By renowned architect James Miller, 1924. Predominantly 2-storey and attic, L-plan, red brick block in late Stuart, Neo-Georgian manner, located in narrow lane at the W side of Princes Street. Regular fenestration. S (principal) Elevation: 7-bay with architraved and segmentally pedimented doorpiece to centre; moulded timber cornice; returning at W wing with 3 pairs of timber French doors to ground. Voussoired red-brick windowheads with pale sandstone ashlar keystones to ground; brick cills to 1st floor. E elevation: 3-bay with further projecting 3-storey corner tower to NE angle with chamfered stack and steeply pitched mansard roof. Further 3-storey, flat-roofed section to NW angle.
Greyfriars House is designed in a distinctive Neo-Georgian manner which is uncommon in the wider Perth area. Set back from the street at right angles with a courtyard to the front, it is characterised by its use of unusual purplish-red brick and simple classic Georgian treatment. It was built as a hostel for the homeless by prolific locally born architect James Miller (with Richard Gunn as chief assistant) for Lord Forteviot (John Alexander Dewar, Lord Provost of Perth and first of the Scottish ‘Whisky Barons’). Millar is best known for his many commercial Glasgow and railway buildings. Greyfriars House was possibly the inspiration for the similar Model Lodging House in Skinnergate by Erskine Thomas and Glass (1927). A pram shed was added to the W elevation by Millar in 1925. Previously known as Princes Street House.
