Cloncaird Castle facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Cloncaird Castle
Cloncaird Castle from the east
Listed Building – Category B
Designated	14 April 1971
Reference no.	LB7557
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Cloncaird Castle is a historic building located near the village of Kirkmichael. This castle is in South Ayrshire, Scotland. It's about 6 kilometers (4 miles) east of Maybole.

The castle sits next to the Kelsie Burn, within a large 140-acre estate. It started as a 16th-century castle. Later, in the early 1800s, it was made bigger and rebuilt into a country house. For a while, it was a place where people could recover from illness. Today, Cloncaird Castle is a private home once again.

History of Cloncaird Castle

How Cloncaird Castle Began

Cloncaird Castle was first built in the 1500s. It looked like the big, strong homes of that time. It had a large square tower and a narrow spiral staircase. You can still see a special stone panel on the wall dated 1585. This panel shows a coat of arms, which is like a family symbol.

Towards the end of the 16th century, the castle belonged to Walter Mure. He was part of the Auchendrane family.

Changes by Henry Ritchie

In the early 1800s, Henry Ritchie bought Cloncaird Castle. He was born in 1777. His family had been important merchants in Glasgow for many years. Henry Ritchie made Cloncaird his main home.

In 1814, he completely rebuilt and updated the front of the castle. This gave the castle the look it has today. Henry Ritchie passed away in 1843. Since he had no sons, the castle went to his sister's son, William Wallace.

Later Owners and Uses

In 1905, Colonel Wallace sold Cloncaird Castle to a woman named Mrs. Dubs. She later married him in 1908. Mrs. Dubs made many improvements to the castle at this time.

Mrs. Dubs died in 1947. From 1949, the castle was used as a special home. It was called the Dubs Memorial Convalescent Home. This was a place where people could go to get better after being sick. The local government ran it.

After the convalescent home closed, the castle became a private home again. Before 2003, Ephraim Belcher bought it. He was the head of a food company.

Special Features of the Estate

Cloncaird Castle is a "category B" listed building. This means it's an important historic building that is protected.

Inside the castle grounds, there are other protected structures. These are "category C" listed buildings. They include:

• A garage built in the Arts and Crafts style.
• A U-shaped stable building.
• A bridge.

The grounds also have a pond, a weir (a small dam), a fountain, and a walled garden.