The Carnegie Club Historic environment audit of the Skibo Estate

Transcription

The Carnegie Club
Historic environment audit of the Skibo Estate:
Illustrated gazetteer
Andrew PK Wright
Chartered Architect & Heritage Consultant
16 Moy House Court Forres Moray IV36 2NZ
T 01309 676655
M 07740 859005
E andrewpkw@aol.com
May 2013
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Contents
Page no
1
Introduction
1
2
3
2.1
Castle
4
2.2
Garden structures
6
2.3
Leisure and recreation buildings
8
2.4
Lodges, gates and boundary walls
10
2.5
Residential properties and holiday lodges
13
2.6
Storage buildings, workshops, nursery and stables
18
2.7
Estate infrastructure
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The Skibo Estate: Historic Environment Audit
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Introduction
1.1 Preface
The historic environment of the Skibo Estate in Sutherland is manifested in an outstanding designed landscape, buildings, and an estate infrastructure of bridges,
boundary walls and other features. It produces a resource of considerable richness and diversity, and while much of what has survived can be dated with some
certainty to the nineteenth and early twentieth century - particularly to the transformation of the estate when it was acquired by the wealthy philanthropist Andrew
Carnegie - the origins can be traced to the medieval era when the site was occupied by the Bishops of Caithness and Sutherland. The estate has witnessed a
considerable amount of change, particularly in recent years when the castle was no longer in occupation as a private residence and investment has been made in the
fabric of the castle, the estate buildings and infrastructure by different successive owners from the 1980s.
1.2 Purpose of the gazetteer
The illustrated gazetteer has been commissioned by the Carnegie Club to provide an overview on the resource, its relative importance and special interest, current
condition, and conservation issues that may require to be addressed in the short and longer term. It has the potential to be of value in discussions with the local
planning authority and with Historic Scotland and in setting a framework for future development and for the ongoing repair of the historic fabric of the estate. It can be
used as a basis for establishing priorities for future conservation work, and in setting and maintaining appropriate standards.
1.3 Dates of the audit work
The photographs in the gazetteer were taken on the dates of the visits to the estate on 12 and 15 March 2013 respectively.
1.4 Exclusions and limitations
The evaluation of the sites and buildings set out in the gazetteer is based on limited external inspection of the fabric and cannot be construed as being exhaustive. In a
small number of cases the interiors of buildings were inspected. An overview is provided in respect of each site to give guidance on the conservation issues to be
addressed. It is recommended that detailed investigation and scheduling of work should be undertaken for any element of repair of the fabric before embarking upon
conservation work. Such evaluation should always incorporate a more detailed understanding of the history of the site and its importance in architectural and historic
terms and how it may have changed over time before determining appropriate repair strategies. In some cases specialist reports (for instance, by conservators, on
historic mortars, or the sources of quarried building stone and its long term durability, and bat surveys) may require to be carried out.
The gazetteer does not address the historic designed landscape, except insofar as this relates to the built elements of the landscape framework, including walls,
balustrading and steps. Although reference is made to historic boundary walls within the framework of the estate, no survey has been undertaken to establish the full
extent of this resource and its current condition.
1.5 A note on statutory listings and designations
There are 6 entries in the statutory list for the Skibo Estate (1 A, 4 Bs, and 1 C listing) and 32 entries in the gazetteer covering the whole resource, of which 8 are
associated with listed structures. Some are multiple entries in the gazetteer, for instance in relation to boundary walls and walls subdividing the parcels of land within
the estate. Individual listings of properties are noted in the each entry within the gazetteer. Other unlisted properties and features of the estate will be covered by the
property curtilage, but particular care will be needed in distinguishing between the effect of development, or repair, in relation to curtilage, and the setting of listed
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buildings . During the course of the audit it was observed that the categories of some of the listed structures might be subject to review and re-evaluation. To
overcome working anomalies it is strongly recommended that a listing re-survey is undertaken to address some of the issues raised over the interpretation of curtilage
over the wider estate area.
1.6 Archaeology
There are no Scheduled Ancient Monuments on the estate.
The archaeological resource of the estate as it is currently known, otherwise, is incorporated in the Historic Environment Record (HER) compiled by the Highland
Council. Reference should be made to this document when considering works of alteration or improvements to the estate infrastructure to avoid disturbing
archaeological remains. Entries in the HER affected by any proposed development have now become a material consideration in terms of heritage management when
lodging applications for planning permission or listed building consent. There are 85 entries in the HER of which some cover the listed buildings mentioned above while
others relate to unlisted structures recorded in this gazetteer.
Entries range from all periods back to the Neolithic era (4000BC), and some are intangible relating to known historical records of features or structures which have
been lost. Hut circles, scattered finds, middens, cists, burial sites and urns, cropmarks and standing stones are all noted. Entries include medieval wells, boundaries and
Medieval or Later Rural Settlements (MOLRS). Overall an archaeological resource of some interest is recorded.
Andrew PK Wright OBE BArch RIBA PPRIAS FRSA FSA Scot
Second draft 18 May 2013
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Clause 4.5 of Managing Change in the Historic Environment: Setting (October 2010)
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2.1 Castle
Element, location and
designation
Skibo Castle NH737891
Illustration
Listed Category A (listing
shared with the walled
garden and glasshouses,
see 2.2.1 and 2.2.2)
Description
Conservation issues
The accepted history of the house may yet be proved
unreliable; while there is no question of the fact that the estate
was purchased in a run-down state by Andrew Carnegie in
1898, and that the Highland practice of Ross & Macbeth was
appointed his architects, there is uncertainty regarding the date
and extent of earlier mansion houses on the site. The
foundation stone of Carnegie's monumental extension to the
existing house was laid in June 1899.
