Steading (North Range), Carstairs Mains

The steading, designed by William Burn in 1825, originally comprised four ranges of buildings around a square courtyard, with a farmhouse adjoining to the south. The westernmost range of the steading has been demolished, but the remaining ranges are largely unaltered externally. The steading is constructed of stugged ashlar with droved and broached dressings, and has piended slate roofs.

The north range is a two-storey, near-symmetrical elevation facing the courtyard, consisting of ten bays. It features a central pediment with a clock face in the tympanum, and a bellcote at the apex. Stabling occupies the outer bays, with four cart arches in the centre. The stables contain cast-iron columns dividing the stalls. The loft above has regular rectangular windows retaining the original three-pane, sash glazing, and a timber sliding ventilator grille to the lower part.

The east range is a two-storey, seven-bay structure with wide, opposing doors at the north end, possibly functioning as a threshing barn. Most internal divisions were removed in 1989, and the openings remain mostly unaltered.

The south range is a single-storey, eight-bay structure with a stack at the west end. It likely served as a dairy, calf houses, and feed stores. A widened opening is present on the east side, and the east half of the roof has been replaced with corrugated sheet metal.

The L-plan, two-storey farmhouse adjoins the south range by a passage. It has a narrow, lean-to porch to the southwest re-entrant angle, supported by a single Doric column. Gabled ends feature canted bay windows at ground level. Most windows are single-light, with a hood mould above the ground floor. The glazing has been replaced with modern plate glass, and a flat-roofed dormer is above the porch. End coped skews have skew blocks, and tall diamond stacks remain only on the north side. The roof is slated.

Although the west range has been demolished, the steading retains its historic character. The farmhouse has been affected by the removal of stacks and the replacement of glazing; however, it remains an important part of the overall composition. Plans for the steadings are held in the National Monuments Record of Scotland.