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Houston House
Country House (Period Unassigned)
Site Name Houston House
Classification Country House (Period Unassigned)
Alternative Name(s) Houston House Policies
Canmore ID 43102
Site Number NS46NW 13
NGR NS 41141 67163
Datum OSGB36 - NGR
Permalink http://canmore.org.uk/site/43102
- Council Renfrewshire
- Parish Houston
- Former Region Strathclyde
- Former District Renfrew
- Former County Renfrewshire
NS46NW 13.00 41141 67163
NS46NW 13.01 NS 411 671 Garden
(NS 4114 6716). Houston House, prior to 1780, was a large, quadrangular structure, enclosing a courtyard. It had a high tower (see Barochan House: NS46NW 2) at the NW corner, an arched entrance, and two turrets on the south front. Only the NE side, a long narrow building, was left standing after alterations in 1780; its doorway is dated 1625. MacGibbon and Ross illustrate the house as it stood in 1872; later in that year additions were made, in Victorian style, to the SW. "Though various authorities allege that there was a Trinitarian (or other denomination) house established here, this is erroneous, Houston in East Lothian being the place referred to" (D E Easson 1976).
D MacGibbon and T Ross 1892; G Crawfurd and T Semple; HBD No.6; W Macfarlane 1907
A number of late-18th to 19th century estate plans are in the possession of Major C Maitland, Elderslie, the owner of Houston House. One of these shows a nearly square tower-house, wholly within the present mansion, of which the whole, or almost the whole E wall seems to remain incorporated in the present structure. On this wall is a stone dated 1625. No external evidence remains.
Visited by OS (JH) 24 December 1965.
NMRS REFERENCE
Architect: Additions 1872.
EXTERNAL REFERENCE
Estimate of costs of building on extension and for repairs. Sketch of front elevation on reverse. Appears to concern staircase windows and chimneys.
ND (18th century). GD30/2273
