Description

Early 19th century. 2-storey, 3-bay L-plan villa with central Doric-columned, pedimented porch; modern door within moulded architrave. Central 1st floor blind window. Harled (modern) with raised, painted window margins, eaves band course and angle margins; moulded eaves cornice. Blank gable to SW; blocked ground floor window to NW gable. Limewashed sandstone rubble to rear with droved ashlar margins (painted).

SE (REAR) ELEVATION: 3 bays. Projecting bay with slit window to ground, single window above to R; stair window to centre. 1st floor window to L; later single storey brick addition to ground L. Fragment of wall from adjoining building at outer L (long since demolished).

UPVC glazing (windows boarded up). Non-traditional concrete tiles replacing slates. Gable stacks and cans (replacements, circa 1985).

INTERIOR: not seen (2003).

Statement of Interest

Despite neglect and some out-of-keeping but largely reversible alterations (replacement glazing, rooftiles and removal of stone skews), 29 Braehead remains a good typical early 19th century villa with a distinctive pedimented portico. In 1980 the building still retained its slate roof and straight skews. The coped ashlar chimneystacks were removed in the 1980s and replicas reinstated in 1985 (thought not in original dimensions or materials). The building is empty and semi-derelict but awaiting forthcoming restoration (2003).

The villa occupies a prominent position in the town and can be seen from the Cross at the centre of Beith, contributing to the townscape. Originally, Braehead was lined on this side with villas and cottages but today there are gaping holes where buildings have been demolished. 29 Braehead is therefore a crucial surviving element to this part of the town.

External Links

• Historic Environment Scotland Listing
• Wikidata Q56606592

External links are from the relevant listing authority and, where applicable, Wikidata. Wikidata IDs may be related buildings as well as this specific building. If you want to add or update a link, you will need to do so by editing the Wikidata entry.

Recommended Books

• 
  Specifications for Building Conservation: Volume 1: External Structure: Practical Examples v. 2
• 
  Yorkshire West Riding: Leeds, Bradford and the North (Pevsner Architectural Guides / Buildings of England)
• 
  Devon (Pevsner Architectural Guides: Buildings of England)
• 
  Herefordshire (Pevsner Architectural Guides: Buildings of England)
• 
  This Old House: Restoring, Rehabilitating, and Renovating an Older House
• 
  Suffolk: West: The Buildings of England (Pevsner Architectural Guides) (Pevsner Architectural Guides: Buildings of England)