Annet House / Shuma - Demolished - skelmorlievillas.co.uk

35 Shore Road , Skelmorlie

Photos: 1. Photo from an article written by Dominic D’Angelo in 2023 ^[2] 2. 1910 Ordinance Survey ^[3] 3. Facebook: Old photos of Skelmorlie & Wemyss Bay. 4. Photo 3 colourised by AI – courtesy of R Cathcart. 5. Photo 1 colourised by AI – courtesy of R Cathcart. 6. Shuma Court – Corum.

Owners	Dates	Alterations
Earl of Eglinton and Winton	Pre. 1861	Landowner
David Dunn and family	1861 – 1918	1861 – Feu contract signed & house built
Mrs Agnes Lang or Edward	1918 – 1926
William Clark	1926 – 1939
Mrs Margaret Welsh or Lyon	1939 – 1948
Mrs Elizabeth McLay or Scott	1948 – 1963
Henry Boot & Sons (Scotland) Ltd.	1963 – 1968	Annet House/Shuma demolished and replaced with 30 flats/maisonettes.

About the house

Annet House, positioned at the southern tip of the village, was one of the earlier villas constructed in Skelmorlie. Its northern neighbour was Chaseley, which has also since been demolished, and there were no properties to the south. The origins of Annet House trace back to 1861, when David Dunn entered a feu contract with the Earl of Eglinton and Winton for a plot of land measuring 5 acres and 38 poles—approximately 21,200 square meters. ^[1][3]

This substantial house was likely built in stages, a fact supported by census records and historical photographs.

1861 Census: The house featured 14 rooms, each with at least one window.

1881 Census: A coach house had been added above the stables, containing two rooms.
1891 Census: The main house expanded to 18 rooms, and the coach house grew to three rooms.
1901 Census: The property had grown to 25 rooms, likely due to a 1.5-storey extension along the east side, which probably served as servants’ quarters. ^[5]

In a 2023 article, Dominic D’Angelo speculated about a possible connection between Annet House and the architect Alexander “Greek” Thomson, based on the building’s external features. However, there is no documented evidence in Thomson’s records or the Dictionary of Scottish Architects to support this theory. D’Angelo leaves readers with the photographs to consider and notes that, if true, Annet House would be the only Thomson-designed villa in Skelmorlie, and his only villa constructed in red sandstone. ^[2]

Over its lifetime, Annet House has had many owners, each of whom has undoubtedly left their mark on the property. After more than a century of service, the house was demolished in 1964 to make way for 30 maisonettes, now known as Shuma Court, which still occupy the site today. ^[1]

About the owners

David Dunn and family (Owners: 1861 – 1918)

David Dunn (Owner: 1861 – 1878)

David Dunn was born in 1807 to James Dunn, a flannel weaver, and Mary McCorkel. In 1830, at age 23, he married Margaret Bannatyne, who was 20 and living in Bridgeton, Glasgow. Over the next six years, they had at least four children: Janet (b. 1831), James (b. 1833), Mary (b. 1834), and William (b. 1836). ^[4]

By 1851, the Dunn family resided at 20 Montieth Row in Glasgow, a fashionable street bordering Glasgow Green, home to professionals such as lawyers, doctors, and merchants. At this time, David, aged 43, was a master fish merchant employing three men. His wife Margaret was 41. Living with them were James (18), an assistant fish merchant, Mary (16), a scholar, and a 23-year-old housemaid. The whereabouts of Janet and William are unknown.^[5]

Early in 1861, David signed a feu contract with the Earl of Eglinton and Winton for just over 5 acres of land in Skelmorlie. He proceeded to build the 14-room Annet House, which must have been completed very quickly, as by the time of the census later that year, two servants were staying there: a cook, Janet McGuffie (aged 30, who would remain with the family for at least the next 30 years), and a housemaid. ^[1][5][6]

