Rattray House joins a richly detailed mid-eighteenth-century rear range to a broader classical front built during the estate’s early nineteenth-century remodelling.
Quick facts
- Date
- Mid-18th century; enlarged circa 1817–18 and altered circa 1890
- Architect / designer
- Unknown; early nineteenth-century work resembles Simpson or Smith
- Type
- Country house combining eighteenth- and nineteenth-century ranges
- Designation
- Listed building, Category B (LB3038)
- OS grid reference
- NK 09295 56137
Architecture, archaeology and continuing use
The older harled range rises above a basement and retains fine stair joinery and a rococo chimneypiece. A taller front block has a parapet, central chimney composition and later porch, while the wider estate preserves gardens, outbuildings, gates, lodges and farm offices.
Its story
A complete mid-eighteenth-century estate layout preceded the new front of about 1817–18. A four-column Doric porch was replaced around 1890, but the principal stages of country-house development remain readable.
Why it is included
Category B listing recognises the house’s interiors and its unusually complete relationship with the planned estate group.
What to notice
- The broad parapeted early nineteenth-century front.
- Twin chimneys emphasising the central bay.
- The visible junction between older rear range and later block.
Reading the surroundings
The house and estate are private. Do not enter drives, gardens, farm areas or outbuildings without permission, and view only from lawful public routes.
Timeline
- Mid-18th century A country house and coordinated estate layout were established at Rattray.
- Circa 1817–1818 A wider classical block created a new principal front.
- Circa 1890 A new porch altered the entrance while earlier rooms survived behind it.
What we know — and what remains uncertain
Attribution of the early nineteenth-century design remains unresolved, and current interior condition and access were not checked.
Sources & further reading
- Historic Environment Scotland: Rattray House, LB3038 — Designation status, mapped location, date, fabric and architectural or archaeological interest.
- Trove designation: LB3038 — Parallel national record identity and archival context.
Location
OS grid reference NK 09295 56137 · Location confidence: High: the national designation supplies an official mapped National Grid Reference; an additional source confirms record identity and archival context. · 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.
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