This small classical house combines a raised principal floor, pedimented windows and a domed icehouse within the former Dougalston policies.
Quick facts
- Date
- Eighteenth century; restored after an 1873 fire; later residential work
- Architect / designer
- Original designer unknown; restoration associated with Robert Kerr
- Type
- Classical estate house with incorporated icehouse
- Designation
- Listed building, Category A (LB37847)
- OS grid reference
- NS 56751 73884
Architecture and continuing use
The ashlar house has two storeys over a rusticated raised basement. Three sash windows face the principal elevation, with alternating triangular and segmental pediments above the main-floor openings. A triglyph frieze, moulded eaves and hipped slate roof complete the formal composition.
Its story
The house belongs to the eighteenth-century Dougalston estate developed by merchant John Glassford. Historical research identifies a combined banqueting and factor’s function with an icehouse behind. Robert Kerr restored it after fire in 1873, and later work sustained residential use.
Why it is included
Category A listing recognises an unusually refined small estate building whose domestic, managerial, social and food-storage functions are compressed into one composition.
What to notice
- Alternating triangular and curved window pediments.
- Rusticated raised basement beneath the principal rooms.
- Lower pentice roofs drawn down at both sides.
Reading the surroundings
This is a private residence. View only from lawful distant routes, do not enter the drive or grounds and respect residents’ privacy.
Timeline
- 1767 John Glassford acquired and developed Dougalston.
- Eighteenth century The formal house and incorporated icehouse were built.
- 1873 Robert Kerr restored the building after fire.
- 1971 Its national importance secured Category A listing.
What we know — and what remains uncertain
The exact original date and balance between factor’s accommodation and banqueting use remain interpretive; the interior is private.
Sources & further reading
- Historic Environment Scotland: Factor’s House, Dougalston, LB37847 — Current designation status, mapped location, date, fabric and architectural or archaeological interest.
- Trove designation: LB37847 — Parallel national record identity and archival context.
- Parks and Gardens: Dougalston — Designed-landscape history, Factor’s House, icehouse and access context.
Location
OS grid reference NS 56751 73884 · Location confidence: High: the current national designation supplies an exact mapped National Grid Reference; public text separately states access and current-use uncertainty. · Select the marker to open its satellite view in Google Maps. On desktop, drag Pegman (the yellow figure) onto a blue road. On mobile, turn on the Street View layer and tap a blue road. Other photo markers may be user-contributed.
Suggest a marker correction
Suggest a more accurate position
The teal marker is the current published position. The orange marker starts slightly to its right so both remain visible; this is only a visual starting position. Tap the correct place on the map or drag the orange marker. Sending this form creates a private review entry only; it does not move the published marker.
Check this area in Google Maps Choose the Satellite layer there if useful.
Map: © OpenStreetMap contributors. You can also enter checked coordinates below.