78, Derngate

This is an early 19th century house with a later extension and alterations undertaken in 1916/19 by Charles Rennie Mackintosh for W J Bassett-Lowke. The house is constructed of red brick with a Welsh slate roof and a brick ridge stack. It is part of a terrace with a basement to the rear. The main facade has a single window range. To the right are steps with an iron balustrade leading to a front door, accompanied by a lamp and surrounding decoration, all designed by Mackintosh. This is set within an early 19th century moulded doorcase, part of a pair matching No. 76 to the right. To the left, a square bay features a plain-tile pentice roof and leaded casements, also designed by Mackintosh. The first floor has a two-light casement within an original opening, and a small sash window to the right, both by Mackintosh. A 16-pane sash window is on the second floor, and a two-light flat-roofed attic dormer sits above. The rear extension, also designed by Mackintosh, spans most of the width and incorporates a four-light basement casement (with a partially glazed door to the left), windows on two sides to the dining room, some with leaded lights and characteristic handles, a balcony verandah above (now glazed), and a second-floor balcony with a two-light French window. The rear elevation is cement rendered as designed by Mackintosh. The interior remains largely as re-organised by Mackintosh. The front hall and parlour contain a moulded fireplace surround, a fine screen with panels of coloured leaded glass, a curved newel, and a door. The dining room has walnut fitted china cabinets with drawers below, panelling, built-in wall lamps, and a fireplace (the grate appears renewed). The staircase features lattice screens, including one to the bathroom, and fitted cupboards. The bathroom has similar lattice-designed fitted cupboards and the original American Kohler bath; one window pane is mirrored. First and second floor bedrooms have simple ceramic tile fireplaces, possibly by Mackintosh. The attic retains its early 19th century character. Howarth's study suggests that the rear extension is an exceptional example of the modern movement. Mackintosh’s original drawings and contemporary photographs are held in the Glasgow University collection, and furniture designed by him for the house is in the collections of the Victoria and Albert Museum, Glasgow University, and Northampton Museum.