Steading, Mid Blairs Farm, Auchenblae

The steading at Mid Blairs Farm in Auchenblae dates from probably the earlier to mid 19th century and may include earlier structures to the north and east. It was converted into a dwelling in 2004. This small gabled courtyard steading features the remains of an enclosing wall to the south and a rare polygonal horsemill located at the northwest.

The horsemill is constructed with snecked rubble, some of which is roughly squared and coursed in places, with flat slate-like bands. It has dressed quoins made of ashlar and squared rubble. The horsemill includes large boulder-type projecting base stones, broad timber-lintelled openings on alternate faces, and a grey slate roof with four lower courses of stone-slates retained on some faces. Small cast-iron rooflights are present on alternate faces, and the interior boasts a fine traditional timbered roof along with a small square drive-shaft opening high up on the south wall.

The south elevation, which serves as the entrance, is symmetrical with gabled outer ranges. The right range features a broad segmental-arched cart entrance and a small pigeon loft in the gablehead, which has a contrasting red sandstone flight-hole with small projecting semicircular alighting ledges above and below, culminating in a block finial. The left gable has an altered opening below a hayloft door. There are remains of a wall, likely a later infill screen wall, linking the center and raised to form a broad M-gable that incorporates enclosed cattle courts.

The north elevation shows a slightly lower north range with a blocked pedestrian access on the outer right. The right gable has the horsemill abutting it, while the left gable features a broad opening and a block gablehead finial. The east range has a grey slate roof, ashlar-coped skews, and flat skewputts, while the north and west ranges are covered with corrugated iron roofing.

Additionally, there is a slated rectangular-plan rubble bothy to the west, which has a timber door and a timber sash and case window with a 12-pane glazing pattern.