Langholm Lodge

Langholm Lodge comprises two houses designed by James Playfair in 1786/7, originally constructed as flanking wings to a larger Langholm Lodge. The central block of the main house was rebuilt after a fire around 1788 and subsequently demolished in 1953, leaving these flanking wings as the sole surviving elements.

Both houses feature symmetrical elevations with seven bays facing south. The three central bays are slightly set forward. The construction utilizes stugged grey stone for the main south elevation, with other elevations mainly harled. Polished stone margins define the windows, which are predominantly small 12-pane sashes. The buildings have an eaves course and piended slate roofs.

The east wing is arranged as a two-storey, three-bay house with single-storey wings extending to either side. The central entrance is glazed, and the first-floor windows feature a six-pane glazing pattern. Chimneys with stacks on ramped plinths are located at the ends of the wing. A rear L-shaped range incorporates two-bay coach house openings facing east and creates an open courtyard.

The west wing’s south elevation has two storeys with all windows being 12-pane sashes. A rear wing, situated in a re-entrant angle, has three doors, while a single-storey wing projects from the west wall. Symmetrically placed chimneys are a prominent feature.

The houses were built for the Duke of Buccleuch. Plans for the central block of Langholm Lodge, found in the Scottish Record Office, bear a watermark dated 1828, likely referencing alterations made around that time. Playfair’s original drawings from 1786-7 are held by Historic Environment Scotland, and further details are documented in the Biographical Dictionary of British Architects and the Scottish Record Office reference RHP 9686.