Kerelaw House

Kerelaw House was a three-story building constructed from dressed stone with five bays and a projecting central section featuring a Doric entrance porch. The classical proportions and design details reflected the architectural style favored by wealthy landowners in Scotland during the late 1700s.

It was built in 1787 by Lieutenant Colonel Alexander Hamilton near the ruins of Kerelaw Castle, a 12th century fortification. The new residence replaced the older medieval structure and marked the shift toward more spacious dwellings for the rural gentry.

The estate represented the architectural transition from medieval fortifications to refined country houses that occurred throughout Scotland during the Georgian period.

The building no longer stands as it was demolished in the 1970s after being converted into a residential school. Today visitors can only view the site in Stevenston and learn about its history through local records.

It featured a Serlian window set within a recessed blind arch, showcasing architectural principles influenced by refined geometric concepts used in Scottish country houses. This detail represented a subtle way of applying classical design ideas to local building traditions.

Location: North Ayrshire

GPS coordinates: 55.64900,-4.75430

Latest update: December 13, 2025 12:24