1 Extensive stone decay to crowsteps,
skewputts, parapets and parapet copes,
chimneyheads, architectural mouldings
(string courses etc), corbels to the
crenellations to the tower
The east wing, and probably more, of the house designed by
Glasgow architects Clarke & Bell for Evan Charles SutherlandWalker, who acquired the estate around 1872, has been
retained in the work carried out for Carnegie. Some historic
sources suggest that the remains of earlier houses had survived
within this house, with the further suggestion that fragments of
the bishop's palace inhabited by Bishop Gilbert of the Diocese
of Caithness could have been incorporated within it. Rare
photographs of the house that preceded Sutherland-Walker's
house have emerged only recently, and throw fascinating new
light on the evolution of the site. The first edition of the
Ordnance Survey map indicates the existence of a substantial
house on the site, which in itself might appear to contradict the
date of 1880 attributed for Clarke & Bell's work.
3 Loss of decorative finials to
crowstepped gables and dormer
pediments
There can be no question of the fact that the reworking of the
old house to suit Carnegie's brief was substantial, and involved
the demolition of most of the old house and a series of ancillary
buildings to the rear. Ross & Macbeth contrived a building
enhanced by a rich cornucopia of Baronial detailing, with all the
trappings of opulence that befitted one of the richest men in
the world at that time. John Gifford referred to the resulting
composition pithily as 'the architecture purchased by the yard'.
Some of the stone carving is creative and of an exceptional
standard, and the carved detail is still, in the main, crisp,
despite the extensive stone decay which has affected much of
the architectural detailing of this, and most of the other of the
buildings, on the estate.
2 Failure of plastic repairs where
undertaken in a small number of cases
4 Open joints to the balustrading to the
terrace
5 Minor structural movement at
projecting window bays
6 Localised areas of nailsickness to roofs
with evidence of slipped, cracked, or
missing slates
7 Leadwork at high level may need
replacement in areas
8 Temporary finish of bitumen felt
applied to a lantern at a flat roof to the
rear of the building
5
The castle looks best when seen from the open landscape
towards the firth to the south, and on the approach along the
original avenue from the west where there is no sense of
jarring juxtaposition of scale or detail with the earlier wing. The
same stone has been used throughout and is assumed to have
been sourced from one of the estate quarries.
Extensive conservation work has been undertaken to the castle
fabric which has been, on the whole, well maintained. More
recent repairs include repairs to the stone balustrade
overlooking the garden, replacement of steps, repairs to the
entrance portico and repairs to chimneyheads.
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2.2 Garden structures
designation
2.2.1 Walled garden,
NH737891
Illustration
Listed A (shared listing
with the castle, see 2.1)
and entry in Inventory of
Gardens and Designed
Landscapes
Description
Conservation issues
The walled garden consists of a number of compartments of
varying ages on terraces to the front, and to the east of the
garden front of the castle. Some of the earliest boundary walls
are likely to date to the late eighteenth century or the early
nineteenth century, and are to be found at the northeast and
southwest extremities of the walled gardens. The tall enclosing
north wall of rubble sandstone, which supported a long range
of glasshouses (now demolished, and not reinstated), together
with the roughly hexagonal gothick structure at the northeast
corner of the compartment with the crenellations at the
wallhead, are likely to date to this earliest period. In use as a
flower garden, on the 1877 map the enclosure is shown
partially as an orchard. The glasshouses set against the north
wall were added later.
1 Damage to the sandstone rubble
north wall to the upper east
compartment from the application of
cement render, with areas of render
detached and falling off
Although the gardens must have seen incremental change they
were transformed once the celebrated garden designer Thomas
Mawson had been appointed by Carnegie in 1903. It appears as
though the corner bastion and terrace at the southwest corner
of the mansion house had been the work of Ross & Macbeth,
and perhaps Mawson's ideas took some time to develop as
they were not yet recorded when the 1906 edition of the OS
map was published. He introduced the cascade of steps from
the upper terrace, leading to the fountain at the lower garden,
and the elegant dividing wall of coursed sandstone leading into
the east compartment of the garden from the middle terrace
appears to have been existence beforehand, but modified by
him. Further, more detailed, research would be recommended.
4 Delamination of sandstone steps at
the stone staircases; the faces of
individual stones degrading from
extended damp conditions; movement
in stone balustrading
Some repairs have been carried out where decayed stone has
failed, and the north wall adjacent to the original road leading
to the castle from the east has been coated in an unforgiving
cement render.
2 Exposed areas of walling in need of
repointing in lime mortar
3 Some degradation observed of the
lower boundary wall; some pinnings
loose and voids appearing in facework;
concrete copes introduced and wall
bulging or misaligned in places
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2.2.2 Glasshouses and
associated structures,
NH736893
Listed A (shared listing
with the castle, see 2.1)
and entry in Inventory of
Gardens and Designed
Landscapes
The quality of the surviving Mackenzie & Moncur glasshouses is
exceptional, but their condition is poor with some of the
structures distorted and on the verge of collapse, or at risk of
being damaged in gales. The 1877 OS map reveals that the
ranges running east-west at the foot of the slope (at the time of
writing demolished, and yet to be reinstated), together with the
west range of the upper glasshouses were already in position.
