Formakin Estate, (near Bishopston), Renfrewshire
Formakin was the creation of John Augustus Holms, a stockbroker and art collector from Paisley. He purchased Millbank Farm in 1902 and commissioned his friend, the architect Robert Lorimer to design a new house that would contain his art collection. The estate was laid out from 1903. In 1907 the entrance lodges and stables were designed. The following year Lorimer converted the Old Meal Mill by the Dargavel Burn, where Holms lived while the new house was underway.
What we see here today is a specially created “historic” estate, picturesque grounds with fascinating buildings scattered around it. With the passing of time, it now actually becomes historic, but in essence was a fanciful created inhabited landscape.
This is the main house as seen from across the pond on a frosty morning. Is this merely pastiche? Or is it an appropriate response to a landscape in traditional style? The cluster and the grounds make a great wander combining built and natural heritage.
http://www.nickwrightplanning.co.uk/wp-content/formakin-walk.pdf
http://www.britishlistedbuildings.co.uk/200343433-formakin-house-erskine
