Fernbank, Rait

Fernbank is a pair of single-storey, three-bay thatched cottages (converted to a single dwelling) dating from the 17th or early 18th century with 19th century alterations. It is part of a group of thatched dwellings in the small settlement of Rait in Perthshire. The property is roughly rectangular on plan and is slightly skewed at the east end to follow the line of the road and burn. Located on a raised site which slopes gently eastward, the ground levels of the cottage follow the angle of the site. The property is harl pointed and painted random rubble construction on rough projecting footings, with rounded corners and slightly raked walls.

The front elevation faces southwest and is subdivided in two roughly equal parts, each of which have two windows flanking a central door opening. The gabled end elevations are blank. The rear (northeast) elevation comprises four unequally-spaced window openings of various sizes. The window openings are small and deeply-recessed, particularly at the rear, with smooth rendered rybats.

The windows in the front elevation are predominantly replacement four-pane timber casements. There is a variety of window types and glazing patterns in the rear elevation, including two multi-pane traditional fixed windows. The doors are vertical timber boarded, that to the east has a three-light transom. The west door's surround has been partially built-up in painted brick. The pitched roof is reeded thatch (rethatched around 1998) with a concrete ridge and timber skews. There are two squared red brick chimneystacks at the centre and one on the west gable, each with a clay pot.

The interior was seen in 2017. The internal fabric and layout are almost entirely 20th century, except for the roof structure. There is a change in floor levels between the east and west parts of the building. The roof, which is concealed by a false ceiling, is of some antiquity, comprising a timber A-frame with vertical struts. The timbers are roughly hewn with a number having bark still attached, and some are whole trunks or branches. The joints are generally nailed but some appear to be pegged. The thatch covering is exposed and some additional purlins have been added.