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Summary

Description

Mid 18th century. 2-storey square, random rubble dovecote, ashlar long and short quoins with margins; rat (band) and eaves course, partially crowstepped, harled and limewashed in places; originally with slated roof, now missing (2000).

S (PRINCIPAL) ELEVATION: central doorway, stone lintel and surround, replacement timber door, barred window in centre; ashlar rat (band) course, tooled margins; inset square sandstone block with blind circular opening above door; former eaves course.

E ELEVATION: blind; ashlar long and short quoins, margins; ashlar rat course; remains of crowstepped gable.

N (REAR) ELEVATION: blind; ashlar long and short quoins, margins; ashlar rat course; remains of eaves course; semi-harled and limewashed.

W ELEVATION: blind; ashlar long and short quoins, margins; ashlar rat course; remains of crowstepped gable.

INTERIOR: nesting boxes missing, now overgrown; part harled in places.

Statement of Special Interest

B-Group with Costerton House Former Gardener's Cottage and Walled Garden and Ice House. Formerly part of Costerton House Estate, the dovecote is one of the few surviving structures, although nearly ruinous. Dovecotes were a status symbol, with only powerful landowner's being granted permission to build such a structure. The dovecote originally had a slated lectern roof, with entry for the birds in the centre. On its rear wall, the dovecot had ball shaped stone finials with crowstepped sides. The band course was originally a rat course stop the rodents climbing up and getting into the structure. Costerton's Lodge and kennels still exist, but have been remodelled and are now private housing. The former Costerton House was built in 1821, but by the early 1960's had become roofless and in a ruinous state; demolished late 1960's. It had been the residence of the Rev. Francis Nichol, Principal of United College of St Andrews. The new Costerton House is the former gardener's cottage with a modern bungalow built from the stone of the old house. The former house's walled garden is adjoined. There is also the icehouse nearby, listed separately.

References

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