The house dates from 1832 and was the former Douglas Free School, bequeathed to the people of Newton Stewart by Samuel Douglas in 1799.  The school remained in use until 1922 at which time all free education was transferred to Ewart High School.  Thereafter the building housed many civic services such as the public health department, civil defence, driving test centre, tourist information etc (memorabilia is on display for all to see).  In the 1980’s the building was left empty and finally fell derelict before being offered to sale. In July 2005 the Slater family purchased Douglas house with a dream.  They wanted to restore the building to its former glory and build a new life for their family.  The journey was followed by Shine who produce ‘Build a New Life in the Country’ for Channel Five.  George Clarke the presenter and renowned architect visited Douglas House on numerous occasions to provide advice and tell the story to viewers. The building is still undergoing restoration, the clock tower is to be restored in December 2007 and the living accommodation still requires a kitchen and a great deal of work in many areas.