Thorntoun house and estate

Thorntoun House is an estate in North Ayrshire with landscaped gardens, mature woodlands, and historic structures including a walled garden and stables. The grounds reveal the layout of a traditional Scottish country property with preserved buildings that shaped its original function.

The property first appeared in records under Murthhaw de Montgomery in 1296 and passed to the Mure family through marriage alliances in the 17th century. This connection shaped the estate through generations.

The Cuninghame family's coat of arms at Thorntoun displays a shakefork design with the enduring motto 'Over fork over', representing their ancestral connection.

The estate sits roughly half a mile from Crosshouse and Springside villages and is accessible by foot. Walking paths wind through the woodland and gardens, allowing visitors to explore the grounds at their own pace.

From 1971 to 1990 the estate served as a school for children and teenagers with emotional difficulties. This lesser-known chapter adds a layer of social purpose to its history.

Location: North Ayrshire

GPS coordinates: 55.61340,-4.57272

Latest update: December 14, 2025 13:08