Andrew Carnegie added to the assembly, completing the upper
range, adding further freestanding greenhouses and building an
orangery against the south facing wall of the lower range. It is
likely that he removed the middle set of glasshouses running
north-south, which may have been relocated elsewhere, and
created the glazed inclined corridor leading between the upper
and lower ranges.
The glasshouses are embellished with decorative spandrels and
have ridge cresting and finials. The wooden frames are set on
brick dwarf walls. Adjoining structures at the lower range, and
against the north wall of the upper range have sandstone
rubble walls and slated roofs. Within the glasshouses many
original fittings survive, including elevated cast iron floor plates.
The dwarf walls supporting the greenhouses are universally in
poor condition and most are unstable.
The lower range of glasshouses has been dismantled and partial
rebuilding has begun using unsympathetic modern materials
which do not match the original work. Dense cement pointing
has been applied unattractively to the tall sandstone wall
visible from the driveway to the north of the castle.
1 Glasshouses are in an advanced state
of dilapidation with broken and missing
glass and failed astragals
2 The frame of the glasshouse at the
inclined passageway is leaning outwards
3 Dismantled glasshouses have yet to be
reinstated in accordance with consents
granted; concrete block cement
rendered walls are not authentic and are
incomplete; the sandstone rubble wall
has been repointed unattractively in
dense cement, harmful to the masonry
and should be carefully removed without
damaging the stone and repointed in
lime mortar
4 Stone retaining walls are bulging and
may need to be taken down and rebuilt
5 Brick dwarf walls supporting the
glasshouse frames are frost damaged
and structurally unsound; sandstone
dwarf walls in need of rebuilding/
repointing in lime mortar; the rubble
sandstone wall to the rear of the upper
range is bulging outwards and nearing
collapse
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2.3 Leisure and recreation buildings
designation
2.3.1 Swimming pool,
NH735889
Illustration
Listed Category B
Description
Conservation issues
Contemporary with the works undertaken for Andrew Carnegie
for the castle, circa 1900. Large swimming pool with changing
facilities at the north end. The original structural roof and
glazing above the swimming pool was by Moncur & Mackenzie.
It appears as the present footprint on the 1906 OS map.
1 There is some evidence of missing
detail to carved finials and ongoing
decay to sandstone which will require to
be monitored
For many years the pool was unused and in a derelict state but
there has been a major refurbishment undertaken in recent
years by the Carnegie Club which has brought the building back
into use. A new contemporary roof and cupola at the south end
have been installed and other improvements carried out,
including repairs to decayed stonework and overhauling roof
slating to the north range.
2.3.2 Boathouse,
NH735889
Unlisted
2.3.3 Gymnasium and
spa, see Ospisdale Lodge,
property ref 2.5.9
2.3.4 Golf clubhouse,
NH732874
Unlisted
The boathouse is shown on the 1906 Edition of the OS map in
the same location, and it assumed that the timber framed
structure and stone dwarf walls relate to around this period
when the inlet to the loch was formed within the landscape.
The horizontally boarded walls and shingled roof appear
modern.
Former steading with cattle court in an outlying part of the
estate which appears as a U-shape on plan and with an almost
identical footprint on the 1877 and 1906 OS maps, suggesting
that it could have been part of the investment made in the
estate in the 1870s. However a date of 1898 and the initial of
'AC' crudely scratched into the render during the refurbishment
of the property might suggest that Andrew Carnegie had
undertaken improvements, although there is no evidence that
this had been the case. A photograph of the structure before
rebuilding suggests it had been unprepossessing, with a roof of
corrugated iron.
1 Woodworm flight holes observed to
the timber frame, but the infestation is
not advanced
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The conversion of the building in 1993 with its heavy-handed
treatment of the gables together with the use of precast
concrete architectural detail, and the coating of the walls with
an unattractive smooth cement render, lacks authenticity. It
suggests that little of the original fabric has been retained in
the alterations.
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2.4 Lodges, gates and boundary walls
designation
2.4.1 East Lodge, gates
and balustrading,
NH747892
Illustration
Unlisted
2.4.2 North Lodge, gate
piers and railings,
NH736895
Unlisted
Description
Conservation issues
Assumed to have been erected c1873 by Sutherland Walker as
the layout appears on the 1877 OS map. Although a porch is
shown on the south elevation in plan the present porch, of
brick coated in a smooth cement render, may be a later
addition as no porch appears on the 1906 map. The gate piers,
cast iron gates and railings have been taken down and were
rebuilt in 2011 with the railings reset over a new sandstone
dwarf wall for which it is assumed to have replicated the
original appearance. The railings have been refurbished, with
missing finials restored. Repairs were undertaken to the stone
boundary walls at the same time.
1 The walls of the lodge have been
repointed in dense cement mortar –
repointing in lime mortar to match
historic precedent should be considered
The plan arrangement of the lodge is shown on the 1877 OS
map as a crucifix, and with what appear to be extensions to the
rear of the building which must have been taken down and
rebuilt as unattractive flat-roofed modern extensions, although
they are not unduly prominent. The lodge may post-date the
gates and piers which appear to be from the first half of the
nineteenth century. Unusually, the walls are harled. A
pedestrian gate has been retained but the main entrance gates
have been removed; it is probable that the original
arrangement had been symmetrical and the entrance widened
to suit vehicular traffic when the gates would have been
dispensed with. The gate piers show evidence of earlier
limewashed finishes to the ashlar and may have been coloured
natural white and ochre.