Meanwhile, the family had moved their main residence to Bath Street. David, then 53, was a provision merchant, as was his son James (28). Margaret was 51, and they had one live-in domestic. Their daughter Mary was no longer at home, having married in the intervening period. ^[4][5]

Three years later, James (31) married Helen Turner (22), daughter of Duncan Turner, merchant, and Janet McLellan of Sandyford Place, Glasgow. Over the next twenty years, James and Helen had thirteen children, two of whom tragically died at birth: Jessie Marie (b. 1865), David (b. 1866), Margaret (b. 1867), Turner (b. 1869), Lucy (born and died 1870), Helen (b. 1871), Mary (born and died 1873), Catherine (b. 1874), James (b. 1876), Florence (b. 1877), Frederick (b. 1880), Herbert (b. 1882), and Bannatyne (b. 1884). ^[4]

After their marriage, the newlyweds moved to 19 Sandyford Place, a house with eleven rooms located just a few doors away from Helen’s parents. By the time of the 1871 census, James (38) and Helen (29), still at Sandyford Place, had four children—Jessie (5), David (4), Margaret (3), and Turner (1). Living with them were three servants: a nurse, a cook, and a housemaid. Meanwhile, in Skelmorlie, James’s parents, David Dunn (63), now retired, and Margaret (60) were at Annet House with four live-in servants: a gardener (26), a coachman (30), Janet McGuffie (40), the cook, and a housemaid. ^[5][6]

Margaret Dunn (owner: 1878 – 1898)

In November 1878, David died at Annet House, leaving his wife Margaret the house for the remainder of her life. In memory of her husband, Margaret donated the three south-facing windows to Skelmorlie and Wemyss Bay Parish Church. These stained-glass windows, crafted by Glasgow artist William Guthrie, depicted the Baptism of Christ, Christ in Gethsemane, and the Ascension. Unfortunately, the inscription on the windows is hidden behind the reredos. ^[1][4][7][8]

By 1881, Margaret (71), known as “Maggie,” was still residing at Annet House. She had one live-in servant but undoubtedly employed additional local help. The Hopkin family—John, coachman and domestic servant, his wife, and their two children —lived in the two rooms above the stables. Meanwhile, Margaret’s son James (48), his wife Helen (39), and nine of their children had moved to a 16-room residence at 20 Park Circus, Glasgow, where they were supported by five live-in servants: two nurses, a cook, a laundress, and a table maid. ^[5][6]

In 1886, Margaret’s son James (53) passed away at home in Park Circus, leaving his wife Helen with eleven children, seven of whom were under the age of 15. Four years later, Helen’s eldest daughter, Jessie (25), married Thomas Cuthbert Stewart (26), whose parents, Andrew Stewart, a tube manufacturer, and Jane Crichton, lived three doors along at 17 Park Circus. Jessie and Thomas had at least four children and eventually moved to Blackhouse (Manor Park), Skelmorlie. ^[4]

By 1891, Maggie Dunn, the matriarch of the family, was 81 and still living at Annet House. Living with her were her niece and companion Elizabeth S Dunn (44), her grandson Herbert Dunn (8), her granddaughter Jessie Stewart, mentioned above, her grandson-in-law Thomas Stewart (mentioned above), her great-grandson Cuthbert Stewart (just 7 days old), and four servants, including long-serving cook Janet McGuffie (60). ^[6]

At the same time, Maggie’s daughter-in-law, Helen (47), mother of Jessie and Herbert above, was head of household at 20 Park Circus, Glasgow. She lived there with her children: David (24, a stockbroker), Margaret (23, unmarried), and the others—Turner (21), Helen (19), Katherine (18), James D (16), Florence (13), Frederick (11), and Bannatyne (7)—all of whom were still in full-time education. ^[5]

The Trustees of James Dunn (Owners: 1897 – 1918)

