Dovecot, Balmule House

The Dovecot at Balmule House is a large, double-bay, rectangular-plan lectern dovecot dating from the 17th century. It is constructed of random rubble sandstone with dressed ashlar quoins and features remains of a stepped stone rat course or alighting ledge. The entrance is on the southeast elevation, where there is an enlarged doorway to the left and an original chamfered ashlar surround to the right doorway, with a relieving arch set above. There are a pair of flight holes above the rat course or alighting ledge, centered above each door, although the flight hole to the left is blocked. A remnant of a moulded eaves course can be seen to the far right. The gable walls are plain, with a stepped rat course or alighting ledge, and the southwest gable partially remains. The tall northwest wall has a continuous rat course. The dovecot formerly had a slated lean-to roof but is now roofless as of 2002. The northeast gable features a partially remaining crowstepped design. Inside, the space is infilled with rubble and vegetation, and there are stone nesting boxes visible on the elevations.