1900 John J Burnet
A leading commercial architect, the Glasgow–born Burnet had studied at the Institute des Beaux Arts in Paris, so though local was not parochial.

The ground floor was developed mainly with men and sport (notably fox-hunting) in mind. It was enlarged to accommodate a porch, a cloakroom and a billiard room. A top storey was inserted in the roof to provide nurseries for grandchildren and a flat for the butler. To balance the new addition to the ground floor, Burnet added a heavy cornice and carved stone crest at the roof line.

Perhaps the most striking feature of Burnet’s interior is the pair of pink marble pillars with mythological beastie at their base. This was Burnet’s favourite way of ending a stair rail.

George Kidston’s sister, who came to control the household after his wife died on the birth of their ninth child, ruled on the first floor – a more feminine place of entertainment. The drawing room with its baroque door-case, white marble fireplace, high ceiling, and bow window overlooking the Clyde, is possible one of the finest of Burnet’s interiors. Because of his work the house is designated ‘historic’.

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