GOUROCK House was one of several fine properties in the district to disappear in the previous century.

It stood in the grounds of Gourock Park and its site is now a large open space.

I have not seen a definitive date for its construction but references suggest it was in the first half of the 1700s.

In 1784, the house, which had expansive grounds, was bought by the Darroch family, the lairds of Gourock.

It was said part of the building was once a castle which was taken down around 1847.

The family conveyed Darroch Park to the town council in 1913. Ten years later, the council purchased Gourock House and its grounds from Colonel Darroch for £10,000.

According to the Telegraph’s archives, the house never settled down to any sort of regular use during public ownership.

At one time it was used for social gatherings, dances and parties and another period saw it let out as a tea room.

During the Second World War it operated as an Air Raid Precautions (ARP) post and control room.

By the end of the war Gourock House was in a dilapidated condition. It was deemed dangerous and demolished in 1947.

Today’s undated main photograph shows Gourock House with immaculate grounds and roadways.

It also appears to be in good condition in August, 1930, when the other picture was taken at a garden party for 180 women delegates and friends attending an Ancient Order of Foresters conference in Greenock.