Torquhan House

Torquhan House is a country house built in 1823. It is a two-storey, nine-bay structure exhibiting Classical details. The main part of the house is a five-bay block with a prominent, pedimented central section, flanked by single-storey wings that project slightly and feature Venetian windows in their outer bays. The principal (west) elevation is constructed from coursed, squared whinstone with pale sandstone dressings, whereas the rest of the building uses whinstone rubble. The house includes a band course and a blocking course, with long and short quoins rusticated at the outer corners of the main block. Windows have regular placement with ashlar margins and projecting cills. A front door, set within an engaged Doric portico, is accessed by steps and has sidelights and a fanlight above. A two-window bow is located to the right.

The wings extend to the east, forming a courtyard at the rear, which is enclosed by a coped rubble wall. A single-storey, piended outshot is centrally positioned on the rear elevation. A round-arched stair window is set above it, along with a canted bay to the left and a pair of segmental-arched dormers in the attic. A lean-to timber conservatory adjoins the south wing.

The windows are timber sash and case with 12 panes of glass. Some windows have blind boxes. Broad, coped wallhead stacks topped with clay cans are present, alongside grey slate roofing and cast-iron rainwater goods.

Inside, the panelled entrance hall has pilastered corner angles and parquet flooring. A pair of fluted columns on plinths support an open stair with turned balusters and a serpentine handrail. A decorative fire surround features fluted columns, a garlanded entablature, and a beveled mirror. The former dining room in the south wing contains a basket-arched inglenook with an elaborate pedimented overmantle flanked by arched alcoves. Fine marble and plasterwork Classical-revival fireplaces are found elsewhere in the house. Timber-panelled doors and moulded cornicing complete the interior detailing.

To the north of the house is a three-bay, gabled outbuilding constructed from rubble, with a lean-to section forming a secondary courtyard; the upper floor is lit by small square windows. A large, rectangular walled garden is situated on sloping ground to the northeast of the house, with a potting shed in the northwest corner.

A long, stepped-roofed stable and coach house adjoins the eastern corner of the walled garden and is constructed from whinstone rubble with ashlar dressings and timber bargeboarding. The principal entrances to the property run north and south. A small gate lodge, situated beside the A7 road, flanks the northern drive, accompanied by square-capped gatepiers and cast-iron gates.