Back in the 17th and 18th century the village of Skirling was the site for a major horse, cattle and sheep fairs, held four times a year. The fair was held on the current village green right by the side of the house, which would be re-built from the original farmhouse some years later... in 1905.  At one time the village supported two inns, but these were lost along with the fair which moved to in 1864.

Another notable building within the village is the Skirling Kirk.  The church was founded in the village many centuries ago the first recorded mention of the village (then called Scraevlyn) was in 1275 in the records of Glasgow Cathedral, the Archdeacon of the Cathedral being the Priest at Skirling.  The current church, which was built in 1720 and then heavily remodelled in 1891. The Kirk is situated opposite the house on higher ground with a fine view over the valley.

The house itself took two years to build (1905-7) and the first plans were for a house by Lorimer on the site of Skirling Castle. Subsequently, Lorimer's associate, Ramsay Traquair, son of the Carmichael's family friend, the Arts & Crafts artist Pheobe Anna Traquair, designed the present building incorporating an 18th century farmhouse and barn.  The site was originally intended for another, larger, house designed by Lorimer for the Maclehouse publishing family.

The house has an abundance of delicate, innovative wrought ironwork by Thomas Hadden, forged to the designs of Traquair and Lord Carmichael, for whom the house was commissioned. The work is evident in the window and door latches, central heating grills, railings and latern, which welcomes visitors arriving at the front entrance.

The drawing room

The drawing room was originally the barn of the farm and features a truy exquisite Florentine ceiling dating back to 1590, and taken from a small drawing room at nearby Castle Craig. It is thought that no two carved roses in the ceiling are alike. There are many other Italian influences including a lovely wall cabinet made in Florence around 1900. 

Outside the house are many more notable pieces or ironwork; the latern, viewing hatch in front door, monkey bell, devil wind vane and charming sundial, dating from the late 17th century, which is now on the west lawn.