Description

J and J Hall, 1904-1906. 2-storey, basement and attic, 4-bay, square-plan Arts and Crafts villa on raised site with half-timbered gabled bays and overhanging bracketed eaves. Canted and squared projecting sandstone windows; circular and octagonal corner tower with distinctive wrought iron weather vane to S. Prominent asymmetrical projecting stone chimney; corniced arched entrance; doorpiece with intricate timber and stained glass door screen. Tall rock faced base course. Rendered with smooth red sandstone margins and strip quoins; rock faced stonework to chimney, projecting windows and base course.

Timber side hung casements with lattice leaded glazing; stained glass panels to individual windows; timber sash and case to basement and rear. Piended slate roof ; rendered eaves and ridge stacks,; tiled ridge; cast-iron rainwater goods.

INTERIOR: fine Edwardian Arts and Crafts decorative scheme in place. Large open entrance hall with timber panelling and original tapestry above. Arts and Crafts fireplaces and detailing to principal rooms. Ornate bespoke stained glass windows with maple leaf detailing, pictorial panel to stair depicting woman with fruit. Panelled entrance lobby and bathroom with marble topped basin. Admission to upper floors not possible at time of survey, currently used as bed and breakfast accommodation (2006).

WALLS AND GATEPIERS: low coped rubble walls, red sandstone gatepiers with matching gateposts to pedestrian gateway to W.

Statement of Interest

Maplehurst is a good example of an early 20th century Arts and Crafts villa with a fine stonework details and interior decorative scheme. It was built by the prolific local practice of J & J Hall which was responsible for many noteworthy buildings in Galashiels such as the Bank of Scotland, the Textile College and other domestic works.

Maplehurst was commissioned by Andrew Fairgrieve of Huddersfield Mill to celebrate his marriage to the Canadian Carrie Jane Fairgrieve in 1904-1906, and built on garden ground purchased from the adjacent Binniemyre House on Abbotsford Road, where many of the prestigious mill owners' houses were built. Much of the interior detailing boasts a Canadian theme such as the original Native American tapestry fabric fitted as wallpaper in the entrance hall and the extensive stained glass windows with maple leaf motif. The name 'Maplehurst' also denotes the connection with the owners homeland.

Maplehurst and its garden ground are in a relatively unaltered condition. Most of the more prestigious sized villas in Galashiels date from the mid to later 19th century and it is therefore a rare survival for its date. The sweeping steeply sloped entrance drive adds to the grandeur and seclusion of the setting, setting it apart from other villas on the road.

Large later 20th century double garage to W of house.

External Links

• Historic Environment Scotland Listing
• Wikidata Q17834199

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

• 
  Berkshire (Pevsner Architectural Guides: Buildings of England)
• 
  Gwent/Monmouthshire (Pevsner Architectural Guides: Buildings of Wales)
• 
  Hertfordshire (Pevsner Architectural Guides: Buildings of England)
• 
  Setting up a Listed Building Heritage Partnership Agreement: Historic England Advice Note 5
• 
  Georgian Style and Design for Contemporary Living
• 
  The Shredded Chef: 120 Recipes for Building Muscle, Getting Lean, and Staying Healthy