occupied (Pencaitland House). The other is currently being renovated (Old Pencaitland House). A ground-penetrating radar survey had previously been carried out to identify the subterranean remains.
A standing building survey of Old Pencaitland House, an adjacent structure called the 'ice house' and a large rectangular building known as the Brew House was carried out in 2006. The results of the appraisal suggest that the Brew House was a mid 18th-century building which may later have been used as a forge.
Two test pits dug in the interior in 2007 confirmed that it is of single phase construction resting on a platform of made ground. A single fragment of medieval white gritty ware suggested that the material used to construct the building platform had been brought in from elsewhere. The 'ice house' is a much modified barrel-shaped dovecote which has been reduced in height by the addition of a flat concrete roof. A more recent window has also been inserted. Old Pencaitland House contains several features dating to the late 17th century, notably a turnpike turreted staircase and possibly an original roof, which was recorded in 2007.
Archive to be deposited with RCAHMS; reports deposited with SMR and RCAHMS.
Funder: Mrs Lynne Hare.
