Ancient mud house given new lease of life as des-res rental

Published on Tuesday 16 September 2008 22:11

ONE of Scotland's most unusual and historic buildings – a house made of mud – has been put on the rental market after being saved from demolition by a local council and restored to its former glory.

Three years ago, the derelict former Logie Schoolhouse near Montrose in Angus was rescued from the wrecking ball and given a category A listing by Historic Scotland, following the intervention of Angus Council which recognised the importance of the building.

The 19th century schoolhouse was hailed as a "rare and remarkably complete" surviving example of the traditional mud buildings which were once wide-spread in northern Angus and southern Aberdeenshire.

Following the completion of a 390,000 restoration scheme by the National Trust for Scotland (NTS), the public are being offered the chance to take up residence at the "most unusual and distinctive" property.

Originally built as a school for the local mill, it became a church in the late 19th century, before being abandoned in 1991 and suffering partial collapse in 2004.

Sarah Cuthbert-Kerr, a spokeswoman for the NTS, said the schoolhouse was a rare surviving example of a once common vernacular mudwall construction.

She said:

"The schoolhouse is one of the most complete surviving examples of mudwall buildings in Scotland. It fell into disrepair and was earmarked for demolition.

"However, after it was brought to their attention by a neighbour and the community council, Angus Council realised the importance of conserving this unusual building and developed a proposal to save it from demolition.

"Conservation experts have now completed the painstaking process to restore the building to its former glory, both inside and out, and are offering the property for rental, at a monthly cost of 350."

She added: "At Logie Schoolhouse the mudwalls are structural, though the material is concealed for the most part behind a protective lime harl finish externally and plaster and panelling internally.

"Inside, the early decorative schemes have been reinstated, with traditional limewashes in warm colours in the main building and the mid-twentieth century colour scheme in the porch extension, making this a cosy, if unusual, home."

Sin Loftus, the Little Houses Improvement Scheme manager, said: "This has been a fascinating project to be involved in. Seeing the building transform from a derelict building to a lovely home has been fantastic. The building is now ready to receive its first tenants and will become an important addition to the housing market in rural Angus."

The house comprises a large open-plan living, dining and kitchen area, one double bedroom, a bathroom, cloakroom and utility room. There is also a small garden area.