BLOCK NINE were appointed to undertake internal alternations and an extensive refurbishment on one of the cottages within their East Lothian estate.

The Gardener’s Cottage is a Listed Building, part of the early 17th Century Ruchlaw Estate and lies within the Stenton Conservation Area.

An initial site survey took place to confirm and update the existing drawings, determine the structural integrity and locate the loadbearing walls within the building.

The proposed layout and alterations were considered carefully with priority being given to minimise any disruptions to the fabric of the existing Listed Building, and to sympathetically reinstate as much of the original property as was possible.

The proposed layout comprises of converting the mezzanine storage area into a large open-planned kitchen, living and dining area, which will have a direct connection with the rest of the property through a new structural opening to the stone partition wall subdividing the middle of the building.

The existing non-original timber panelled ceiling will be removed to expose and highlight the original ceiling collars.

To enhance access to natural light, the existing double door will be replaced with new timber glazed French doors with astragals, and existing rooflights will be replaced with larger conservation rooflights.

Planning Approval was received and the Building Warrant was granted for the proposed design, and construction on site began in early 2023.