the transition from the outside world into a safe, fantastic inside space. Paint analysis of the harling on the exterior shows that it might have been left as an unpainted pale grey initially. Mackintosh selected portland cement harling, then a newly introduced product, for the surface finish. This harling was found to be less durable than traditional lime harling and by 2017 it was discovered to be in a precarious condition, putting the integrity of the whole building at risk. As a temporary solution NTS has enclosed Hill House in a transparent porous "box", allowing some movement of air, so that the structure dries out gradually. The interior The mansion combined the Edwardian period’s traditional ‘femininity’ of an intimate, inside space, with the ‘masculinity’ of the exterior public world, both uncommonly used throughout the interior of the building. To Mackintosh, bringing the masculine aspects to the inside would break away from the over decorated, entirely feminine conventional interiors. This allowed him to convey different feelings and experiences depending on the purpose of each space. Mackintosh used different materials, colours and lighting, when necessary to perform a full experiential transition from one point to another. References External links www.nts.org.uk/visit/places/the-hill-house from the National Trust for Scotland, including opening hours and location information. www.greatbuildings.com with some exterior and interior photographs of the house. See Also Glasgow School of Art Willow Tearooms Charles Rennie Mackintosh buildings Arts and Crafts architecture in Scotland National Trust for Scotland properties Houses completed in 1904 Category A listed buildings in Argyll and Bute Houses in Argyll and Bute Historic house museums in Argyll and Bute Landmark Trust properties in Scotland Reportedly haunted locations in Scotland Helensburgh Art Nouveau architecture in Scotland Art Nouveau houses