18 Ancaster Square, Callander

These are a row of three symmetrical, two-storey, three-bay houses located on the western range of the south side of Ancaster Square, Callander. They date from the later 18th century, with subsequent alterations. Ancaster Square was designed as the focal point of the planned town of Callander in the later 18th century and retains that significance.

The principal, southeast-facing elevation fronts onto the square, situated on a slight southwest-facing slope. Number 18 appears to have been enlarged in the mid to later 19th century. Number 20 is noticeably smaller, with windows close to the pavement and eaves reflecting its 18th century character more than those of numbers 16 and 18. The left-hand corner of number 20 is roughly chamfered at ground floor level and incorporated into the 20th century gateway of Mansfield House.

To the far left of number 20 is a single-storey and attic outshot, likely dating back to the late 18th century, with a modern lean-to addition. This outshot was converted into a pottery in the later 20th century. Later alterations include raising the roof, possibly to accommodate the attic, and the insertion of a door and windows that break the eaves.

The rear, northwest-facing elevation shows several alterations: number 16 has inserted openings, number 18 projects more prominently with a modern ground-floor sun lounge, and number 20 has a modern rendered lean-to at ground floor level, along with two small windows near the first-floor eaves and a large, modern, slated roof addition. The outshot also features a small inserted ground-floor window and a larger inserted attic window that breaks the eaves.

The interior of number 18, the only one inspected in 2004, confirms substantial remodelling in the mid to later 19th century, with ornate cornice work and panelled doors.

The principal elevation is built of random rubble 'pudding stone' with lined pointing to create the appearance of snecked stone, while the outshot is of random rubble and has a rendered section. Dressed sandstone is used for the openings. The rear is of random rubble. The roofs are pitched and grey slated, each with rendered gable apex stacks set to the southwest gable.