In 1897, Maggie Dunn passed away at Annet House at the age of 87, with her eldest grandson, David, by her side. Her body was transported by train to Glasgow, where she was laid to rest beside her husband in the Necropolis. Following her death, ownership of Annet House transferred to the estate of her son, James Dunn (who had died in 1886), and the property remained part of this estate throughout the lifetime of James’s wife, Helen. ^[1][4][7]

At the time of the 1901 census, Annet House itself was unoccupied. The coach house, however, was home to the gardener, his wife, their six children, and a boarder. Meanwhile, at 20 Park Circus, Helen (59), her daughter Helen (29), her youngest son Herbert (18), and five live-in servants resided. In the intervening period, her eldest son, David (32), a stockbroker, married Jessie Scott (26), who lived with her mother at Crown Circus. After their marriage, David and Jessie lived at Kirklee Circus and later at University Gardens. They had at least two children: the first, a son, who tragically died before his first birthday, and a daughter, who lived to age 80. ^[4][5][6]

Later that same year, Turner Dunn died in Durban, South Africa, at the age of 32, and David Dunn (mentioned above) died in 1909 at the age of 43. By 1911, Annet House remained unoccupied, though the gardener and his family continued to live in the coach house. At 20 Park Circus, only James D. (35) and Bannatyne (27), both now shipbrokers, were at home. ^[4][5][6][7]

In 1913, Bannatyne Dunn (29) married Helen Kerr Ward (29), daughter of John Ward, master shipbuilder, and Helen Elizabeth Kerr. Bannatyne and Helen went on to have three children: Helen (b. 1914), George (b. 1916), and Ronald (b. 1919). More of their family story will be included under Redcliff (yet to be written), which their youngest son, Ronald, bought in 1954. ^[4][9]

Two years later, it was James Dunn Dunn’s (39) turn to wed. He married Florence Kerr Ward, who was 24, the daughter of John Ward, master shipbuilder, and Helen Kerr, and younger sister of Helen, Bannatyne’s wife. James and Florence had at least two children—Florence (b. 1918) and John Ward Dunn (b. 1921). In 1924, the family moved to Ferniecraig, Skelmorlie. Further details about their story are available via the Ferniecraig link. ^[4][11]

In the same year, i.e., 1915, James and Helen’s twelfth child, Reverend Herbert Dunn, died in Alexandria while on active service. Herbert was educated at Glasgow Academy and Glasgow University, became a Church of Scotland Minister in 1907, and served first in Greenock, then in his own parish in Stranraer from 1909. In 1914, he took a year’s leave to enlist in the Sportsman’s Battalion of the Royal Fusiliers. Five months later, he was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the 8th Cameronians (Scottish Rifles). After fighting at Gallipoli, Herbert contracted gastro-enteritis and died, being buried in Alexandria’s Military and War Memorial Cemetery. His name is also commemorated on the Skelmorlie & Wemyss Bay war memorial. ^[12][13]

Two years later, in 1917, Helen Dunn, the children’s mother, passed away at Annet House in Skelmorlie at age 75. The death was reported by her eldest daughter, Jessie M. Stewart of Blackhouse (Manor Park). ^[4]

The following year, the house was put on the market and sold. ^[1]

Mrs Agnes Young or Edward (Owner: 1918-1926)

Annet House was purchased by Agnes Young Lang, or Edward, with the consent of her husband, David Herbert Edward, a jeweller in Glasgow. ^[1]

Born in 1882 on the south side of Glasgow, Agnes Lang was the third of five children. Her father, William Galloway Lang, worked as a wine merchant, and her mother was Agnes Young. In the 1891 census, the Lang family was recorded at Mayfield Place, Beithglass Road, Skelmorlie, residing in an eight-room house. This was likely a temporary residence, as the family does not appear in Skelmorlie’s 1885 or 1895 valuation rolls. By then, Agnes’s father, William Lang (44), had become both a distiller and a wine merchant. Agnes’s mother was 36, and the children—four girls and a boy—ranged from ages 3 to 11, with Agnes herself aged 8. The household also included a nurse and a housemaid. ^[6]^[14][15]

