Nether Auchendrane House

NS31NW 20 3391 1639.

(NS 3391 1639) Nether Auchendrane (NAT)

formerly Blairston (NR)

OS 6" map (1958)

Nether Auchendrane (previously published on OS plans as 'Auchendrane House') is listed by Tranter as a much-altered fortified house. According to a date on the house it was built in 1698 (Name Book 1856). It is referred to by Paterson as Blairstone (sic), and Abercrummie, describing 'Blairtown' states it is a 'stone tower house with lower buildings about it, surrounded with garden, orchards, and parks'.

J Paterson 1852; W Macfarlane 1907; N Tranter 1965.

This mansion has been completely modernised, but over the main entrance is a small parapet, in the centre of which is a coat of arms and the date '1698'. The building, now in use as an old people's home, is named Nether Auchendrane House, but was formerly known as 'Blairston' (J Oliver, owner, Blairston Mains; N Buchanan, superintendent, Auchendrane House).

Visited by OS (JD) 12 December 1955

No change. The external appearance is basically 19th century with many additions.

Visited by OS (JRL) 3 October 1980.

NMRS REFERENCE:

Architect: E.A Darley. nd. Old Folks Home for Ayr County Council.

Duncan McCulloch. 1951. " " " "

Plans: at Darley Hay Partnership, Ayr.