LadyFIeld (East) Historic description from Buildings at Risk Register for Scotland 2-storey, 3-bay approximately T-plan classical villa with semi-sunk basement, situated within large wooded grounds with a west facing entrance elevation. The west elevation has a classicised central porch with pilasters to chamfered angles, a frieze, cornice and blocking course flanked by a curved flight of steps on either side of the door. This elevation has a base course with a banded cill course at first floor, an eaves course and cornice
There is a Venetian style window above in a recessed, gabled panel. The entrance elevation is of broached ashlar and elsewhere the elevations are predominantly rubble-built with ashlar margins, all painted. There are raised margins to the windows. Piended slate roof, the stacks have been removed. The interior was seen in 2013, it is largely altered. The vestibule is classically decorated, doric columns frame the entrance into the elevated hall which is reached by steps. A cantilevered stair with decorative cast-iron balusters remains at the end of the hall. Ladyfield East is a good representative of a relatively small number of classical style early 19th century villas on the outskirts of Dumfries, a Royal Burgh and market town in the south of Scotland. The villa has some connections to regional figures and its history is closely related to Ladyfield West (see separate listing). Ladyfield East is relatively rare in terms of building type as it is one of a handful of classical style villas of this date in the region recognised in Gifford’s ‘Buildings of Scotland: Dumfries & Galloway’.
( Agency Pilot Software ref: 4257 )
Location
Ladyfield is owned by NHS Dumfries & Galloway and sit on the opposite side of Glencaple Road to the west of the Crichton. As with the other listed building within the NHS estate, new complimentary use/ conversion/ extension needs to be found to safeguard their future. Ladyfield West was designed Walter Newall in 1812, it is a significant building because of its early date, the importance of its architect and its Greek Revival style.
It is Category B-listed. It has been vacant since the early 2000s. Interest has been shown and an initial design & feasibility concept has been developed by a housing association to create an Autism residence with links to healthcare academic partners. Ladyfield East is a good representative of a relatively small number of classical style early 19th century villas on the outskirts of Dumfries, a Royal Burgh and market town in the south of Scotland. It was built in the 1820s or 1830s. Interest has been shown and an initial design & feasibility concept has been developed by a housing association to create a dementia residence with links to healthcare & academic partners.
Accommodation
west - development option
Ladyfield East & West Both Ladyfield East and West are Category B-listed properties that have been subject to separate, now historic, planning applications which have never been determined and, as a consequence, both properties have fallen into significant disrepair. Indeed, much of the interior of Ladyfield West has been lost due to the rot and eventual collapse of its roof. The viability of both properties, given their remote location and current condition, is a significant issue that needs to be carefully addressed. Whilst a return to residential use offers the most likely solution this needs to be considered within the Dumfries and D&G regional housing market with the eventual cost of restoration measured against the eventual property value. With that basic principle established, alternative uses have been considered for both properties that would allow sympathetic conversion and/or extension; either for complimentary use should Crichton Hall be successfully developed as a hotel or alternatively standalone developments.
Ladyfield West Whilst extension and expansion to create a number of specialist residential and day care health related uses; including an elderly care home, dementia care centre and/or residential facilities for children/young adults with Autism, following initial consultation with Historic Environment Scotland there is a strong preference to see Ladyfield West returned to its’ former use as an individual dwelling house set within its original landscaped garden. On that basis, indicative restoration costs are outlined together with a valuation of what the completed development could be sold for in relation to the Dumfries housing market.