The Hill House

Anyone with a passion for design and architecture will love The Hill House, Charles Rennie Mackintosh’s finest domestic creation, sitting high above the Clyde commanding fine views across the river estuary. Commissioned in 1902 by the Glasgow publisher Walter Blackie, the house still makes a striking statement today. Blackie wanted an individual feel to his home and he asked Mackintosh to design not only the house and gardens, but much of the furniture and interiors too. Mackintosh’s wife, Margaret Macdonald, contributed fabric designs and a unique panel over the fireplace in the drawing room. The result is a daring design with an air of restrained elegance, which still appeals to modern-day tastes.

Creativity is the very essence of the house. Visit the gallery and you can see work by designers and artists inspired by Mackintosh’s work – giving a contemporary twist as well as a creative link between the genius of Charles Rennie Mackintosh and young talent today. You can also learn about the special relationship between Blackie and Mackintosh and how this influenced the house taking shape.

To round off your visit, take a walk around the gardens which are recognisably Mackintosh in style. In recent years the garden has become a setting for art pieces – look out for the kinetic sculpture by George Rickey.

Acquisition details
Donated in 1982 by the Hill House Trustees with the approval of the Royal Incorporation of Architects in Scotland