Merton Hall

Merton Hall is a lairds house dating to the mid-18th century, now used as a school. It has undergone significant alterations, primarily in the early 19th century with the remodelling of the front elevation and the addition of symmetrical flanking pavilions. Further changes occurred in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, including interior work. The building is constructed of pinned rubble with polished ashlar margins.

The south elevation, which is three storeys and three bays, was largely rebuilt in the early 19th century to its present form. Full-height projecting bows with tripartite windows and conical roofs are found in the outer bays (likely a late 19th-century addition). The central bay features an Edwardian Baroque doorcase with Doric columns supporting an open-topped semi-circular pediment that bears a heraldic cartouche. Aedicular windows are present on the first and second floors, probably added in the late Edwardian period. The windows are sash and case with small-pane glazing, with plate glass two-pane windows on the ground floor. Red sandstone cantilevered balconies with simple steel balustrades are positioned on the first-floor bows. A timber-pedimented attic dormer sits centrally, dating to the late 19th century. Urn finials adorn the roof.

The north elevation, a five-bay design, retains much of its mid-18th century character. A central bay projects and includes a late 19th-century timber and glass classical conservatory/porch at first floor level, which is accessed by steps. All windows retain their original 18th-century dimensions, except for a ground-floor canted window with glazed doors. Sash and case windows feature small-pane glazing, with some modern glazing on the second floor. The roof has end skewputts, tall conical stacks with octagonal cans, and good graded slate roofing.

The flanking pavilions, probably dating from the early 19th century, are a symmetrical L-plan pair connected to the main house by a recessed single bay. They feature simple, light windows with sash and case construction and small-pane glazing. The roofs are piended with graded slate. Venetian windows are visible on the side elevations.

The interior is arranged around a double-room width spire passage and a U-shaped stair to the centre rear. The staircase has simple timber balusters. A late 19th-century timber-panelled hall with a column screen is a prominent feature. The interior decoration is mainly from the early 19th century, with some timber and plasterwork. On the second floor, some bedrooms retain original 18th-century panelling, shutters, and doors, along with one good chimneypiece with a panelled surround.