Rush to the suburbs
Larger houses are ideal for families in the post-pandemic race for space
EVEN in an area that was specifically designed for millionaires, this magnificent blonde sandstone residence in a douce city suburb still manages to stand out. In Victorian times, Pollokshields was home to captains of industry who made their money in the centre of grimy Glasgow yet enjoyed retreats only a few miles away in which to indulge their passions for privacy and showing off.
Construction here in the late 19th and early 20th Centuries was no accident. Parcels of land were sold off by the 8th Baronet Sir John Maxwell of Pollok, who was dedicated to creating Britain’s first planned garden suburb.
Strict feu conditions laid down by him meant no shops could be built here, no two homes could look the same and the villas had to be set back exactly 40ft from the road.
As a result, this luxury housebuilding ‘gold rush’ attracted the finest architects of the day, carpenters, stone masons and stained glass window artists. There are styles ranging from the classical to the Italianate, Glasgow to Gothic and Scots Baronial to Old English.
In the West Pollokshields Conservation Area stands the property at present for sale at 13 Hamilton Avenue, right at the heart of the select neighbourhood known as The Avenues.
Selling agents suggest this double-fronted detached villa sits at the favoured ‘eastern’ side of the area, far enough away from the noise of the M77 yet just a stroll away from the local train station, reached through Maxwell Park.
The property is approached via a pillared horseshoe driveway, a sure sign in suburban Glasgow that you have arrived.
With the Victorians’ love of entertaining, it is no real surprise that it is the dining room which comes with all the lovely bells and whistles of that era.
The wood-carved fireplace reaches almost to head height, the scale of the room is superb and an elaborate pattern of plasterwork on the ceiling has been picked out in different colours to fabulous effect.
Closer examination of this cornicing shows that it must have been the work of a master craftsman, still impeccable after more than a century. The original staircase leads up to a half-landing, resplendent in its six-panel stained glass window depicting Flora, the goddess of flowers and spring.
On this level, you will find four double bedrooms, with two more in the attic area above.
In the partially wood-panelled bathroom there is a lovely Victorian-style roll-top claw foot bath.
In all, the property has ten principal apartments, gas central heating, partial double glazing and a security alarm system. And Pollokshields is proving popular with couples moving from Glasgow’s West End, conscious that crossing the river can deliver more bang for your buck in today’s market.
It is also close to the hip enclave of Strathbungo, famed for its independent restaurants and family vibe.
Larger homes have been the big winners in the post-pandemic race for space as families seek room for expansion in the new blended world of working from home. And the immediate area is quieter now that the former Craigholme School, just at the end of Hamilton Avenue, has closed.
It is expected that this house will comfortably burst the £1 million barrier before a new owner goes on to spend a significant sum to maximise the property’s wonderful potential.
The Victorians gave you the canvas… now create your own modern masterpiece.