This stunning set piece was designed by Sir William Chambers for the Duke of Abercorn. The enormous double height entrance lobby was designed to allow the Duke to ride his hourse in to the hallway and then dismount.

By the late Twentieth century the building had become rather a forlorn motel. Apart from the seedy nature of its presentation, the building was in serious need of repair and restoration. After its acquisition by Burrell we determined to keep the property in a single use, preferably an upmarket hotel. The market was not propitious and teh building sat vacant fro some time until eventually a user was found - a neighbouring firm of architects who made it their head office.

A programme of repairs was undertaken to salvage the property, including the resolution of some of Playfairs 'unique' detailing. Internally the main spaces were retained and teh fit-out was to the architects own specification.