Carmichael House, Carmichael

Roofless, since circa 1955 but otherwise substantially intact ruin of H plan country house, probably built for John, 3rd Earl of Hyndford. Main accommodation in 2-storey and attic end ranges, single-storey link range with 2-storey and attic tower. Purple sandstone rubble with cream sandstone dressings.

Plan form unique in Scotland, due to failure to complete original design. (Historic Scotland)

The house stands now in the middle of a commercial forestry plantation, though traces of its once magnificant gardens remain. These were laid out before the present house was built, and can be seen on Roy's map of 1746 which shows, slightly south of the present building, the site of an earlier house which was described, circa 1710 as a "good substantious old house, much repaired and well finished of late; very well planted with a noble avenue from the house to the church". To the south east of the house terraces and flights of stairs lead down to an ornamental canal in front of which stands a small columned ogee-canopied well. In addition there is an embankment laid out in three concentric terraces and an axial avenue of trees. (M.Dean & M.Miers)

July 1994: The owner expresses a desire to see the house restored as a Carmichael Clan Centre. Meanwhile the shell remains reasonably stable. November 1996: The owner commissions the Hurd Rolland Partnership to produce a feasibility study into the possible restoration of the house and nearby Eastend House into holiday accommodation. December 1998: External inspection reveals that some consolidation and repair works have been carried out. February 2000: SCT understands that the owners are currently exploring ways to finance the re-roofing of the house. February 2001: No change reported. April 2005: SCT meets with owner who reiterates their wishes to see the property restored as part of a wider initiative for the whole estate.

March 2010: External inspection finds the building an impressive ruined shell which would benefit from continuing maintenance to prevent further deterioration.

28 September 2013: Limited external inspection possible. From what could be seen from a distance, there is no significant change from the previous site visit.

26 April 2024: Member of the public advises the building remains in largely the same condition as previously recorded visit. Substantial tree and vegetation growth can be seen within both large end ranges causing potential threat to masonry.