Go crafty for an arts gem
THIS WEEK: An Arts and Crafts gem with modern comforts
HAPPY is the home that makes you smile –then seems to smile right back at you. This beautifully symmetrical detached villa hails from a more optimistic age, built before Europe was engulfed by the First World War.
It is one of the finest examples in Scotland of the Arts and Crafts movement, which became popular in the latter half of the 19th century as a reaction to industrialisation.
Architects imbued their properties with sheer individualism, with specialist craftsmen ensuring that no two homes were the same.
They came replete with stained glass windows, fine wood panelling to ceiling height and ingleneuk fireplaces with romantic little benches beside the hearth.
Roman Court in Bearsden, East Dunbartonshire, was designed by Alan G MacNaughton, the architect who also gave us the ‘Men’s Union’ at the University of Glasgow.
In naming Roman Court, MacNaughton bought into the area’s association with the Antonine Wall, the turf-and-stone defensive fortification which ran for almost 40 miles across central Scotland.
He also gave it Roman numerals above the doorway, indicating the year 1912.
Alan Henderson has lived in the happy house for the past 20 years, he and his wife bringing up three children in its five bedrooms and four public rooms.
‘It has been a delight to live here,’ he said. ‘If it was half the size I wouldn’t be leaving. We are downsizing now because, at almost 4,000sq ft, it’s really too big for just the two of us.’
The magnificent wood-panelled hall, with its Claygate fireplace, offers an unforgettable entry to the house. While many of the original features are intact, modern touches have been added – the master bedroom has its own en suite bathroom and underfloor heating.
Mr Henderson will miss features such as the superb custom-designed hardwood conservatory and delightful gardens, saying: ‘We have loved it here, but now it’s time for someone else to enjoy it.’