Our Neighborhood -- Hillhead Architecture

Last week, my walking tour buddy Barbara and I set out for another neighborhood walk.  Armed with yet another  West End Heritage Trail map, we explored the architecture of Hillhead, which is roughly the area between Byres Rd, Great Western Rd, and University Ave.  This area is dominated by the university, so unlike the more residential areas we've explored, Hillhead has been altered and developed.  Old buildings from the 1850s and 1900s are tucked in between newer, concrete buildings added by the university.

So the oldest house in Hillhead is right behind the mod student center and across the street from the towering library.

Florentine House

A block of buildings like this

 is across the street from a block like this

terraces of Bute Gardens

door detail from Bute Gardens

There are some treasures, but you have to search for them.

 Like, the Western Baths ( a private swim club and gym) where we pretended we wanted to get on the waiting list so that the manager would give us a tour of the inside.  The pool's claim to fame are trapezes and rings over the water -- Cormac and Declan really want to go!

A hidden garden

viewpoint off Oakfield Ave

renovated stables at Coach House Trust

Barbara's building -- she lives in the bottom two floors and had the stained glass door and panels re-done

Two buildings opposite each other on Great Western Road

Cooper's

Hubbard's

Then on the more grim side, the old Hillhead High School which housed the primary until just this year when they moved to a new building.  Imagine four years old going to school here?  Looks like a Dickens' orphanage.

Another great tour that showed the diversity of architecture in the West End!