Castle Semple

In George Crawford's History of Renfrewshire (1710), he noted, "Upon the brink of the loch stands the castle of Sempill, the principal messuage of a fair lordship of the same denomination, which consists of a large court, part of which seems to be a very ancient building, adorned with pleasant orchards and gardens."

The new Castle Semple was an elaborate gothick mansion which became renowned for its extensive gardens which formed the centrepiece of the 900 acres (360 ha) estate.

These buildings still remain on the northern end of the loch and include the billiard room, stables, servants quarters, kitchens, coach house, and head groomsmen cottage.

Impressive gate-arches, a walled garden and a small temple folly on a knoll are also remains of the Castle Semple estate.

Eastward of the lake, and on the south side, are the remains of the old tower of Elliston Castle, the residence of the Semple family prior to 1550.