Hill House

Upper Colquhoun Street
Helensburgh
Central Scotland
G84 9AJ

Tel: +44 (0)1436 673 900
Fax: +44 (0)1436 674 685
Web: Attraction's Own Web Site

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The finest of Charles Rennie Mackintosh's domestic creations, The Hill House sits high above the Clyde commanding fine views over the river estuary. Walter Blackie, director of the well-known Glasgow publishers, commissioned not only the house and garden but much of the furniture and all the interior fittings and decorative schemes. Mackintosh's wife, Margaret MacDonald, contributed fabric designs and a unique gesso overmantel. The overall effect is daring, but restrained in its elegance: the result, timeless rooms, as modern today as they must have been in 1904 when the Blackie family moved in.

An information room interprets the special relationship between architect and patron. It provides a historical context for the Glasgow Style, the background against which Mackintosh's dazzling architectural effects have most meaning. An exhibition in the upper east wing presents the work of new designers; a stereoscopic view of the main axes of the building; a demonstration of the effects of the wonderful stained glass; a selection of the original fabrics; examples of the effects of patronage; and an examination of the relationship between Mackintosh's work and a designed item which has become a 20th-century icon.

The gardens have been restored to their former glory, and reflect features common to Mackintosh's architectural designs. They also contain a kinetic sculpture given to the by the artist George Rickey.

Additional Information:

  • Explanatory text in French, German, Italian, Japanese, Spanish
  • Braille information sheets
  • Shop specialising in Mackintosh inspired goods and books of architectural and historical interest. Also design shop selling pieces by new designers
  • Tearoom
  • Parking
    Opening Times
    (2007 times)
    30th March to 31st October:
    Daily 1.30 - 5.30pm (last admission 5.00pm).

    Access may be restricted at peak times and at the discretion of the Property Manager.

    Morning visits available for pre-booked groups.

    Admission Charges
    (2007 prices)
    Adult £8.00; Concession £5.00; Family (2 adults + up to 4 children) £20.00; Family (1 adult + up to 4 children) £16.00.

    Directions
    Off B832, between A82 and A814, 23 miles north west of Glasgow.
    Rail: Half hourly service Glasgow-Helensburgh Central Station, then 1½ mile walk or taxi.
    Show map of Hill House...

    Hill House Postcode for SatNav: G84 9AJ

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