Barlia Terrace, 59 Machrie Road, Glasgow

Barlia Terrace, 59 Machrie Road, Glasgow — formerly Castlemilk House Stables

This Classical stable block, attributed to David Hamilton and built around 1800, originally served the now-demolished Castlemilk House. It comprises a quadrangular plan of four ranges arranged around a courtyard. The building was converted between 2005 and 2007 by Elder & Cannon architects on behalf of Glasgow Building Preservation Trust into a multi-purpose community facility.

The principal north elevation is symmetrical, consisting of nine bays with slightly advanced central and outer bays. The main body is single storey, while the outer bays rise to a single storey with attic and are crowned by gabled roofs with coach house openings at ground level and Diocletian windows lighting the attic. The walls are constructed in diagonally droved ashlar with polished dressings and raised margins, featuring a base course, cill course and eaves band. The openings have round arches. A striking central three-stage tower dominates the composition. Its ground stage features a rusticated pend, while the octagonal top stage is articulated by pilasters dividing the bays. The tower is topped by a slated dome surmounted by a balustered cupola and weathervane.

The courtyard elevation of the north range contains a three-storey glass and steel addition inserted during the 2005-07 conversion. Throughout the building, timber sash and case windows feature a variety of multi-pane glazing patterns. The roof is covered in graded grey slates.

The interior was comprehensively modernised as part of the 2005-07 conversion works. A notable feature is an oak chimneypiece relocated from Castlemilk House, which depicts the 1429 Siege of Orleans and originally stood in the main hall of the demolished mansion. This piece was salvaged during the house's demolition in 1972.

Attribution to David Hamilton, one of the leading Glasgow architects of his era, is supported by a perspective watercolour drawing of the stable block signed by Hamilton and shown to Glasgow Building Preservation Trust during the conversion works. Hamilton is also credited with remodelling and extending Castlemilk House itself in the 1830s. The stable block would have been sited to impress visitors approaching the estate, serving as a visible symbol of the owner's wealth and taste. Its quadrangular plan and symmetrical elevation exemplify Classical rationality.

The building is one of the few historic survivors from the Castlemilk Estate, which Glasgow Corporation acquired in 1938 for housing development. Construction of the new estate began in 1954, and Castlemilk House itself was demolished in 1972. The 2005-07 conversion won several architectural awards, including joint winner of the 2008 RIAS Andrew Doolan Best Building in Scotland Award. The building is now cared for by Cassiltoun Trust.