Pollok House, Glasgow

Pollok entrance front
National Trust for Scotland
Pollok House was built on an estate near Glasgow for the 2nd Baronet, Sir John Maxwell, in the 18th century. The architect is unknown. The 10th Baronet commenced alterations, completed in the early 20th century, which added a new entrance hall and two side wings in a matching 18th century style. In 1966 the house, the Stirling Maxwell Collection and 146 hectares (361 acres) of the estate were gifted by the family to the City of Glasgow. In 1998 management of Pollok House was transferred to the National Trust for Scotland.
Inside, the house and its extensions are finished in an 18th century style, with ornate plaster ceilings and much light-coloured walls and white-painted woodwork. The Trust has restored the furniture and contents as far as possible to their appearance in the 1930’s when the 10th Baronet was in residence. The house contains some notable paintings, including an important collection of Spanish art.
Notable rooms include the Library, in the eastern extension, which contains two paintings by El Greco, and the Dining Room.
Upstairs some bedrooms can be seen, while in the basement much of the extensive Basement Corridor laid out in 1900, service rooms and servants’ quarters can be seen.
The house and gardens are well worth a visit. The paintings and other contents are of interest. (The house looks more impressive from the gardens side.) There are walled gardens and an old stable block in the grounds.

The house is in Pollok Country Park. It is accessible by bus, and by train. Pollokshaws West station is 200 yards from the park entrance.
If arriving by car, note that you can drive through the park, though the roads are quite narrow. Visitors to Pollok House may park in the courtyard in front of the house. There is another free car park about 150 yards away on the edge of the Country Park. Parking is also available in the middle of the Park adjacent to the Burrell Collection building, but this car park has parking meters.

Pollok Gardens
Pollok Gardens

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