Documents

There are no additional online documents for this record.

Summary

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 20^th 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 Special 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 18^th 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.

References

Bibliography

About Listed Buildings

Historic Environment Scotland is responsible for designating sites and places at the national level. These designations are Scheduled monuments, Listed buildings, Inventory of gardens and designed landscapes and Inventory of historic battlefields.

We make recommendations to the Scottish Government about historic marine protected areas, and the Scottish Ministers decide whether to designate.

Listing is the process that identifies, designates and provides statutory protection for buildings of special architectural or historic interest as set out in the Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) (Scotland) Act 1997.

We list buildings which are found to be of special architectural or historic interest using the selection guidance published in Designation Policy and Selection Guidance (2019)

Listed building records provide an indication of the special architectural or historic interest of the listed building which has been identified by its statutory address. The description and additional information provided are supplementary and have no legal weight.

These records are not definitive historical accounts or a complete description of the building(s). If part of a building is not described it does not mean it is not listed. The format of the listed building record has changed over time. Earlier records may be brief and some information will not have been recorded.

The legal part of the listing is the address/name of site which is known as the statutory address. Other than the name or address of a listed building, further details are provided for information purposes only. Historic Environment Scotland does not accept any liability for any loss or damage suffered as a consequence of inaccuracies in the information provided. Addresses and building names may have changed since the date of listing. Even if a number or name is missing from a listing address it will still be listed. Listing covers both the exterior and the interior and any object or structure fixed to the building. Listing also applies to buildings or structures not physically attached but which are part of the curtilage (or land) of the listed building as long as they were erected before 1 July 1948.

While Historic Environment Scotland is responsible for designating listed buildings, the planning authority is responsible for determining what is covered by the listing, including what is listed through curtilage. However, for listed buildings designated or for listings amended from 1 October 2015, legal exclusions to the listing may apply.

If part of a building is not listed, it will say that it is excluded in the statutory address and in the statement of special interest in the listed building record. The statement will use the word 'excluding' and quote the relevant section of the 1997 Act. Some earlier listed building records may use the word 'excluding', but if the Act is not quoted, the record has not been revised to reflect subsequent legislation.

Listed building consent is required for changes to a listed building which affect its character as a building of special architectural or historic interest. The relevant planning authority is the point of contact for applications for listed building consent.

Find out more about listing and our other designations at www.historicenvironment.scot/advice-and-support. You can contact us on 0131 668 8914 or at designations@hes.scot.