GROWIING up in Inverness, Loch Ness was something that was always there and I suppose I took it for granted.

I have always been awe-struck by its broodiness and majesty in bad weather and postcard glory in good. But in all honesty I have only ever been aboard a boat on those famous waters once in my six decades.

Upon moving to Helensburgh, that kind of familiarity breeds contempt omission was one I was determined not to repeat.

This week I dragged the family to the fabulous Hill House, the remarkable home built for a local family by Scotland’s own Charles Rennie Mackintosh as the 20th century dawned.

To be honest, I was open-mouthed before I even got inside.

To protect its original render from our own special climate, the entire building is shrouded in a unique steel and chain mail box. This will allow it to dry out and prevent further weather damage.

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But the structure is in itself a technological marvel and from its special walkway affords a unique elevated view of the building and the Clyde beyond.

Inside it felt like a film set and I had to pinch myself to remember that this was once a family home.

It is huge with myriad rooms, each offering a special perspective of life.

The house was commissioned by publishing magnate Walter Blackie, who had been so impressed by the stylish Glasgow School of Art he sought out its designer to build a home for his family.

Mackintosh, and his wife Margaret MacDonald, spent two years creating a unique and beautiful place and space.

His specialism was the exterior shape and build and the interior design and layout. Hers was the fabric and furnishing, much of which survives in situ today.

Not even half-way round the house, I began to really wish I had visited before. To be honest I had been kind of put off by the plethora of rose and trellis designs, of which there were an elegant sufficiency in Scotland in the late 1980s and early 1990s.

Inside the Hill HouseInside the Hill House (Image: Sheena Anderson) Yes, it said Glasgow to me, but every house I visited seemed to have a CRM doorbell or name plate outside or a clock or print inside and I will admit to an ennui of his style.

But seeing it close up and walking around such a magnificent space just up the hill from Helensburgh town centre has refreshed my senses.

It really is a magnificent structure, with a unique atmosphere, right on our doorstep and we are lucky to still have it.

With one eye on the sugar boat next, I look forward to visiting again.

As an aside, you also get a nice drop of soup in the café!