Cullen House

Substantial turretted mansion of various builds now forming

extended Z-plan. 1602 tower house incorporating earlier fabric

and on earlier site; substantial late 17th, early and mid 18th

and mid 19th (David Bryce, 1858-9) century additions and

alterations. Divided as 13 separate residential units,

architect Douglas Forrest, Cullen, 1982-4; S and SW wings

damaged by fire, June 1987 and in course of restoration (1988).

Two to 4 storeys in height; rubble, some harling, tooled

and ashlar dressings, margins and crowsteps to gables.

Roughly L-plan tower house at SE angle with long wing to W of

pre 1602 origin. Latter given new S elevation with large windows

by David Bryce; N facing elevation to courtyard retains 17th

century details and earlier fabric with some regularisation of

the windows. The original entrance to the tower to courtyard

in tight angle at S of N-S range; roll moulded door (now

blocked with window), elaborate doorpiece with stylised,

waisted pilasters and heraldic medallions; diminutive angle

turrets near wallhead. To N, 1602 3-storey range with substantial inserted doorpiece by Bryce modelled on the early design

but with large rampant lions flanking. To N again

rectangular-plan block of 1711-14 partly remodelled by Bryce.

To W of W wing further 1711-14 additions also partly

remodelled 1858.

The E facing range with nearly symmetrical main elevation.

Square tower at S of 1668 with some reworking; recessed bays

of 1602 origin; N tower of 1711-14 with ogee roofed angle

turrets and crenellations.

Windows in a variety of shapes mainly sash and case with small

panes excpet for Bryce's large inserted windows which are

plate glass. Numerous windows break wallhead with elaborate

dormerheads U-plan 2-storey service wings at N, including former kitchen, now divided as cottages and dwellings. 2 storeys,

harled, ashlar margined window and door openings.

Ridge, end and wallhead stacks of various dates; slate

roofs.

INTERIOR: divided vertically in separate dwellings retaining

various original staircases and public rooms. Mid 18th century wrought-iron balustrade to former main staircase. Panelled

entrance hall with Dutch tiled fireplace.

Mid 18th century kitchen with moulded ceiling cornice now

converted as dwelling and architect's office.