THE architect, James Salmon jun, designed a number of eye-catching buildings during his lifetime.
Known as the “Wee Troot” on account of his short stature, Salmon was influenced by continental Art Nouveau and English Arts and Crafts designers.
His most famous works include the Mercantile Chambers and the “Hatrack” in Glasgow. He also undertook domestic work, mostly in the west of Scotland.
Between 1897 and 1908, he designed five houses and two house extensions in Kilmacolm and one house in Giffnock. But in 1906, he designed North Lodge, in Edzell, Angus, which was built for Miss Margaret Alexander.
The eye-catching home is listed category B by Historic Scotland and described as a “two-storey red stone villa in neo-Scots style with rounded corner feature, river boulder inserts in masonry, dated 1906, with interiors of interest”.
Internally, as well as externally, the house retains much of its period style, character and features, including corner fireplaces designed for the house by Salmon.
The red sandstone exterior walls are given additional texture by the use of insert stones in what is known as a gingerbread style.
Architecturally distinguished it may be, but North Lodge is, above all, a family home.
The ground floor has three reception rooms, as well as a kitchen, laundry, butler’s pantry with original fittings, playroom and cloakroom, and there are three first-floor bedrooms, a bathroom and a separate WC.
Of particular note is the elegant first-floor drawing room, which makes full use of the turreted corner to enjoy the views over the parkland. An original dumb waiter connects it with the breakfast room below, adjacent to the kitchen.
North Lodge has a beautifully maintained and very private garden, which has been professionally redesigned and landscaped. Its high surrounding wall has recently been re-pointed and restored.
There is a sunken lawn, shrub borders, trees and a paved patio with an octagonal wooden summer house. Wooden gates give access to a gravelled parking area at the back door and to a double garage with up-and-over doors.
The village of Edzell offers local shopping, a bank, post office, chemist, primary school and health centre. There is a country club within the Glenesk Hotel and a renowned 18-hole golf course.
Edzell is within convenient distance of the A90, which provides easy access to Aberdeen to the north, and south to Dundee, Perth and central Scotland. The nearby town of Brechin provides further local shopping, together with business services, leisure facilities and secondary schooling. Alternative secondary schooling is available at Mearns Academy in Laurencekirk.
Ruaraidh Ogilvie, of selling agent Savills, said: “North Lodge is living proof that good design stands the test of time. It’s a very special house, but easy to live in.”
Offers over £360,000 are sought for North Lodge. Call Savills on 01356 628628.