Evidence suggests named houses sell better, which in turn may increase the value for those properties with a feel-good name or one that infers status. Newly on the market in the coastal Inverclyde village of Langbank, ‘Mondesir’ is French for ‘my desire’.

In this case, the desire of the French-Canadian woman who won the Irish Sweepstake and in 1910 commissioned an architect to design and build her dream home, on an elevated 1.6-acre site with superb open views out across the Firth of Clyde to the mountains of Argyll. 

(Image: Savills)

As with many of the homes built during the short 1901-1910 Edwardian period, Mondesir’s design was heavily influenced by the Arts and Crafts era. The property retains many fine period features, including leaded glass windows, original oak herringbone flooring, copper wall lights, classic Arts and Crafts staircase, fireplaces and ornate ceilings. A ground floor bathroom retains an original claw-foot, cast iron bath, teak and holly flooring, and a bespoke stained glass window depicting the view over the Clyde to Dumbarton Rock and Ben Lomond.

(Image: Savills)

Spanning around 2,624 sq ft over two main levels (excluding two sizable cellar rooms on the lower ground floor), the accommodation includes a central hallway leading to two beautifully proportioned, bay-windowed public rooms.

There’s a sitting room with feature fireplace and leaded glass display cabinet, and adjoining formal dining room with parquet flooring, ornate ceiling, and open fire with Arts and Crafts surround. Mondesir also boasts a south-facing cosy snug/fifth bedroom with period fireplace and two, tall, built-in Art Nouveau-style cupboards in the 22ft kitchen.

(Image: Savills)

Making a bold statement, the Arts and Crafts staircase leads up to the first-floor landing, off which are four spacious double bedrooms (three with built-in storage) and modern family bathroom with separate walk-in shower, freestanding bath, and heated tiled floor. The principal bedroom also has access to a contemporary steel and glass balcony highlighting stunning views over the Clyde. The property also benefits from two large cellars, once currently used as a workshop and wine cellar.

(Image: Savills)

Externally, Mondesir’s expansive garden grounds incorporate a stone-chipped parking area, fishpond, lawn and former tennis court still with the original tennis posts, mature flower and shrub beds and a bluebell wood. 

There is also convenient private access through the woods to Langbank railway station, the village playing field, and a footpath to the primary school and village centre. The nearby M8 provides quick and east access to Glasgow, Greenock, Paisley, the airport, and via the Erskine Bridge, to Loch Lomond. 

Offers over £720,000 are invited to the Savills office in Glasgow.