A substantial sandstone villa at Ascog on the E coast of the Isle of Bute, Southpark is set in 1.5 ha (3.8 acres) of gardens, with fine views across the Firth of Clyde. The property is B-listed dates from the later 19th C and was used as a residential school for children from Glasgow in the 1940s and 50s, initially for wartime evacuees from Glasgow. The comedy actor Duncan Macrae (1905-67) was a teacher here in 1940. Southpark subsequently reverted to use as a private home. Inside there is a sweeping staircase to the first floor, together with fine period features including plasterwork ceilings and cornices. Reminders of its time as a school remain, including cloakrooms, coat-hooks and spaces for shoes. The school-children began the suggestion that the house is inhabited by fairies; this probably came about from the sparkling of moonlight reflected from the sea.
Within the grounds, which feature rhododendrons and mature trees, are the C-listed Southpark Lodge and a Coach House, now divided into two flats.
