Doocot, Costerton House

This is a mid-18th century dovecote, located near the remnant structures of the former Costerton House estate. Constructed of random rubble with ashlar long and short quoins and margins, the dovecote is a two-story square building. It originally had a slated roof, which is now missing. A rat course (a band of stone intended to prevent rodents from climbing the walls) and eaves course are visible, with the eaves partially crowstepped. The exterior is harled and limewashed in some areas.

The south elevation features a central doorway with a stone lintel and surround, now fitted with a replacement timber door. A barred window is positioned centrally above the doorway. An inset square sandstone block with a blind circular opening sits above the door. The east, north (rear), and west elevations are blank, displaying ashlar quoins, margins, a rat course, and remnants of the crowstepped gable and eaves course. The rear elevation is semi-harled and limewashed.

The interior, now overgrown, lacks its original nesting boxes and is partially harled.

Historically, dovecotes were status symbols, and this one was part of the Costerton House Estate. Originally, it featured a slated, lectern-style roof and ball-shaped stone finials with crowstepped sides. The rat course was specifically designed to deter rodents. The main house, built in 1821, was demolished in the late 1960s after falling into ruin; it had been the residence of the Rev. Francis Nichol. The current Costerton House is the former gardener’s cottage, with a modern bungalow constructed from the original house’s stone. It is part of a group listing with the former Gardener's Cottage, Walled Garden and Ice House.