Rosebery House, 9, King Street, Inverkeithing

3-storey and attic (2-storeys to N) L-plan town house; 19th century ashlar single storey Gothic detailed former doctor's surgery adjoining to NW corner. Rendered; painted margins; some stone cills to house. 16th century block (parallel to King Street): vaulted ground floor with Gothic arched openings (forming 1st phase of construction); pilastered doorpiece; lean-to roof. 1705-1711, W wing (parallel to Port Street): part vaulted ground floor; crowstepped gable to S and part to N; cat-slide dormers to SW.

Possibly the earliest surviving house in the burgh, the vaulted rooms indicate a date no later than the early 16th century. Stephen speculates that the early core of the house could possibly indicate a 15th century date. The first form of the house consisted of an oblong block parallel to King Street, with an adjoining pend that gave access to a court to the rear. The unusual lean-to roof is locally known as a 'toofall´ and would also have been seen at Thomson´s House prior to the addition of a 3rd storey. The house was partially rebuilt during the 17th century and was extended to the W between 1705 and 1711 when it was owned by the Earl of Rosebery. The house was sold by Rosebery to John Dundas and Beatrice Ferguson in 1711. A garden house (demolished in the 2nd half of the 20th century) was formerly located at the end of the garden and bore the inscribed lintel identifying Dundas and Ferguson. 18th century alterations provided classical features such as the Doric doorpiece and stone spiral stair to the E. (Historic Scotland)

May 2008: External inspection finds the property occupied but suffering deterioration; there are missing roof slates and buddleia growth on the roof and door pediment.

July 2010: External inspection finds no significant change from the previous site visit. The building continues to deteriorate.

27 May 2014: External inspection finds the building remains occupied and in use, but there remain concerns of a lack of maintenance.

8 August 2018: External inspection finds no significant change from previous visit. Concerns remain over lack of maintenance. There is excessive ivy growth, especially to the rear of the property.

16 October 2020: Listed Building Consent (20/01514/LBC) for alterations is being sought.

3 May 2024: Previously noted listed building consent (20/01514/LBC) was conditionally granted 08/03/2021. A related building warrant (20/01312/BW) notes building works for alterations and conversion of derelict property to form dwelling house have started. Moved to Restoration in Progress.