Wester Ardoch

Wester Ardoch is a two-storey, L-plan former manse built in 1815 and reconstructed in 1858. The garden elevation features an advanced gable bay on the right, a later porch in the re-entrant angle, and a slightly recessed bay on the outer left. The exterior is white harl with black painted margins, shallow overhanging eaves, and a bay window to the south elevation.

The windows are predominantly timber sash and case, with eight and ten panes to each sash. The roof is covered in grey slate, with cast iron rainwater goods and gable and ridge stacks.

This simple manse represents a good example of the local gabled architectural tradition, and it is of historical interest due to its connection with the religious history of the parish. It is distinguished by its fine lying-pane windows, which became fashionable in the 1820s, but are now increasingly rare.

Originally built as a manse to a Chapel of Ease in 1815, the land was feued from Braco Castle. The original house was constructed by David Miller, a Wright from Auchterarder, and William Jack, a Mason from Ardoch, who were selected for offering the lowest quotation of £370 and ten shillings. Maintenance of the building was initially the responsibility of local residents, funded by local contributions, seat rents, and church door collections. In 1858, a separate parish was created, transferring responsibility to heritors, and at this time the manse was expanded; the addition of a bay to the north is likely to have occurred then. By 1863, as documented on the First Edition Ordnance Survey Map, the footprint of the manse was the same as it is today, with the exception of the porch.

A barn and dairy, built in 1840, are situated adjacent to the manse. These buildings are a single storey and feature a piended roof.