This building was designed by Charles Rennie Mackintosh and dates from 1903–4, a time when he was doing his very best work (see The Hill House). It was commissioned (at whose suggestion we know not) by a local draper and ironmonger, Peter Macpherson, as a shop with a flat above and workrooms in the attics. The flat passed into separate ownership some years ago, but we were able to reunite the two, by buying the flat in 1985, and then the shop as well, from Mr. Macpherson’s granddaughter.

We have redecorated the flat, which has good and characteristic detail. The main room runs into the projecting turret, or tourelle, which Mackintosh added to the outer angle of the building in a nod towards Scottish Baronial architecture. This gives it an airy feel, and a pleasant view of the River Earn and the wooded hills beyond. At the back is a long garden, reached by a passage from the street.

Comrie is an unfussy highland town, with a bridge over a pebbly river, a whitewashed church and a small square, on the corner of which, right at the centre of things, stands this distinguished and surprising building.

The Hill House was also designed by Mackintosh.

Sleeps: 4