Dalmoak House, Renton Road, near Dumbarton
Dalmoak House sits above the road between Dumbarton and Renton. Reached from a road past its gate lodge and up through trees, Dalmoak House and its stables buildings behind it are a fascinating one time home of the Aiken family. This “A” category listed building had been built from1866 until 1869. The listing text says it was built for James Aitken, but I understand it was initiated by John his father, possibly as a wedding present for his son and his new wife.
Monograms for them are found throughout the house. (My source also corrects the spelling to Aiken). James was known as a local brewer, but the father also sold spirits and the knickname of Brandy Castle was applied by the local community.
The ceiling and hearths of the main rooms are grand, but it is the stained glass windows over the grand central stairway that really fascinate me. The three round arched panels depict mythical characters. The central one is of the Red Hand of Ulster; indicating John Aiken’s origins. The fine work is attributed to WG and JJ Kier. Michael Donnelly in his book describes the firm of David Keir, their father, as perhaps the most important of Glasgow’ early stained glass producers and known for their work in Glasgow Cathedral.
This Dalmoak House window is also thought to be the largest of its kind in a private house in Scotland. The pictorial and decorative detailing is extraordinary. And it seems as if all the family members have been represented in the entwining monograms.
You pass the interesting gate lodge to get to the house. Behind the house is the stable block which encloses a small courtyard. They have been turned into some very nice housing. Their front gable sports a doocot. But the main house is now empty. I got to know it when it was a carehome. When that folded, the owners proposed it being a hotel, to the distress of the other residents, due to considerations such as of noise and lack of privacy. It is such conditions that the Architectural Heritage Society of Scotland is concerned about. How does one ensure long term sustainability of these once elegant old mansions without drastically and detrimentally alteration? Even when a solution seems to have been found, how does it affect others around it.
My WordPress blog : https://watsononarchitecture.wordpress.com/2013/02/23/dalmoak-house-the-brandy-castle-of-west-dunbartonshire/
British Listed Buildings : http://www.britishlistedbuildings.co.uk/200392546-dalmoak-house-cardross/photos#.WOuPNaFrjIU
Here is more about the legend of the Red Hand of Ulster : http://oneill.nd.edu/history/the-red-hand-of-oneill/
