The Collegiate Church (the Auld College) is the oldest visible structure in the town. It is a category A-listed Ancient Monument under the protection of Historic Environment Scotland, founded by Sir John Kennedy of Dunure in 1371. The Garden of Eden, located south of the church, was associated with Paradise as it was the monastic gardens of the church. Looking at these facts, one can picture life in early Maybole.

Near the Collegiate Church and the Garden of Eden was located the Black House. Its name came from the Dominican monks for whom it was built. The Dominicans were famed for their intellect and were referred to ‘Blackfriars’ in Scotland and England, from the colour of their robes.