1 Open joints in the rubble work of the
stone dwarf walls which should be
repointed in hydraulic lime mortar
Chimneyhead reharled in 2010.
3 Cast iron railings should be overhauled
and repainted and any missing finials
reinstated. Rebuilding of the dwarf walls
using all existing masonry where sound
may have to be considered as the
railings are misaligned
2 Open joints observed in the lime
mortar pointing to the gate piers; the
replacement sandstone dwarf wall has
been pointed up in cement mortar; it
would have been preferable for the
railings to have been set in molten lead
in accordance with traditional practice to
limit the risk of rust-jacking
2 The gate piers have been pointed up
unattractively in cement mortar;
evidence of copes having shifted,
possibly from vehicle impact for which
selective rebuilding may be called for.
Repointing to ashlar should be
undertaken carefully in lime putty
mortar and the ashlar given a unifying
coat of limewash to improve the overall
appearance
11
2.4.3 West Lodge,
including gate piers,
gates and railings
NH712890
Listed B
Elaborate main entrance to the estate created by Andrew
Carnegie. The new gates and railings were erected first and
appear on the 1906 OS map; the erection of the lodge followed
in 1907, designed by Ross & Macbeth. The design also includes
the turning space, sandstone walls and gate piers on the west
side of the public roadway. The design of the gates and lodge is
original and idiosyncratic, the lodge having over-scaled
crowsteps and crenellations.
Alterations and improvements have been carried out on at least
two separate occasions, the first (before the current
ownership) to make the house habitable when Velux rooflight
windows were inserted when refurbishment was carried out by
Peter de Savary.
More recently damaged lattice windows of leaded lights and
external doors have been replaced with modern alternative
non-matching patterns, and a chimneyhead was rebuilt and
repairs and replacement undertaken to crowsteps and to the
wallhead parapet.
2.4.4 Boundary walls
(various locations)
The estate is surrounded by boundary walls of differing styles
and construction showing the artistry of the drystane dyker –
some of them are prominent where adjacent to public roads
and the entrances to the estate. Some act as retaining walls. In
the middle of the estate drystane walls subdivide portions of
the land and could even date as far back as the medieval era.
Walls to the immediate rear of the castle are more formal, of
1 Architectural detail of the lodge is
suffering from the advanced decay of
the sandstone, affecting string courses
and the crenellations for which the
replacement of individual stones with
matching new stone will be required
2 Surviving windows with authentic
lattice leaded glazing are deteriorating
and require to be overhauled by a
specialist conservator; where
replacement windows have been
inserted the original patterns should be
reinstated, having due regard to
mitigating the condensation risk
3 The decorative wrought and cast iron
work to the railings and gates is in need
of refurbishment with railings out of
alignment in places and damaged and
with lost finials; the condition of the
dwarf walls and copes gives cause for
concern with so many stones affected by
decay and with evidence of copes having
been patch repaired with soft bricks and
cement render; the dwarf wall has many
open joints and will require to be taken
down and rebuilt using sound material
wherever possible
4 Flank walls and the sandstone walls on
the opposite side of the public road are
vulnerable from having earth mortar at
the core; there are open joints and stone
copes have decayed; rebuilding in these
instances seems less likely if repairs can
be undertaken timeously
1 A detailed survey of the principal walls
of the estate would be recommended,
highlighting the problems in more detail
than it is possible to lay out in this paper,
and leading to a planned programme for
traditional repair and maintenance.
12
sandstone masonry. Where walls are mortared the core is likely
to be of earth mortar.
The condition of these walls is highly variable, with evidence of
misalignment, bulging, masonry falls, damage by mature trees
and localised collapses. Different repair techniques have been
utilised, not always with success.
13
2.5 Residential properties and holiday lodges
designation
2.5.1 Gardener's House
and Ardallie, NH735895
Illustration
Unlisted
Description
Conservation issues
Residential lodges with much of the accommodation in ranges
to the rear (north), located to the south of the estate quarry.
Erected in 1880 on the site of a former kennel. Painted timber
bargeboads to front house, crowsteps to the rear. Alterations
include the addition of a flat-roofed dormer to the principal
elevation (the width of the original dormer can be established
from the interruption to the line of the wallhead tabling) and
infilling a wide opening with a modern screen – in neither case
attractively.
1 Structural movement observed at the
front elevation, dislodging the lintol end
bearing of a ground floor window; minor
structural movement observed at the
east elevation
Crowsteps to Gardener's House were removed in the 1980s and
replaced with plain bargeboards. Reslating the roofs of Ardallie
has been carried out by the Carnegie Club.
3 Chimneyhead rebuilt in cementrendered brickwork should be taken
down and rebuilt in stone
Small store with a slated roof to the rear – wall openings have
been altered and masonry repointed in dense cement mortar.
4 Missing decorative cast iron
holderbatts should be replaced where
missing
2 Stone decay observed at gables,
chimneyheads and at crowsteps, in some
cases severe
5 Front wall of the small store to the
rear of the lodge bulging outwards; the
dense cement pointing should be
removed and repointing undertaken in
lime mortar
2.5.2 Kennels Cottage,
and kennels, NH735896
Unlisted
On the site of what appear to have been kennels on the 1877
OS map. The kennels block to the south of the cottage is later
and is shown on the 1906 edition of the map but the cottage
was erected after this date. Unusually the cottage has a
piended (hipped) slated roof with overhanging painted eaves
and a red clay ridge with finals (the west finial is missing).
