I've recently become a tourist in my own town, which kinda fits since every time I open my mouth and talk, the other person thinks I am a tourist. So, if the shoe fits....... wear it out and visit all the places you can!
Holmwood House - the chimneys are flowerpot in design. Now that is creative!
I have come to know two different Glaswegian architect/designers. On one side we have Charles Rennie Mackintosh and on the other is Alexander 'Greek' Thomson.
Charles has been in the lead for me this past year, since I was blind to the fact that Thomson existed, but now he is becoming a formidable opponent and has many designed buildings all throughout Glasgow.
This is the Holmwood House, built for the wealthy paper magnate Couper in 1857. Thomson has a penchant for Grecian style and bold opulent colours. So far, he's completely speaking my language.
This one is for you J!
And yes, the carpet was this shade of pepto bismol pink!
I am a sucker for these tile floors.
Loving every bit of this uniqueness!
No clue what time it is!
This was my favorite room of all! Perfect for game nights and a view of the gardens.
I really loved this house, it was grand, yet still homey. The setting was near a river and very peaceful. 8/10. Well done Alex!
Next up is the Hill House designed by his rival Mackintosh, inside and out.
But the crazy thing is, this is how it is presented now!!!
So you run around on this habit-trail thingy, and see it ensconced in a box. They say that two roofs are better than one?!?
It seems that cement was used on the outside, for durability and a unique look. And while this is Scotland, they thought the rain wouldn't get in. It was a devastating mistake that proved fatal for longterm sustainability. The house is crumbling under the elements. (can you even imagine what the Michigan winters would do to it?!?!)
So now, this is the magnificent view from inside.
So once you realize this is a necessity, you can get past it in the name of preservation. Because this 'house' is SPECTACULAR!~
This is the master suite complete with a coved ceiling on one side and a flat ceiling nearer the wardrobes.
This is the famous Mackintosh rose, seen all over the city.
He had me at purple and pink!
The light fixtures are stunning.
The detail goes from lights fixtures, to wall paper, to ceilings and rugs.
I often compare Mackintosh to Frank Lloyd Wright. They are designing around the same time (born 1868 and 1867 respectively), and their styles are weirdly similar. I like CRM better because he worked hand in hand with his artist wife Margaret Macdonald. I think it makes the designs a wee bit more feminine and softer to live with than FLW, IMHO. FLW only cheated on his wives, so there's that.....
This clock is famous for its quirky design of reading right to left at the bottom. Get it?
9, 8, 7
So you read it clockwise, or as the hands rotate.
BRILLIANT!
I don't know which house you liked better. They both are amazing in their own rights. Charlie edges out for the win in my mind, as the house was a true masterpiece and the owners seemed to absolutely love it. You could really move right in (other than the box that encases it and the hoards of tourists stopping by all the time).
But what clinches the deal for me is the quote from Mackintosh above. If you can't read it, I will outline my favourite part,
"Margaret (his wife) has genius, I have only talent."
You win Chuck! You had me at genius! Let me find what other little nuggets you left behind in our wee bonnie country.
Thanks for taking the tour. Please come again soon and be sure to leave us a review on tripadvisor.
💙
your
wee
guide
Keltic Kitty
🏴
the Dora the Explorer of the
Scottish countryside
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