Auchen Castle

Auchen Castle is a large, asymmetrical country house, now operating as a hotel, dating primarily from around 1840, with some parts added in 1869 as indicated by rainwater heads. Later in the 19th century, the house underwent alterations. The construction employs stugged yellow sandstone with polished dressings. The design features advanced and recessed bays, with some windows canted and others projecting mullioned at ground level. Most windows are sash windows with small panes, and the roof is slated with projecting, bracketed eaves. Two balustraded towers rise above the main roofline; the taller one, situated nearest the south side, is an Italianate campanile, while the tower at the northeast corner is circular, featuring a leaded, bell-cast turret and cap house.

The long west-facing entrance elevation is recessed centrally behind a colonnade that incorporates what was formerly a conservatory, connecting a pair of outer gables. A colonnaded porch is positioned near the south end of this elevation. The south-facing (approach) elevation is also long and asymmetrical, with further projecting gables, and a small bellcote is positioned above the wallhead. The building has corniced stacks. A smaller service court is located to the rear (north), along with a canted bay and a tall, facetted roof.

The interior contains elaborate decorative features, including a main staircase with a wrought-iron balustrade, decorative cornice plasterwork, and panelled doors set within architraves.

To the south and east of the house, ashlar-built garden terrace balustrades and steps are present, featuring pierced and geometrically decorated balustrades supported by squat, panelled and corniced piers.