Modern unattractive flat-roofed extension to the rear.
6 While the reinstatement of the
original crowsteps at the gables may be
impractical, consideration should be
given to introducing mouldings to the
plain bargeboards
1 Replace missing terracotta finial
14
2.5.3 Clashbuie Cottage,
NH737895
Unlisted
2.5.4 Beechwood,
NH738895
Unlisted
Part of Andrew Carnegie’s improvements – appears on the
1906 OS map. The traditional timber shed with creosoted
batten on board cladding likely to be from the same period. A
later single storey extension bridges the two buildings and
appears insubstantial. Attractive roof of red slates with clay
ridging. Crowstepped gables and hood moulds to windows.
Original windows have been replaced by modern casements at
first floor, with plain windows at the flat-roofed dormer above
the front porch (the dormer may be original). Half-round
engaged rusticated timber columns at the front porch. Most of
the walling repointed in cement mortar, but not aggressively
so.
Erected after the publication of the 1906 OS map, in different
occupancy at ground and first floor with an external forestair at
the rear of the property. The upper part of the property is not
in the ownership of the Carnegie Club. Hybrid roof of painted
overhanging eaves and crowstepped gables. Harled and painted
wall surfaces likely to have been renewed in cement which may
limit breathability; a number of cement repairs have been
undertaken to failed areas of harling crowsteps and
chimneyheads. Exposed stone margins, with some decay
observed. Improvements consist of replacing traditional
windows at first floor with modern casements. Some of the
ogee cast iron rhones have been lost and replaced in PVC.
Porch with rustic timber columns at east elevation and modern
door. Modern conservatory at south elevation. Extension to
rear is clad in unattractive board finish.
1 Stone decay at chimneyheads
2 Unsightly PVC soil and vent pipe at the
front elevation – consider relocating
internally
3 To arrest decay of sandstone, consider
repointing external walls in lime mortar
4 Reinstate traditional sash and case
windows at first floor.
1 Replace modern casement windows at
first floor with traditional sash and case
windows
2 Paint exposed cement patches to
harling; in the longer term give
consideration to removing harling if
cementitious and replacing in lime
harling with a pigmented limewash finish
3 Replace decayed stonework and
damaged stones patched in cement
4 Renew lead ridging to roof (patched in
many places)
5 Replace modern board cladding to
rear of the property with traditional
board finish
2.5.5 Trades Cottage,
NH740895
Unlisted
Appear as a pair of cottages on the 1906 OS map, converted to
a single house. Attractively proportioned with part rustic timber
porches matching the design as 2.5.3; modern glazed doors.
Painted harled finish with stone margins similar to 2.5.1. Most
of the original decorative holderbatts have been lost, and
sections of cast iron rainwater goods renewed in PVC. Cement
slurry appears to have been applied to stone margins at some
window openings. Some stone decay observed at
chimneyheads, exacerbated by the use of cement mortar.
6 Restore missing sections of cast iron
ogee patterned gutters with matching
sections
1 Remove cement slurry applied at
window margins and repair stonework
according to the extent of damage
uncovered
2 Replace the worst of the decayed
stones at the chimneyheads in new
matching stonework and repoint in lime
mortar
15
2.5.6 Ivy Cottage and
Round House, NH738893
Unlisted
2.5.7 The Dairy Cottage
and Whitfield, NH736893
Listed B
2.5.8 Laundry Cottage,
NH735894
Unlisted
Contemporary with the Home Farm complex of c1873, with
which it is shown on axis with the cattle court. Plain stone
dormers; the gables have clipped eaves unusually (more
common in Caithness) but it seems likely that the original
skewstones have been removed. The pavilions have halfpiended gables. Blue slate roofs have stone ridging. The
detached summer house at the east end of the house
(presumably an old dairy) has hooded window mouldings and is
later as it appears on the 1906 OS map. Unlike the house, which
has been repointed in cement mortar, it retains its attractive
lime pointing, although open joints were observed at the base
of the walls. Some stone decay as observed at the
chimneyheads; the west chimneyhead is bulging and leaning.
Slate vents have been added to the roofs of both buildings,
diminishing their appearance; reslating had been carried out by
Peter de Savary.
Attractive former dairy and cottage now subdivided into two
lodges. Appears on 1906 OS map. Characteristic red slate roof
with close-mitred piends, red clay ridging and terracotta finials.
Oversized cast lead features to the roof of the dairy. Arcade of
rustic timber columns and braces set on stone blocks. Stone
ashlar masonry largely free of defect. Broken slates observed,
and stone decay is most obvious at the crowsteps at the east
gable (where defective stones appear to be painted over) and
at chimneyheads. Loss of projecting skewputt from stone
decay. The original ventilators on the roof were removed in the
1980s.
The lodge has been extensively refurbished, with external
windows replaced with modern windows with wooden beads
and trickle ventilators which affect authenticity, although it is
assumed that the fenestration patterns are matching. Appears
on the 1906 OS map. New red clay ridge with cresting, and
probably due to a shortfall in obtaining the original red
coloured slates some of the roofs appear to have been reslated
in Welsh purple slate (reslating carried out by Peter de Savary).
The large catslide dormer windows illuminating the first floor at
the east end of the house are later insertions. The angled porch
is modern. Extensive problems of stone decay noted in a
number of areas, and some of the chimneyheads appear to be
leaning inwards. Decay to rubble masonry exacerbated by the
use of dense cement mortar. Former window opening at east
gable blocked up with concrete bricks. Moss growth on some of
the roofs may reduce life of the original red slates.
