It comprises mainly 17th-19th century cottages and was one of central Scotland's earliest Conservation areas, designated in 1969.

The castle and surrounding estate was purchased by Lt Col Hare of Calder Hall in 1891 who modernised it.

[1] In 1940 the actor and conservationist, Moultrie Kelsall, restored an eighteenth century building, Kirklea Cottage as a family home.

This early conservation project is discussed in 'A future for the past' published jointly with Stuart Harris in 1961.

Kelsall also was instrumental in saving nearby Menstrie Castle and his son Robin wrote of his youth in the village.