1930s John McDonald art deco house in Bearsden, East Dunbartonshire
A notable piece of architecture, this 1930s John McDonald art deco house in Bearsden, East Dunbartonshire, is just on the market.
Notable for two reasons. The first is its heritage. This house is located in a small residential cul-de-sac of eight similar homes, all built by John McDonald in 1933 and ‘C listed’ in Scotland. I featured one not dissimilar way back in 2011, which might well be one of the other seven. I think tells you how infrequently these come onto the market.
The second reason is how this one has been looked after. Yes, it has been updated and modernised, as you might expect. But the design has been maintained, right down to the original metal Crittal windows, which have been retained and upgraded where required. Good to see them surviving.
As does the original architecture, which is the headline act here. A distinctive deco design in white, which is as angular as you would expect. But with the feature curve to the corner. It is a very good-looking building, especially within that green setting. Yes, this sits on quite a sizeable plot.
So, the art deco dream for many, especially if you are house hunting in this part of Scotland. And compared to some art deco houses I have seen, it is not as expensive as you might think (although far from cheap – good architecture rarely is).
As I said, the house has been updated in terms of the fabric of the house and interior. With regard to the former, a significant program of work has just been carried out.
I mentioned the windows, but the house also had a new roof covering, a new wet roughcast to the exterior, a new gas combination boiler and an upgraded gas fireplace. More obvious updates are perhaps to the finish within.
That’s down to personal taste, but the finish throughout is largely neutral and in keeping with the original era. The main concessions to the modern era are the furnishings, and, as you would expect, an updated kitchen area and bathrooms. The rest of the house is pretty much a blank canvas to do with as you wish.
Access to the house is via a private drive, giving you a glimpse of the gardens and eventually access to the house via that rather impressive and original doorway.
From there, access the entrance porch and, beyond that, the reception hall with a dogleg staircase (and gallery of art deco artwork) plus under stairs storage cupboard. There’s also a downstairs WC here too.
Beyond that is a lounge in a corner position that uses that curved window as well as French doors leading to the front of the property. Note also the art deco-style fireplace here too.
From the lounge, sliding glass pocket doors open to the dining room. A door leads into the large dining kitchen from the dining room, which is packed with storage and appliances. Not quite all, though, as the utility room has both the washing machine and the tumble dryer.
Head up the stairs and you’ll find a good-sized hallway with a storage cupboard. Off that are three double bedrooms. I know many agents say that, but the rooms here are definitely on the larger side, and all with fitted wardrobes. Note that the master bedroom has a curved window similar to the lounge below. Finally, on this floor is a family shower room.
Plenty of space outside, too, with the ‘immaculately maintained’ rear (south westerly facing) garden containing a large lawned area bordered with mature shrubbery and a hedge lining. There is also a patio seating area with a glazed windbreaker. The overhead shot gives you a good idea of all of that.
On the market, this one is available for offers over £575,000. So not cheap, but perhaps cheaper than you might expect.
Images and details courtesy of Clyde Property. For more details and to make an enquiry, please visit the website.