3 Replace missing finials at porches
1 Repoint the external walls of the
cottage in lime mortar to reduce the risk
of stone decay
2 Replace decayed and damaged stones
in the chimneyheads in new matching
stonework and repoint in lime mortar;
the west chimneyhead may require to be
taken down and rebuilt
3 Point up open joints at the base of the
walls to the Round House in lime mortar
4 Depending on the evidence, give
consideration to reinstating the stone
skews
1 Overhaul slate roof using matching
red slate
2 Replace decayed stones at the
crowsteps, and the stones at the ashlar
chimneyheads suffering from
delamination of the face; reinstate
missing architectural detail at the
skewputts
1 Inspect chimneyheads individually and
take down and rebuild where unsound,
replacing defective stonework
2 Brush down moss from roofing and
consider the introduction of copper
strips to mitigate risk of re-growth
3 Remove cement pointing, replace
decayed stones in rubble masonry and
repoint walls in lime mortar; replace
defective stones to crowstepped gables
4 Remove infilling of concrete bricks to
former window opening; consider
introducing a smooth rendered blind
16
panel which replicates the fenestration
pattern
2.5.9 Ospisdale Lodge,
includes the gymnasium
and spa, NH734889
Listed B
2.5.10 Greenkeeper's
Cottage, NH734875
Unlisted
Formerly two separate cottages with an elaborate façade facing
north towards the castle, disguising the former electric house
and private telephone exchange. Latterly in use as a motor
garage prior to recent conversion to the gymnasium and spa.
Raised louvered ventilators at the roof ridges and elaborate
cast iron rainwater goods. Westmorland green slate roof.
Carved pediments to the middle pair of dormers. Octagonal
sandstone ashlar chimneyheads, with the west chimneyhead
taken down by Peter de Savary and not rebuilt, leaving a stump.
Extensive stone decay to chimneyheads with loss of moulding
to the copes, open joints and delaminating ashlar stonework;
loss of carved detail due to extensive decay to the carvings at
the dormers; stone decay to crowsteps (in some areas overclad
neatly in leadwork). The refurbishment of the property has
been carried out by the Carnegie Club with sensitivity. Appears
on the 1906 OS map.
Noted as Evelix Cottage on the 1906 OS map and shown as a
single rectangle in plan. Red clay crested ridge. Cottage
extended in 2006 with new red sandstone dressings and a new
porch which resembles the existing porch at the southwest
corner of the building. Ventilators disturb the line of the slate
roof. Three of the crowstepped gables and chimneyheads are
original, and while stone decay is not an issue here open joints
were observed at high level. New stonework includes projecting
bay windows, but the dressings of the new work are not quite
the close match they should be to the original. New stonework
pointed up in cement mortar. All of the windows have been
renewed, timber beads to glazing.
1 Repairs needed to painted timber
louvres to the raised ridge ventilators
2 Defective stone to be replaced at the
chimneyheads in matching stone, for
which it is assumed that the
chimneyheads will require to be taken
down and rebuilt; the missing
chimneyhead at the west gable to be
reinstated
3 Carvings to be consolidated and
repaired by a stone conservator
4 Missing architectural detail to the
façade to be reinstated
5 Defective crowsteps to be replaced;
give consideration in the longer term to
replacing defective crowsteps where
overclad in lead
1 Point up open joints in crowsteps and
at the margins to the chimneyheads in
lime mortar
2 Consider repointing new stonework in
lime mortar
17
2.5.11 Pulrossie
Farmhouse, NH72884
Unlisted
Eighteenth century farmhouse, which may have been T-shaped
on plan and in a prominent exposed location on the estate. It
has seen many changes. On the 1877 the house is shown
attached to the steading, E-shaped in plan with a horse gang at
the southwest corner to serve a threshing mill. Parts of the
cattle courts were filled in c1891, as shown on the 1906 OS
map, but with the horse gang removed. There appear to have
been several structures in the vicinity of the house, all of which
have now been demolished. The walled garden had been to the
immediate north. Recent refurbishment has seen a new partpiended porch with a flat roof added (which appears too wide
for the elevation) and conservation rooflights added to the roof
which, although having the merit of being fitted flush with the
slates, appear ungainly in design. New sash and case windows
have been introduced, with timber beads and trickle ventilators
as seen elsewhere on the estate. Some stone mullions at
window openings have been removed. Cementitious renders
have been introduced to some of the window margins,
presumably to address problems of stone decay, occasionally
introduced as plastic repairs to damaged stonework; some of
the render at the cills is cracked. The harled external walls are
assumed to be painted cement. The complete renovation of the
property was undertaken in 2008.
1 In the interests of limiting further
damage to decayed stonework, remove
cement rendered window margins and
plastic repairs to decayed stonework;
repoint open joints to the stone window
margins in lime mortar
2 Give consideration to removing any
cement harling and replacing it with lime
harling in the interests of reducing long
term decay and allowing the walls to
breathe
18
2.6 Storage buildings, workshops, nursery and stables
designation
2.6.1 Home Farm, central
block (Ivy Barn),
NH738893
Illustration
Unlisted
Description
Conservation issues
Appears on 1906 OS map as a centrepiece for the Home Farm
complex, built originally as a U-plan with a narrow range at the
heart of the courtyard set behind an open cattle court. By 1906
the courtyard had been built over and the ranges extended to
meet the walls of the outer ranges running north-south. The
profiles of the roofs can be identified on the exposed walls of
the present structure. Probably built as garaging for Andrew
Carnegie. The block, although having a crowstepped gable as a
focus for the centre of the range, had never been symmetrical.
