Hill House

Hill House

Entrance gates at Hill House

Hill House is an important heritage property located in Helensburgh, S.W. Scotland.

The property dates from 1903 and was designed by famous Glasgow architect, Charles Rennie Mackintosh. More information on Mackintosh’s work can be found in this blog post.

Helensburgh is an upscale residential area located 31 miles N.W. of Glasgow with views across the Firth of Clyde (estuary).

Main entrance

Hill House was commissioned by wealthy publisher, Walter Blackie as a private, family home. More information on the property is provided below.

  • Much of the modelling forms abstract, elemental formal compositions. The entrance facade is modelled graphically, in dynamically satisfying shapes of overlying planes. Privacy of the occupants is afforded via the grey, severe exterior.
  • The architect, Mackintosh was allowed considerable design freedom by Walter Blackie. As a consequence, visitors are afforded a  full appreciation for Mackintosh’s perspectives on domestic architecture.The result here is a blend of Arts & Crafts, Art Nouveau, Scottish Baronial and Japonisme influences.
Side elevation from garden
  • Mackintosh also designed the interior including graphics, furniture, cutlery, furnishing and fabrics. These interiors were the result of collaboration between Mackintosh and his wife, Margaret MacDonald. The latter contributed fabric designs and a panel in gesso above the fireplace in the drawing-room.
South facing elevation

This property was acquired by Scotland’s National Trust in 1982. Subsequently, the Trust embarked on a structural conservation programme and a return to Mackintosh’s original design concept. The extensive gardens around the house have also been restored and can be a delight in themselves during summer time.

Gardens surrounding house

Mackintosh aficionados may wish to consider renting the apartment within Hill House.

Rear of property (from north)

Video clip

Visiting

The House and garden are usually open to visitors from April 1st to October 31st between 1.30 pm and 5.30 pm daily. Check website in advance.

There are regular train services from Glasgow to Helensburgh.

More information

For more information on Mackintosh, and Scotland for visitors, please refer Visitors’ Guide to Scotland, ISBN 978-1-9161332-0-4

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