Hills Tower

Visit the newly restored 16th century stronghold of the Maxwell family.

Hills or Hillis Tower is a 1527 tower house with a 1721 house attached complete with gatehouse and barmkin. Built by the Maxwells it passed to the McCulloch’s of Ardwall in 1733. The property preserves a unique architectural transition from late medieval to a 18th century country house. From 1782 the house and tower was used for farm storage but some restoration and repairs for tenants was carried out in 1930 and 1970 respectively leaving the fabric untouched since they were built.

In 2003 the Gibbs family purchased the property and restoration has involved undoing the work of the 30’s and 70’s in the house and putting floors and windows back in the Tower. The aim in the ongoing restoration is to minimize the modern footprint and create a family home once again with the look and feel of the 1780’s.

The Gibbs family and friends will be on hand to answer questions about their restoration project and let you into the secrets and tales of the Tower.

Directions:
From Dumfries follow the A75 to Cargenbank roundabout turn left to Lochfoot. At the cross roads go straight ahead on the minor road for a kilometre and turn left on the unsurfaced road to Mains of Hills then right at cattle grid to the Tower. Limited parking for approx 12 cars.

Image (c) www.scran.ac.uk