The wing to the east of the central block, and the surrounding
structures to the immediate north and west, have all been
demolished and the roof has been stripped of its Welsh slates.
The rear wall is of plastered common brick. From historic
photographs the single storey building to the east may have
been roofed in pantiles.
The structure is unstable and at the risk
of collapse; fractures in the external
walls are such that the walls are not
acting in unison to withstand the lateral
forces imposes by the roof. If the
structure were to be saved in any form it
would require to be taken down and
rebuilt with a new roof structure and the
external walls buttressed on new
foundations. The building is of limited
special interest and does not merit such
drastic action. There is potential to
recreate the crowstepped gable as a
feature of any future redevelopment of
the site.
The roof structure has long, open spans, and while these were
countered by the use of timber box trusses and metal tie rods,
it has failed, imposing lateral forces at the tall, unrestrained,
external walls which are noticeably out of plumb. The extent of
the outward movement has been measured for record
purposes. Structural repairs to the timbers, and the insertion of
the concrete block partition wall at the node point of the
trusses have failed to arrest the outward movement. The
tendency for the walls to move outwards is compounded by a
number of other factors which include: the loss of support of
the adjoining structures; the weakness of the unrestrained
walls having a core of earth mortar; and foundation problems
causing the walls to settle. There are several structural
fractures in the external masonry walls
19
2.6.2 Home Farm, west
range, NH737894
Unlisted
2.6.3 Home Farm, east
range, NH737894
Unlisted
Understood to have been part of the estate improvements
undertaken c1873 by Sutherland-Walker although the
construction elements and materials may suggest an earlier
date. Visible as a showpiece from the mansion house, with the
west gable aligned with the approach from the west. Appears
on the 1877 OS map as a unified composition with the ranges
attached to one another although historic photographs and the
evidence of the fabric of the buildings suggest this had not
always been the case. Plain, robust detailing of the
crowstepped gables and dormer pediments, and the double
collared roof gave some strength at the wallheads.
The requirements for access for large machinery and for
storage purposes have been unkind to the building from the
number of large openings formed which destroy its symmetry;
to the north of the central crowstepped gable the dormers
have been removed and the window openings blocked up.
Much of the damage to the exterior had occurred prior to
1982. The intermediate floors have all been removed and this
has created weaknesses in the external walls which are
vulnerable to cracking being unrestrained throughout their
height. The replacement of the slates for a modern profiled
metal roof does little for the external appearance of the range,
while the removal of one of the sections of roof and
replacement with lightweight trusses appears unresolved and
weakens the restraint at the head of the external walls. This
had been introduced where a grain elevator had been installed
in the past.
Attractive range as part of the Home Farm complex, see notes
above, which survives close to its original state but for the
insertion of a large access door to the south gable and the
removal of the intermediate floor which is restricted here to
the south end of the range. Lower floor occupied originally as
stables, probably for farm horses, with hayloft above.
Originally there were three farm labourers’ houses in a terrace,
each having a porch, similarly detailed and to the same height
to the immediate north of the range. They were unconnected
with the cartshed range (now stables) to the rear, and were
demolished in the 1980s. Original blue slate roof survives.
Double collared roof trusses as at the west range. Currently in
use as a store.
Structural movement observed to the masonry of the external
shell, most noticeably at the south gable and at the northwest
corner where the gable appears unstable, probably as a
1 The structure has the potential to
accommodate a sympathetic conversion
to residential or similar uses
2 The unrestrained masonry walls
should be given support, possibly in
areas achieved through rebuilding the
roof
3 Consideration should be given to
reinstating missing dormer pediments,
and to reinstating a slate roof finish to
match the corresponding east range
4 Counter ongoing decay to the pink
rubble sandstone and dressings by
removing patches of cement mortar and
repointing in lime mortar (of which
much survives); consideration may have
to be given to harling damaged or
disturbed areas of rubble work on the
courtyard side
1 Overhaul slate roof replacing any
missing slates
2 Take down and rebuild chimneyhead
at the south gable
3 Brush back defective rubble masonry
with a bristle brush and remove traces
of cement pointing; repoint walls in lime
mortar, consolidating the core of the
wall at the northwest corner and stitch
the structural crack above
4 Consider reintroducing the
intermediate floor at the south end of
the range to restore stability to the
south gable
20
2.6.4 Home Farm, former
cartshed range, now
stables, NH737894
Unlisted
2.6.5 Children's Barn,
NH737894
Unlisted
consequence of the disturbed masonry where the adjoining
structure has been taken down. Some erosion in the rubble
masonry, exacerbated by unsightly repointing in cement
mortar. The chimneyhead at the south gable is unstable and
has collapsed partially on the inner face. Repairs needed to
sash and case windows. Original slate roof survives.
Unusually long cartshed range, with well-proportioned arcade
of sandstone pillars and timber beam. Crowstepped gables to
match other structures of the farm complex. Original timber
trusses, sarked for slate roof finish, now replaced with
unattractive corrugated asbestos cement roofing. Interior
spaces converted to stables stalls and loose boxes. Part of the
original farm complex and on the 1877 OS map. Other
structures (such as an icehouse) to the north and east of the
range have been demolished.
