Glaisnock House, Benston Road, Holmhead

2-storey, gabled Tudor revival house with basement, and attic to later bays. Rubble sandstone with moulded chamfered arrises and hoodmoulds, stone mullions and transoms, partial base course.

Built for the Allason family. The absence of stacks removes the grace of the house which appears squat as a result. A conservatory formerly stood on outlined ground to side. The building has been used for education since 1948 (Davis). (Historic Scotland)

February 1999: Outline planning consent is sought by EDC Ltd for a college, hotel and residential development. March 1999: Although broadly supportive, SCT objects to the enchroachment of surburban housing that would compromise the house's outlook and setting. The Architectural Heritage Society of Scotland expresses similar concerns. Outline consent for the new-build of houses is subsequently granted. A detailed application follows: 28 detached houses would be erected on the estate, with the house converted to a hotel and staff accommodated in the stable block. An education and training college would be erected on high ground to the south west. SCT maintains its objection. September 2001: External inspection reveals that the house remains secure but vacant. Whilst externally the building appears to be in reasonable condition, internal inspection reveals dry rot to have broken out in several places, particularly to the rear where burst pipes have resulted in flooding. SCT receives information that the house has been on the market for some time and that East Ayrshire Council has received up to 7 offers. November 2001: SCT understands that Glaisnock is now under offer. January 2002: Local planners confirm that the house has been sold. The new owner appears to have promising plans to refurbish. November 2002: A planning application is submitted for the conversion of the stable block and the alteration of the house into a further education college. SCT commends the proposal for returning the house to its original use, and for its light-handed intervention into the original fabric. SCT does however, express certain reservations with regards to the extent of the stable block conversion, judged overambitious. Detailed plans for the proposed new-build of houses in the grounds are not seen. September 2006: Local authority report that an application was approoved for the refurbishment of the house in March 2004.

February 2010: External inspection suggests that the house is now partially occupied.

29 October 2014: External inspection finds the building remains in much the same condition as seen previously. It is unclear whether there is any occupation of the property. Ayrshire Scotland Business News reported Oct 2014 that the property had been sold to new owners who intended to convert the property to language and cultural centre for Chinese students and entrepreneurs.

23 April 2018: A member of the public advises all ground floor windows are boarded over, upper floors are unboarded with broken glazings. A boundary wall to the rear of the building is reported to have collapsed.

11 June 2018: The Cumnock Chronicle reported (8/6/2018) on a fire at the property.

14 December 2020: The Cumnock Chronicle reported (25/6/2020) on a fire within an annex building to the complex. The article goes on to note the building has been subject to ongoing vandalism and East Ayrshire Council has had to previously secure the privately-owned building.

30 May 2024: A member of the public advises that the northern roof pitch has collapsed into the building.