All ship shape on the f inest of shores
... and awash with history
THE older and grander a family home, the more you can now discover about the people who once strode its corridors. At Inverkip, in Renfrewshire, all manner of interesting characters have been associated with Ellenbank, a handsome Italianate villa near the shoreline.
They include a friend of tea baron Sir Thomas Lipton, a doctor, an intriguing lady called Fanny Lovibond and the woman who gave the place its name, Ellen Burstall.
But perhaps the most fascinating of all is the man who gave the building ‘life’ in the first place, celebrated architect David Hamilton.
Hamilton is regarded as the ‘father of Glasgow architecture’ because of the quality of civic projects he created in the late 18th and early 19th centuries. Prime among them must be three of the city’s finest creations: Hutchesons’ Hall in Ingram Street, the neighbouring Corinthian and the Royal Exchange, now known as the Gallery of Modern Art.
The architect’s rising status coincided with the city’s burgeoning wealth. Successful merchants competed to own the most impressive holiday homes in Clyde Coast towns such as Skelmorlie, Helensburgh and Rothesay.
Adjoining what is now the marina at Inverkip, Hamilton drew on the influences of Robert and James Adam to create a four-bedroom detached stone house around 1830.
It displays maritime influences, too, in the unusual dual aspect windows reminiscent of the bow of a ship. The austere fireplaces – one of them entirely black – are typical of the school of Adam, but it is the flamboyant curved ceiling in the master bedroom which bears the hallmark of Hamilton.
From the room’s windows you can enjoy views across the Firth of Clyde to Dunoon and Innellan.
The spectacular ceiling and outstanding vistas from this apartment betray the fact it was originally the drawing room, as the Georgians liked to conduct their entertaining on the upper floor.
Present owner Stuart Robertson knows a thing or two about classic design – he has served as director of the Charles Rennie Mackintosh Society for 16 years. He said: ‘Ellenbank is totally unique and it has been a pleasure living here. They certainly don’t build houses like this any more.
‘It is in remarkable condition and the roof and chimneys have been well maintained by the local slater. The tall chimneys are another distinct feature of Hamilton’s work.
‘Before the main road was built next to the house in the 1970s, the grounds would have taken you right down to the beach. Some older properties near the water abound with tales of smuggling.’
Ellenbank has been brought bang up to date thanks to an extensive restoration and improvement programme. The kitchen is especially attractive, with bright, period-style units flanking an Aga.
Built on three levels, the B-listed property contains a converted basement which once served as the staff quarters but could easily be turned into a granny flat. It has two bedrooms, a second lounge, kitchen and shower room.
Mr Robertson still has the old paperwork showing that the first owners were brothers Malcolm and Thomas Muir. They borrowed money from a Dr Watson and used the house as collateral.
Malcolm died and his widow, Ellen Burstall, eventually married Dr Watson. When Thomas became bankrupt, Ellenbank was purchased by Ellen and Dr Watson.
Ellen’s son, George L Watson, married a daughter of Mrs Fanny Lovibond of London and Mr Robertson even has a photo of the couple honeymooning at sea in 1903.
At their wedding in Putney Parish Church, South-West London, best man Sir Thomas Lipton told the waiting press what an achievement it was getting him into church. The Glasgow tea magnate said it was the first wedding he’d ever attended.
Offers over £355,000 to Slater, Hogg & Howison, Greenock. Tel: 01475 503804. Email: greenock@ slaterhogg.co.uk