Page:The castellated and domestic architecture of Scotland from the twelfth to the eighteenth century (1887) - Volume 2.djvu/438

 FOURTH PERIOD 422 ARGYLL'S LODGING corners, which are all diversified in design, combine to make a singularly picturesque architectural quadrangle. Entering by the porch, we find ourselves in the hall, 47 feet long by 19 feet 9 inches wide, with a very elaborate chimney-piece at the south end. This end of the hall is now unfortunately partitioned off, and con- verted into the hospital kitchen. "At the other end of the hall is the stair- case leading to the first floor, having a wooden balustrade, with massive handrail and corner-posts. This staircase is open to the hall, and not enclosed, as is usually the case in Scotland. In this respect it recalls many English examples. The basement floor of the north side of the quadrangle is all vaulted in stone, and contains the kitchen next the street, and the various offices connected therewith, and has a communi- cation with the hall stair. The kitchen is 16 feet 4 inches by 15 feet 4 inches, and has a fireplace 17 feet 8 inches by 7 feet 2 inches, and is provided with a stone sink. In the larder adjoining the kitchen a stone pillar is left in the centre of the east wall, beyond which a passage, not arched, and open towards the larder, leads right through the building from the courtyard to the garden outside. The butler's or service room is at the east end of this wing, adjoining the stair, and the intermediate space contains the cellars. An entrance-door from the terrace leads to the kitchen, down a few steps in the angle turret, and a narrow door adjoining the turret leads through the enclosing wall to the street. FIG. 862. Argyll's Lodging. Plan of First Floor. In the buildings forming the south side of the quadrangle are various