The restoration and conversion of this Grade A listed former school and lodge house into 14 duplex apartments. The project is located within the Oakshaw Conservation Area of Paisley. Prior to work commencing, the building had lain empty for over 15 years after it was closed as a school.

The internal fabric was badly affected by dry and wet rot. The formerly splendid timber panelling to the Entrance Atrium had completely disintegrated and was renewed by specialist contractors. As part of the works, Sandy Stoddart, the well known Paisley sculptor was commissioned to design a grand statue of Diogenes as a centre piece of this area.

The existing massive dome to the roof is of timber construction finished in lead. This had been badly affected by rot and was completely rebuilt.

The Developer was Classical House Ltd and the scheme received grant assistance from Historic Scotland. The innovative designs of the apartments and the general success of the project was recognized with a Saltire Society Award for Housing.

John Neilson House

View of Main Hall