Postdates the 1906 OS map. Evidence of original sneck harled
lime mortar, although much has been repointed in cement.
The front wall has similar rubble masonry, but has been
repointed in cement with an uncharacteristic recessed joint.
Advanced decay of sandstone crowsteps, and faces of
individual stones of the ashlar of the broached chimneyhead to
the rear of the building are delaminating. The building has
been refurbished, and all external joinery to windows and
doors replaced.
5 Retain original sash and case windows
and all historic glass; repair sections in
preference to replacement with new
windows
1 Consider removing the later range
connecting infilling the gap with the
west range
2 Reinstate the slate roof finish
3 Repoint open joints in lime mortar
1 Remove cement mortar and repoint in
lime mortar as sneck harling
2 Replace decayed sandstone to
crowsteps
3 Replace defective stones to the ashlar
chimneyhead to the rear of the building
4 Apply rust inhibiting paint and
redecorate the roof ventilators
5 Replace PVC rainwater goods in cast
iron, ensuring that all original features
are retained and repaired, and
replicated where lost
2.6.6 Workshop
(Piggery), NH737895
Unlisted
Erected before 1906. The OS map indicates that there had
been a series of long enclosures aligned with the cast iron
columns of the open verandah to the front of the building,
suggesting possible use associated with the name given to the
property of the Piggery. Same triangular louvred roof
ventilators as the adjoining Children's Barn. Crowstepped
gables with blocked apex stones and finials, some of which are
missing. Advanced decay of sandstone crowsteps and of the
chimneyhead at the north gable.
1 Repair and redecorate external
joinerwork
2 Replace missing apex stones and
decorative stone finials; take down
remains of chimneyhead at the north
gable and reinstate in matching
stonework
3 Overhaul slate roof and check all
leadwork, particularly the condition of
the secret lead gutters to the north
21
roofs; seek to introduce effective
overflows to overcome dampness in the
masonry at the outlets to the rainwater
goods
22
2.7 Estate infrastructure
designation
2.7.1 Icehouse,
NH736892
Illustration
Unlisted
2.7.2 Swimming Pool
Bridge, NH736888
Unlisted
2.7.3 Ospidale Bridge,
spanning outfall from
Loch Ospisdale and
sluice gates, NH733888
Listed C
Description
Conservation issues
Appears on the 1877 OS map with a series of other structures,
including a doocot, all of which, with the exception of the
icehouse, were swept away with the improvements to the
landscaping carried out by Andrew Carnegie. The structure
appears as a well on the 1906 map.
1 Repoint open joints in lime mortar
More elaborate than the other road bridges on the estate
because of its prominence in views from the castle. Single
stone arch with abutments. Ironwork suggests that this had
been fabricated by the Rose Street Foundry (Inverness) and
the date c1900. Recent repairs have removed the stone
parapet at the level of the roof deck and replaced them in
precast concrete, leaving the baseplates unsupported. Some
of the stone piers appear to be leaning outwards, suggesting
movement in the bridge abutments.
Impressive and well-proportioned rock-faced sandstone
bridge, an elaborate development of the simple 'clapper
bridges' found in Sutherland. Part of the landscaping
improvements undertaken by Andrew Carnegie and in
position by 1906. Controlled sluice gates with operating
machinery stamped 'Glenfield & Kennedy Ltd., Kilmarnock'.
Copes have largely disintegrated due to advanced stone
decay. Stonework to cutwaters also decayed.
1 Reinstate parapet stones to match
the original arrangement, and provide
supports for the balustrading; replace
missing sections of balustrading
The bridge makes a strong contribution to the setting of the
swimming pool and gymnasium buildings, and to the views
southwards: consideration should be given to raising the
listing to Category B.
2 Repoint masonry in hydraulic lime
mortar, replacing any soft or badly
cracked stones to match the rock-faced
stonework
1 Replace damaged or missing cope
stones
2 Rebuild cutwaters in matching
stonework, replacing decayed stones
23
2.7.4 Road bridge over
River Evelix, NH734875
Unlisted
2.7.5 Road bridge on
West Drive, NH725892
Unlisted
Long span bridge of iron girders supported on stone cutwaters
– at mid-span additional concrete support walls have been
introduced. Plaques confirm the manufacturer to be the Rose
Street Foundry, and the date 1900. Some decay to the
stonework of the cutwaters.
From the evidence of the design and construction of the other
bridges on the estate the bridge decking and balustrading
would have been fabricated by the Rose Street Foundry
c1900. Stiffened plate girders have deflected under vehicular
load, and have distorted, resulting in the balustrading being
out of vertical. Masonry neatly repointed in cement mortar;
some plastic repairs to decayed stonework observed. Copes
replaced in yellow sandstone. Plate girders in need of
redecoration.
1 Replace decayed stones in the
cutwaters
2 Repointing of the bridge abutments
in hydraulic lime mortar
3 Close off the gaps at the junction
between the iron girders and the stone
abutments to reduce risk of rusting
1 Engineering inspection recommended
if not previously instructed to consider
safe loadings on the bridge deck and
whether weight restrictions should be
applied
2 The road surfacing should be scraped
off to reveal the bridge deck;
strengthening of the deck may have to
be carried out without change to the
external appearance of the bridge deck
and the structural metalwork
sandblasted and prepared for
redecoration with the distortions in the
balustrading rectified

The Carnegie Club Historic environment audit of the Skibo Estate

Transcription

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