West Dunbartonshire
Strathleven House is one of the earliest and best-surviving Palladian country houses in Scotland. Completed in 1708, it retains its original exterior design as well as a number of important surviving examples of early 18th-century interior decoration. SHBT purchased Strathleven in 1986 after decades of neglect and vandalism left the house at serious risk of demolition. The Trust led a fourteen-year project to restore the building to its former glory and give it new life.
The venue is a large restored house currently used as offices. For Doors Open Days, visitors will be able to see around it under guidance. There are also substantial grounds and some outbuildings.
The building currently houses a number of businesses. In its heyday though it stood within sprawling grounds. Adjacent to the house is the doocot which is the subject of proposals for restoration and adaptation to some new innovative and sustainable use. More information about this will be available. "Doos" ie doves or pigeons were at one time an essential source of food for the table. Nearby is the duckpond intended for similar purposes. And next to that is the stables-coach / house building which is currently inaccessible, but which epitomised the grandeur of life back then. To add to that, there had been the formal garden down on the banks of the River Leven. (Now an empty site).
Craft activities will be available.
Consider a walk around this area. You can "almost" avoid the industries that are nearby and keep to the woods and follow the River Leven. Ask for guidance.
Facilities
Additional Access Information
Tours will be available of rooms and features within the house and also its gardens
Gallery
Key Information
Booking not required.
Where to find us
Address
- Levenside Road
- Dumbarton
- G82 3PD