Athol Manor, Historic manor building in Columbia, United States

Athol Manor is a granite rectory begun in 1732 and finished by 1740, with a side addition of 1768. Its steep roof and small door-sized windows were built to limit taxes owed to Britain on certain features. A square cupola was added and later removed as it deteriorated; a conservatory dates from the 1980s.

The building originated from a royal grant of 600 acres in 1732 to a clergyman for establishing a Church of England location. From this church foundation came the structure and its connections that remain visible today.

The name Athol comes from James MacGill's home in Scotland, and the 1732 patent was titled after it. MacGill, sent by the Bishop of London, raised eleven children here with his wife Sarah Hilleary. The house served as rectory to Christ Church Guilford, and MacGill was buried on the estate after his death in 1779.

The manor stands beside Route 29 on a 2.3-acre remnant of the original grant; Martin Road Park was carved from a small tract next to the house. The site was bought by the Rouse Company, and a stone marker reads "Athol 1730". Approach from the highway side and expect a small, enclosed parcel rather than open grounds.

A 1997 historical survey recommended Athol Manor for the National Register of Historic Places, citing its contributions to history, architecture and artistic merit, but the office of preservation services denied the recommendation. It is one of the few pre-colonial structures within Columbia's planned limits not granted historic status.