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Renfrewshire Community Plan 2008 - 2017 Castle Terrace, Bridge of Weir
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Castle Terrrace in Bridge of Weir was built as the Ranfurly Hotel in 1882, designed by architect Robert R Raeburn. It occupies a commanding site with panoramic views. Its baronial style features crow-stepped gables, corbelled stacks and a magnificent off-centre French-style tower 70 feet high, topped with wrought iron. In 1901 the hotel was almost invisibly extended eastwards by architect James Miller.
The railway line first reached Bridge of Weir in 1864. The railway brought Bridge of Weir within easy reach of Glasgow, and soon successful Glasgow merchants who were keen to leave the city behind at the end of the day were building luxurious villas. For those who couldn't afford to move there, Bridge of Weir became a popular spot to visit. A guide to Ranfurly and Bridge of Weir published in 1885 described the area as:
"... a beautiful and quiet rural spot, with soft and bracing breezes blowing over it from the hills beyond. Being only 35 minutes by rail from Saint Enoch’s Square Station, it has now become a favourite resort.”
The new Ranfurly Hotel was also described in the guide:
"There are excellent baths provided, and a spacious billiard room. It is well and comfortably furnished. The pleasure grounds attached to the hotel are extensive and command the finest prospects in the locality.”
The hotel closed before the First World War. During the war the building was used to house Belgian refugees, and then as an Auxiliary Hospital for wounded soldiers. After the war, the building became a private school from 1920-1925 and then lay empty for a time until redeveloped into shops and flats.
In 1995 a fire caused extensive damage to the building, and for a time it was classed as a "building at risk" by Historic Scotland. A full restoration, including the demolition of the 1901 addition, has since been carried out, and today the Terrace is an attractive row of shops and flats.
Find out more
For more information on this or other historic buildings in Renfrewshire, contact the Local Studies Library by:
- email: locstuds.els@renfrewshire.gov.uk
- phone: 0141 889 2360
- fax: 0141 887 6468
- write to:
Reference and Local Studies Library
Central Library
68 High Street
Paisley
PA1 2BB
