Steading, Eden Home Farm

This is a symmetrical, U-shaped steading, likely built around 1840 to 1850, probably by William Robertson or Alexander Reid of A & W Reid, Elgin. The steading is situated on a south-facing slope and forms a hollow square with a farmhouse at the open south end. The interior has been removed. Constructed with harled walls and tooled granite ashlar dressings and margins, it features segmental-headed cart or carriage doorways in each south gable, each with renewed plank double doors. Above each doorway is a single loft window with 12-pane glazing. The gables have flat skews, moulded on their underside, designed to create the impression of open pediments. Shaped granite apex finials adorn the gables, which are covered by slate roofs. William Robertson, the architect, died in 1841, and his nephews, A & W Reid, succeeded him. The detail on the south gables, in the form of the skew returns that give the impression of open pediments, was a characteristic element of Robertson’s style, suggesting his possible involvement in the steading’s design, or that Alexander Reid, who worked extensively for the Eden Estate, used his uncle’s designs. The steading is part of the wider group of buildings that make up Eden Home Farm and is associated with Eden House.