THE MILL, SCOTTISH BORDERS

Taking a derelict farm steading in the Scottish Borders that hadn’t been lived in for over 50 years, and turning it into an award-winning holiday home is just the kind of challenge we relish. It featured in Channel 4’s Grand Designs as part of the RIBA House of the Year awards, picking up ‘Best Built Home in Scotland 2015’.

Before construction began, the roof had fallen in and there was a stream running through it, and we were tasked with creating a modern retreat that retained much of the old building’s charm – for instance the original walls were repaired using stone from the site. A new timber frame complete with insulation was inserted into the original structure, and new openings made in the stonework to maximise light. The result is a property brimming with character and a cosy feel, and a project we’re especially proud of.