Holmwood

Holmwood is the finest villa by Alexander 'Greek' Thomson, built in 1857 to 1858 for the paper manufacturer James Couper on a bank above the White Cart in Cathcart, on the south side of Glasgow. Thomson designed everything, from the asymmetrical Greek temple front and the cupola to the painted interiors, and the National Trust for Scotland has been uncovering his original decoration under later paint since taking the house in 1994, with friezes of the Iliad in the dining room and rich colour throughout. The grounds run down to the river with a kitchen garden and a courtyard tearoom. Reviewers say it is small but a gem for anyone who likes architecture, and that the hourly guided tour makes the visit, since the rooms carry little signage. Tips from visitors: tours take up to 15 people and last about half an hour, Cathcart station is a 15-minute walk, parking is free behind the house, and it opens Thursday to Sunday from late March to the start of November.