Secrets of North Ayrshire's old country houses and mansions in new book

The history of some of North Ayrshire's most famous buildings has been revealed in a new book now on sale. The Country Houses, Castles and Mansions of North Ayrshire, by author Alex F. Young gives a fascinating glimpse into the history of some of the most prominent properties in the area, some of them now long lost. And this week, we're going to take a peek inside three of those properties - Ardeer House, Bourtreehill House and Hunterston House, with the kind permission of the author. Ardeer House Ardeer House (Image: Alex F Young) This Thomas Annan photograph of the west-facing front of Ardeer House, was commissioned by T H Millar for his 1885 book The Castles and Mansions of Ayrshire. The early history of the estate is uncertain but, with Dowcotehall, may have been bought from Robert Cunninghame of Auchenharvie in 1708 by the Rev. Patrick Warner (1640-1724), whose descendants built this house around 1800. When Patrick Warner, fifth in succession to the estate, died in September 1824,...