A STUNNING, A-listed house designed by the Scot who influenced world-famous architect Frank Lloyd Wright could be yours for £335,000.
Created by Alexander ‘Greek’ Thomson – who was born 200 years ago this month – historic Tor House is said to be an “exceptional example of the architect’s work”.
The home, built in Rothesay, Isle of Bute, in 1855 was commissioned by a bookseller called John Wilson.
He instructed a young Thomson to design the home in Italianate style.
Latterly known as ‘Greek’ Thomson, his iconic buildings did more to transform the city of Glasgow into the “Second City of the Empire” than any other architect.
The Scot heavily influenced many architects including Frank Lloyd Wright and this can be seen in American’s Prairie Houses and the Darwin D Martin House.
Tor House represents Thomson’s early work and retains some remarkable features including an Italianate tower at the centre of the L plan villa which also includes Greek detailing: one of Thomson’s famous hallmarks.
The home boasts stunning views over the Firth of Clyde and beyond to the Ayrshire coastline.
The brochure from sellers Savills says the fireplace was rescued from Thomson’s office in Glasgow.
They say: “Tor House is beautifully proportioned, with the main drawing room being a particular highlight.
“Full height windows, a marble fireplace (apparently salvaged from a ‘Greek’ Thomson office building in Glasgow before it was demolished), and decorative motifs on the ceiling are just some of the original features on display.”
They add: “Tor House has a shallow pitch roof, overhanging timber eaves, decorative barge boards and internally there are many original features including ornate plaster work (including sun ray ceiling roses), decorative doors and woodwork and stained glass windows.”
Peter Gillespie of Savills added: “Historic Scotland in their designation of Tor House as ‘A listed’ call the property ‘outstanding’ and it really is: not just for the extraordinary level of detail, craftsmanship and careful preservation, but also because it is a very significant example of one of Scotland’s most important architects.
“And yet, as well as all those things, it is also simply a beautiful house, and one which would make a wonderful family home or holiday house for a buyer who would relish owning a real piece of 19th century architectural history.”
Born in Balfron, Stirling, Thomson was one of 20 children and was orphaned at just 14 years old.
Despite rarely leaving the city of Glasgow, after moving there when he was eight, and having never left the country, Thomson acquired the nickname ‘Greek’ through his classical designs.
Thomson’s finest work includes the renowned St Vincent Street Church, The Egyptian Halls, and Holmwood House, all in Glasgow.
Both he and Wright, during their classical phase, used low-pitched roofs with wide overhanging eaves, allowing their villas to merge with the surrounding landscape.
Thomson and Wright both intended for the landscape to be part of the interiors through large window frames.
