Exclusive steading conversion

This listed steading conversion on the edge of Newburgh occupies an elevated position above the south bank of the River Tay.  The original steading was a whin/sandstone and pantiled steading of 18th century origin extended in 1858-9 when the three storey mill to the west of the site was added. 

The architectural approach to the conversion revolved around retaining the appeal of the original fabric and form of the buildings, and utilising reclaimed material from the site in all aspects of the construction. From reclaimed oak beams and roof timbers, to stone walling excavated from historic upfill within the courtyard.  Extensions to the original fabric were limited and where introduced, were articulated as new, but complimentary additions to the original buildings.  All existing openings were fully utilised, with minimal new openings formed.  The original internal walls were retained, influencing the layout of the units, often forming focal points of exposed stone helping the interpretation of the original form.  The water wheel, mill race and internal machinery were painstakingly restored to preserve the function of this original historic feature.

The modern steel courtyard sheds were removed to allow parking in the core of the steading which minimised the impact of car parking from the public perspective.  Clay pantiled car ports were introduced to the courtyard, both as a visual break between the units, but also to express the form and location of service buildings in the earlier layouts of the steading.

Making best use of current technology was also an important aspect of this design, with the integration of bore hole heat pumps to all units to provide renewable energy, just as the mill wheel did in its working heyday.

The residential development was a finalist in the “Conversion of the Year” category at the Scottish Home Awards and also received a commendation from the Cupar and North Fife Preservation Society.  The Assessor praised the restoration and conversion of the steading as a “transformation of a traditional farm steading to form an attractive group of houses around a sensitively paved and planted court, the painted porches providing focal points.  The open carports with pitched roofs, centrally located, are a successful resolution of the parking requirement, which both reduces the visual impact of the cars and affords framed views across the courtyard.  The restoration of the mill building and the wheel is particularly successful.”

If you have a potentially complex listed building conservation project and require either specialist architectural or planning input to steer your development through both the planning and building warrant process, then please contact us for a free, confidential, no obligation consultation.