Cloncaird Castle is located near the small village of Kirkmichael, around 6 kilometres (3.7 mi) east of Maybole in South Ayrshire, Scotland.

The castle was originally built during the 16th century, and is described as having been in the style of feudal mansions of that period, with a large square tower, narrow spiral staircase, and other indications of the time to which it belonged.

The family was settled in Craigton, Lanarkshire in 1746, and Henry's father, James, acquired the estate of Busbie, Ayrshire in 1763 and married 1765 Catharine, daughter of Robert Kerr of Newfield, a grandson of the 1st Marquess of Lothian.

[3] Ritchie succeeded his father at Busbie and Craigton in 1799, and was twice married: to Elizabeth Cathcart (died 1836); then in 1838 to Catherine, daughter of James Fergusson of Kilkerran, 4th Baronet.

[7] Within the grounds are category C listed structures including an Arts and Crafts style garage, U-shaped stable block and a bridge.