Remains of the day
by Michael R E HopcroftSadly the housebuilding of the 70s, 80s and 90s left little of the built history of Craigends standing. However, if you know where to look you will still find some clues to the past.
Pumphouse
On the banks of the Gryfe stands this mysterious stone built structure. There have been many theories as to the function of the old building from "boat house" and "ice house" to "otter house" (!?). In reality it was a "pump house": an eperimental way of generating electricity for the estate. It has been said that it was designed and built by a Prisoner of War so it is clearly isn't as old as it looks!
View imagesWhere is it?
Home Farm House
"Home Farm" is the only habitable building that remains from the old country estate.
Stone arch
This stone arch predates the country estate.
Years it was in the woods - quite overgrown - romantic.
In 1998 it was demolished and reassembled at Cunningham Gardens.
Family crest
Salvaged during the demolition in 1998 returned to Craigends, Cunningham Gardens.
Perimeter wall
A six foot stone wall circled the entire estate.
Predates the country estate - 18th century?
Walled Garden
Only wall still standing.
Gryfe Bridge
Wouldn't guess it.
Locher Bridge
Built by ? in ?.
Icehouse
Indescernible - no features above ground.
Well
Front of house. Heavily overgrown.
Terrace steps
Only well remaining.
Underground tunnels
Stone lined hole.
Children remember playing in them.
Iron fencing
Delimited the park/farm land from wood land.
Can be seen in many places.
Boundary walls
Low lying dividing walls remain in the woods of the estate.
Ornamental trees
Planted 1857, many much older.
Avenues
Red blaze.
Scattered masonry
Found around the estate, pipes, pottery and other archaeological evidence.
