Introduction

This afternoon, I am reporting on Holmwood House, an architectural gem located in Netherlee Road, Glasgow, West of Scotland.

Front elevation of Holmwood House

Information on Holmwood House

This high status residential property was designed by local architect, Alexander ‘Greek’ Thomson (1817-75) .Client was James Couper, a wealthy businessman who used the property for both business and residential purposes, as was common in those days. Construction occurred between 1857-8 when Glasgow was experiencing rapid economic growth.

Architect Thomson drew his inspiration from ancient Greek and Egyptian architecture supplemented by Assyrian and Hindu decoration.

The property is now owned by the National Trust for Scotland, a not-for-profit heritage organisation which has expended considerable sums restoring the property to its original state, a process which remains on-going.

Restored wall frieze in dining room.

Internal view of the cupola, a dome like feature atop the building.

Parlour

Bust of architect, Thomson which was donated by one of his descendants.

Victorian era range for cooking and heating.

Example of elaborate internal decor featuring Grecian scenes.

Detail of inlaid wooden floor

Conservators at work on the stairway

White marble chimney piece in entrance hall.

Black Galway Marble fireplace in Dining Room

Side elevation with vegetable garden.

More information

The publication Visitors’ Guide to Scotland contains a section on architecture plus a wide range of touring information for the visitor. The ISBN is 978-1-9161332-0-4. Also available via Kindle.