a surprising find

My mom and I tried to see as many of the traditional tourist attractions as possible in the short time she was here. Obviously this led to us getting up too early for my liking to fit them all in our days. Last Friday we had our typical early morning and took a taxi to see the Burrell Collection in Pollok Country Park. Once finally finding the entrance we noticed a sign that said the Collection didn't open for another 45 minutes. Stuck in this large park we weren't quite sure what we were going to do in the morning cold until it opened. On the park map it showed that the Pollock House was not that far off so we decided to make our way down the trail to check it out. 

Pollock Country Park

We reached the end of the road and were overjoyed to find a cute grey stone mansion. Although only 3 miles south of the city centre it felt like another world, thanks to the 360 acres of country park which surround it. 

Pollock House

The house was started by Sir John Stirling Maxwell, 2nd Baronet in 1747, and stayed in the family until 1966. The 10th Baronet was the co-founder of the National Trust for Scotland, which now maintains the house. It has a light and airy feel, with comfortable rooms including - my favourite - an elegant library with some 7000 volumes. I definitely want a library like that in my house.

Outside Pollock House

Formal Gardens at Pollock House

Although not planned, getting to see the Pollock House turned out to be wonderful. My mom and I both agreed that it was a nice little surprise.

Gardens of Pollock House