Ayton Manse

18th century in part; rebuilt late 18th century; substantial additions and alterations by James Stevenson, architect, 1882-3; later improvements. Classically-detailed former manse comprising symmetrical 2-storey, 3-bay, rectangular-plan block to front with earlier 2-storey and basement, rectangular-plan block at rear stepped down with slope. Coursed and stugged cream sandstone to front elevation entrance block; rendered side elevations; harled at rear; sandstone ashlar dressings throughout (lightly droved in part). Base course to entrance block; moulded eaves beneath overhanging, bracketed eaves to front and sides. Narrow quoin strips to entrance block; plain margins throughout; sandstone mullions; projecting cills (corbelled brackets to front; flush at rear).

SE (ENTRANCE) ELEVATION: step to timber panelled door centred at ground; plate glass fanlight; door-surround comprising flanking pilasters, frieze of triglyphs and guttae, surmounting pediment. Tripartite windows at ground in bays to outer left and right (narrow side-lights); single windows in all bays at 1st floor.

SW (SIDE) ELEVATION: entrance block to right with single windows at both floors off-set to left of centre. Lower wing recessed to left with single windows at ground and 1st floors in bay to right; single basement window at centre; small window off-set to left at ground; boarded timber basement door in bay to outer left.

NW (REAR) ELEVATION: 3-bay. Timber panelled door centred at basement; 2-pane fanlight; plain surround with bracketed, corniced canopy above. Single window centred at ground; larger stair (?) window aligned at 1st floor. Single windows at all floors in bays to outer left and right; later narrow window at 1st floor off-set to left of centre.

NE (SIDE) ELEVATION: entrance block to left with single windows at both floors off-set to right of centre. Lower wing recessed to right with single windows at all floors in bay to left; blocked single windows at ground and 1st floors in bay to right.

Predominantly plate glass and 4-pane glazing in timber sash and case windows. Grey slate, slightly bell-cast piended roofs. Swept and coped wallhead stacks; various circular cans. Predominantly replacement rainwater goods.

INTERIOR: not seen 1998.

BOUNDARY WALL, RAILINGS, QUADRANT WALLS, GATEPIERS AND GATES: low coped wall enclosing site to front with full-width, spearheaded iron railings above. Arched coping to taller, rubble quadrant walls flanking entrance. Tapering, circular-plan iron gatepiers; 2-leaf, spearheaded iron gates with integral decorative panels.