The Gate Houses, Formakin Estate

This is probably Bishopton's most notable estate, Formakin, known locally as the Monkey House, sits on the edge of the village between Houston and Langbank.

John Holms, the son of a Kilbarchan weaver had the vision of creating a magnificent mansionhouse where his art collection would be displayed surrounded by luscious gardens. Holms bought the Formakin estate in 1903. He called on the talents of renowned architect Robert Lorimer to help make his vision become a reality. The mansion house and surrounding buildings were designed in a 17th Century style. Work began on the estate in 1908 when the two gatehouses were built. Carved stone monkeys were placed on the roofs, hence the Monkey House monicker. The Old Mill on the estate was restored and the stables and courtyard built. As a joke Lorimer and Holms had a stone tablet set over the courtyard entrance with the date 1694 and the letters DL enscribed, the letters meaning Damned Lie.

The estate was bought by Renfrew District Council in 1984. It was later sold to a developer who was committed to restoring the buildings and gardens to their former glories. The buildings have been sympathetically converted into flats and the public continues to enjoy access to the grounds.