Tragedy struck in 1896 when Agnes’s father died in Rothesay at age 50, leaving Agnes’s mother with five children aged between 8 and 16 years. It’s unclear whether the family were in Rothesay on holiday or if William was convalescing, but his usual address was listed as Pollockshields, Glasgow. By 1901, the family had relocated to a four-room house in Lanark. Agnes’s mother was 46, her eldest sister Janet was 21, her youngest sibling Hugh was 13, and Agnes herself was 18. ^[14][16]

In 1906, Agnes (23) married David Herbert Edward (25), a jeweller. David was born in 1880 in Partick, Glasgow, the sixth child of David Edward and Mary Ann Nisbet. Both his father and grandfather, George Edward, were jewellers with George having established the family’s jewellery and silversmith business in 1838 on Buchanan Street, Glasgow. The firm, originally called ‘George Edwards and Sons’, became ‘Edward & Sons’ in 1892 and was known for its quality pieces and distinctive silver marks.^[14][17]

In 1881, David Edward (then 10 months old) lived with his family in an eight-room house in Dunoon. His father, aged 42, was a jeweller employing 16 men and 4 boys. His mother, Mary Ann, was 36 and notably born at the Cape of Good Hope—possibly at sea, as there is no settlement at the cape itself. The household included young David’s five brothers and sisters, a live-in nurse(maid), and a general servant.^[14][16]

We’ve been unable to find the Edward family’s census records for 1891 and 1901, and therefore, pick up the story again in 1906 when David and Agnes got married. After their wedding, the couple settled in Queensborough Gardens, Hyndland, Glasgow, where they lived until 1910. In 1907, Agnes gave birth to their son, David Galloway Herbert Edward, at home. We believe he was an only child. ^[14][18]

By 1911, the family had moved to a ten-room house in Helensburgh. David was 30 and still working as a jeweller, Agnes was 28, and their son was 3. They employed a nursemaid and a domestic servant. ^[16]

After World War I, Agnes purchased Annet House in Skelmorlie, with her husband’s permission, as was required at the time. In 1921, however, Agnes, her son, her mother, and her sister were living in an eleven-room house in Lanark, while her husband was staying at the Queen’s Hotel in Rothesay, likely for business. At that time, Annet House was occupied by the Robertson family: John McKellar Robertson (38), a shipowner from Glasgow; his wife, Florence (28) from Yorkshire; their nine-year-old daughter, Mary; and four servants—a cook, tablemaid, housemaid, and nursemaid. It is unclear whether the Robertsons were friends of the Edwards or tenants. ^[1][6][16]

In 1925, David’s father died in Glasgow at age 44, although his usual address was listed as Annet House in Skelmorlie. At that time, David would have been 18. A year later, Agnes decided to sell Annet House. The subsequent whereabouts of Agnes and her son are unknown. ^[1][14]

Mr William Clark (Owner: 1926 – 1939)

The next owner of Annet House was William Clark. Born in Mauchline, Ayrshire, in 1854 to George Clark, a mercantile clerk, and Jane Calder/Caldow, William’s family moved to Glasgow early in his life. ^[1][19][20]

At 19, William began his career with the Steel Company of Scotland as a bookkeeper, witnessing the first cast of Siemens-Martin acid steel made in Scotland. Two years later, in 1875, he left for a job at a small wire-rolling mill in Brighouse, Yorkshire, but soon returned to the Steel Company of Scotland. There, he steadily advanced—first as an accountant, then secretary, and finally manager. ^[19][20]

