The Herald - The Herald Magazine
Life at the sharp end
SITUATED right on the corner edge of Thorn Park and adjacent to Bearsden golf course, Thorn Lodge’s distinctive architectural features make it a landmark within Thorn Road, one of Bearsden’s most coveted addresses – and for the architect who designed it, where better to enjoy views of the park than from your very own roof terrace?
Thorn Lodge is an individual twobedroomed house that will appeal primarily to couples, young families, or downsizers unfazed by the property’s quirky tower, which houses a turnpike staircase.
The distinctive design, however, belies modest origins: the building was constructed in 1927 as an electrical substation – and remained as such until 1996 when it was imaginatively transformed into Thorn Lodge by architect Eric Cadenhead, who sought to maximise the plot’s size and setting, hence the tower, roof terrace, and upside-down layout to take advantage of the views.
The result was so successful Thorn Lodge was shortlisted for the Glasgow UK City of Architecture Design Award in 1999. More recently, the present owners upgraded and further improved the property by converting the garage into a dressing room/home office off the second bedroom, enlarged the main bedroom, and turned the bathroom into a Jack and Jill facility serving both bedrooms.
At the same time the living room was made more open plan to the dining kitchen, the bathroom/cloakroom were renewed, and the kitchen was re-fitted and further upgraded in 2023.
The property also features oak internal doors, high-end white New England-style window shutters, and white column radiators.
The ground floor accommodation comprises entrance hall and the turret – the latter a standout feature with an exposed brick stairwell and stained and leaded window – dual aspect principal bedroom with fitted wardrobes/furniture and fully tiled en suite bathroom (over-bath shower), and reconfigured second bedroom open plan and split-level to a dressing room (previously the garage) with fitted wardrobes/storage – a particularly large space that could equally make a good study/home office.
Upstairs, the triple aspect living room is semi open plan to a dining kitchen (with Corian work surfaces and integrated appliances) that overlooks the park and has French door access to a 15ft wide roof terrace.
The bonus feature is the roof terrace, which has a tiled base, parapet wall, and views across Thorn Park. Planning permission was granted (now lapsed) for a small rear extension and to integrate the roof terrace to the house
The house also has an attractive, gated and well screened front patio garden, and driveway parking with EV charging point.
Close to Thorn Tennis Club and within easy reach of the railway station and amenities at Bearsden Cross, this one-off landmark home could be sold fully furnished if desired. Offers over £359,000 are invited by Rettie’s Bearsden office.