Springfield, Ancrum Historic Building Record

Historic Building Recording was undertaken at a Basic level as per ALGAO Scotland Guidance (ALGAO 2013). The Basic record included the following: " Relevant historic maps " A general description of the structure " Exterior and interior photographs and of the building within its wider setting " An annotated ground plan " A narrative placing the structure in its geographical, architectural and historical context The building is in an unsafe condition and is considered at risk of collapse therefore only the exterior of the building was recorded. There is extensive ivy coverage on the north and north-east side of the buildings. Due to the instability of the masonry, it was not possible to remove this without risking further collapse. Photographs of the interior were taken through the windows where possible. Due to the instability of the structure a measured survey was not possible therefore the plans are indicative. Springfield is first recorded on the First Edition Ordnance Survey of 1897 in the form it exists in today. The upstanding remains of the building are of a single phase with some repair and renovations in evidence, in particular relating to the roof. The building is constructed from local greywacke random rubble with soft red sandstone dressed quoins. The masonry is bonded with a course off white lime mortar. There is evidence that the building was formerly harled with several layers of lime harl surviving. More recently the gable was covered with a hard cement render. The southeast facing range is a one and a half storey cottage with timber floors and lath and plaster partition walls. The ground floor has two rooms with a central entrance corridor. A staircase at the rear on the west side provides access to the two rooms above. The east side of the house is in a very poor state with extensive roof collapse. The large building which extends to the rear is laid out with timber cattle stalls with a hay loft above.