Birkwood House

Birkwood House is a large, 19th-century castellated Gothic mansion, now a hospital. The building’s development occurred in several phases, beginning with a Georgian villa constructed in the late 18th or early 19th century. Originally a free-standing structure, the villa is now incorporated into the rear wing of the larger complex. Two significant additions occurred in 1858 and 1890, with the latter designed by James Thomson of Glasgow.

The original villa is two storeys over a basement and was initially classical in design, though it has since been gothicized. Evidence of its original character remains in the form of a modillion eaves cornice that survives on three sides, and angled pilaster bases indicating the former presence of a semi-circular porch. The original stair at the rear partially projects from the wall.

A rubble and ashlar addition built in 1858 extends southwards from the east wall of the villa, returning westwards. The south front features a port-cochere attached to a tower. The south range was subsequently deepened, likely around 1890. A spine wall within the 1858 addition retains the original exterior windows. The east (garden) front has asymmetrically advanced ends, with a stair window near the centre.

A large wing, constructed in 1890, extends southwards to the west. It features cusped-headed gothic windows at ground level, while other openings are generally hood-moulded, square-headed, and mullioned. This wing also includes a long gallery at the west and a full-length spine wall. It is built of stugged yellow stone with polished dressings, plate glass sash windows, and mostly slated and leaded roofs, which are concealed behind parapets.

The interior is elaborately decorated in a Gothic style, featuring extensive cornice plasterwork and many ribbed ceilings. Two main staircases are present; one has a cast-iron balustrade, and the other, situated on the axis with the 1890 wing, has a balustrade encased in timber sheeting. A leaded glass window, depicting heraldic motifs, is located in the stair hall. Other original features include chimney pieces and numerous lavatory/bathroom fittings. A gated rear courtyard is present, and two large stone balls, considered part of the curtilage, are situated in the forecourt. The house was formerly owned by the Mackirdy family.