1700–1799
Eighteenth-century windmill built
Melville House, Dovecot originated as a windmill, probably in the eighteenth century.
Site overview
Melville House, Dovecot stands near Melville House and Gartyne in Fife. It is a circular rubble structure on an artificial mound above the road, with a vaulted chamber below. Its form derives from earlier windmill use, and it was later converted into a dovecot.
Map
Map markers and directions links are provided for location reference only and do not indicate public access or permission to enter a site.
No site photograph is currently available. Images will be added as field visits are carried out.
History
Melville House, Dovecot is a former windmill-derived dovecot near Melville House and Gartyne in Fife. The structure is circular, rubble-built and tapering, standing on an artificial mound above the road. It has a lean-to slate roof with crowstepped curved flanks and a vaulted chamber below.
The upper opening and doorway have dressed freestone details, and the interior is said to retain nesting boxes and a potence. The building originated as a windmill, probably in the eighteenth century, and was later converted into a dovecot. It was listed on 29 June 1978.
No detailed windmill machinery description, ownership sequence, working chronology, or final windmill operating date has been established.
Timeline
1855
Converted to dovecot by mid-nineteenth century
The former windmill had been converted to dovecot use by the mid-nineteenth century.
1978
Listed building designation
Melville House, Dovecot was listed on 29 June 1978.
Sources and records
Historic Environment Scotland listed building record; Trove / Canmore place record; Windmill World site entry; local conservation information