In 1878, at age 25, William married Margaret Kirkwood Erskine, a 23-year-old factory worker from Mount Florida, Glasgow. Her parents, Alexander Erskine (a Master Mariner) and Agnes (Wilson) Erskine, were both deceased by then. Over the next fourteen years, William and Margaret had five children: George (1880), Alexander (1882), Agnes (1884), Mary (1890), and William (1892). The family’s circumstances improved steadily: in 1881, they lived in a modest three-room house in Roselea Drive, Springburn. By 1891, they had moved to a four-room house in Finlay Drive, Springburn, with William having become a Company Secretary. A year later, they relocated to a nine-room house in Rutherglen, where their youngest son was born. By 1901, they still stayed in Rutherglen, but William was now a manager, their eldest son George a mechanical engineer, Alexander a medical student, Agnes an arts student, and Mary and William still at school. The family also employed a live-in servant. ^[19][21]

In 1910, William resigned from the Steel Company of Scotland to become manager of Messrs. Vickers’ Sheffield works. He was soon appointed a local director and later became a full director.^[20]

During his sixteen years in Sheffield, William played a significant role in industrial development. He served as Master Cutler in 1920 and, after his term, was elected president of the Chamber of Commerce. His contributions during World War I were especially notable, as he oversaw numerous alterations, extensions, and developments in armaments and munitions manufacturing. ^[20]

While in Sheffield, William—eventually Managing Director of Vickers—rented Whitely Wood Hall, a 17th-century mansion. In 1920, Vickers purchased the hall and nine acres of land, continuing to use it for entertaining clients even after the Clark family left, until its sale in 1929. ^[22]

William retired in 1925, and in 1926, he and Margaret returned to Scotland, purchasing Annet House in Skelmorlie. This became their home for the next eleven years. Margaret passed away at home in 1934, aged 78, and William died three years later, also at home, aged 83.^[1][19]

Records show that William was not only a prominent steel manufacturer and business leader, but also dedicated time to social, philanthropic, and welfare work.^[20]

In 1939, William’s trustees put Annet House and its grounds up for sale.^[1]

Mrs. Margaret Welsh or Lyon (Owner: 1939-1948)

Following a public auction on March 8, 1939, Annet House was purchased by Margaret Welsh or Lyon, wife of Robert Montgomery Lyon, a chauffeur residing at 92 Copeland Road, Ibrox, Glasgow. ^[1][23]

Born in 1895 on John Street, Govan, Margaret McClachlan Welsh was the daughter of James Welsh, a riveter, and Catherine Virtue. By 1901, the family—her father (36), mother (26), Margaret (6), and her younger sister Mary (3)—lived in a two-room flat in Linthouse Buildings, a tenement block constructed in the 1880s for workers from the nearby Linthouse Engine Works and Shipyard.^[24][25[26]

In 1912, at age 17, Margaret married Robert Montgomery Lyon, then 21, working as a carter. Robert’s father, William Lyon, was a shipwright. The couple had at least two children: Elizabeth (born 1918) and Robert (born 1920). By 1921, the family had moved to a two-room apartment on Elphinstone Street, Govan. At that time, Robert (30) was employed as an iron driller, Margaret was 26, Elizabeth was 2, and Robert was 1. ^[24][25]

The story resumes in 1939, when Margaret purchased Annet House. Although details about her and her family’s time in Skelmorlie are scarce, it is known that she renamed the property Shuma, and according to Walter Smart’s book on Skelmorlie, Margaret was reputed to have spiritual healing abilities. In 1948, she sold Shuma and relocated to Hyndland in Glasgow. ^[1][27]

Mrs. Elizabeth McLay or Scott (Owner: 1948–1963)

The next owner of Shuma was Elizabeth McLay or Scott. Born in 1891 in Barrhead, Renfrewshire, Elizabeth was the third of ten children. Her father, Andrew McLay, was a cooper, and her mother was Mary Edwards. In 1901, the family—Elizabeth (9), her mother Mary (37), sisters Mary (18), Agnes (13), Jessie (3), Maggie (9 months), brothers Andrew (7) and William (5)—lived in a two-room flat on Hanney Street, Paisley, along with two boarders, Alexander and Jessie Hogarth. Elizabeth’s father was not present at the time. ^[1][28[29]

