Linnburn, Carlops

Linnburn is a row of nine bays, originally two cottages, dating to the later 18th century. The construction is of squared and snecked rubble, with ashlar dressings. The main block of nine bays has a three-bay section to the left raised to create an attic. Chamfered quoins are visible on the southeast corner, along with ashlar skew blocks. A flat-roofed porch addition, painted brick in construction, features a two-leaf timber door. Piend-roof dormers are also present. A stone addition to the rear has a lean-to roof. To the right is a single-storey, three-bay cottage with smaller window openings and a flat-roofed addition at the rear. Most windows are timber sash and case with 12 panes of glass. The roof is grey slate, with coped ridge and end stacks topped with clay cans, and cast iron rainwater goods.

The garden at the rear of Lynburn contains a grotto with an Ionic pilastered doorway, a carved lintel, and a dentilled cornice. An armorial crest, surmounted by a carved lion sculpture dated 1823, sits above the doorway. The grotto is flanked by slightly curving battlemented screen walls with round-arched niches, and fluted pylons mark the outer edges.

The cottages occupy a prominent position alongside the Carlops Road. Their proportions and the use of traditional materials contribute positively to the historic and architectural character of Carlops. Originally three weavers' cottages, the additional attic storey at Lynburn was added in the early 19th century. The grotto, built in 1823 by Charles Wilson, a plasterer, amateur sculptor, and freemason, adds to the interest of the site. This unusual and personal structure reflects the importance of local stone quarrying at Deepsykehead and surrounding areas; the chamfered quoins on the southeast corner may also be a later addition by Mr Wilson.

Carlops village itself was founded in 1784 by Robert Brown, the laird of Newhall, who established a cotton-weaving industry and built rows of weavers' cottages along the main road to Biggar. As the textile industry declined, Carlops became a health resort, and remains popular with visitors.