By 1911, the family had moved to a three-room flat on Underwood Lane, Paisley, not far from Paisley’s Gilmour Street station. Andrew (52) and Mary (47) were present; Elizabeth’s eldest sister (28) had married and moved out the previous year. Elizabeth (19), known as Lizzie, and her older sister Agnes (22) worked in a thread mill—possibly Coats, which was nearby. Brother Andrew (17) was an apprentice turner at an engineering works, and William (14) was a baker’s boy. The younger siblings—Jane/Jessie (12), Margaret (10), Kate (8), and Christine (6)—were all in school, while the youngest, James (4), was not yet old enough. ^[29]

In 1915, Elizabeth married John Scott, a 26-year-old coachsmith from Paisley. His parents were Robert Scott, a shoemaker, and Agnes (Chambers) Scott. The couple is believed to have had six children—four boys and two girls. By the 1921 census, the family lived in a two-room flat on Dunn Street, Paisley: John (32), a metal welder; Elizabeth (29); and children Agnes (3) and Robert (1).^[28][29]30]

Sadly, John died young at age 56, while the family was living on Douglas Road, Renfrew. Two years after his death, Elizabeth purchased Shuma House in Skelmorlie, where she lived for the next fifteen years before selling the property and eventually moving to Largs. ^[1][28]

Henry Boot and Sons Ltd. (Owner: 1963–1968)

Upon selling Shuma House, Elizabeth McLay or Scott divided the land, selling 4 acres, 9 poles, and 28 square yards to Henry Boot and Sons Ltd. The remaining one and a half acres were likely sold separately and used for two detached bungalows. In the early 2000s, these bungalows were demolished to make way for ‘The Shores,’ a development by Ossian Homes. ^[1]

Henry Boot and Sons demolished the house and constructed 30 flats, known as Shuma Court, in its place. The project’s architects were Houston and Dunlop of Kilbirnie. ^[1]

Mrs. Margaret Welsh or Lyon (Owner: 1939-1948)

Following a public auction on March 8, 1939, Annet House was purchased by Margaret Welsh or Lyon, wife of Robert Montgomery Lyon, a chauffeur residing at 92 Copeland Road, Ibrox, Glasgow. ^[1][23]

Born in 1895 on John Street, Govan, Margaret McClachlan Welsh was the daughter of James Welsh, a riveter, and Catherine (Virtue) Welsh. By 1901, the family—her father (36), mother (26), Margaret (6), and her younger sister Mary (3)—lived in a two-room flat in Linthouse Buildings, a tenement block constructed in the 1880s for workers from the nearby Linthouse Engine Works and Shipyard.^[24][25[26]

Mrs. Elizabeth McLay or Scott (Owner: 1948–1963)

Henry Boot and Sons Ltd. (Owner: 1963–1968)

Henry Boot and Sons demolished the house and constructed 30 flats, known as Shuma Court, in its place. The project’s architects were Houston and Dunlop of Kilbirnie. ^[1]

Sources and references:

^{[1 ]} Land Registry – Summary Sasine Deed for Annet House.

^[2] The World of Alexander Greek Thomson – Dominic D’Angelo 2023

^{[3 ]} 1910 Ordinance Survey map – Skelmorlie.

^[4^] Birth, death, and marriage certificates for David Dunn and family.

^[5] Various censuses: Glasgow – St James – 1851, Glasgow – Barony: 1861, 1871, 1881, 1891, and 1901.

^[6] Skelmorlie Censuses- 1861, 1871, 1881, 1891, 1901, 1911, and 1921.

^[7] https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/213805855/margaret-dunn

^{[8 ]}The Book of the Parish Church of Skelmorlie by Rev. John Lamond, B.D., 1895

^[9]Land Registry – Summary Sasine Deed for Mir-a-Mar.

^[10]https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/15251790/george-bannatyne-dunn

^[11] Land Registry – Summary Sasine Deed for Redcliffe and Ferniecraig