Interiors: Go with the grain

Six years ago Rosalind and Marcus Eveleigh began to look for an instantly liveable home. They wanted to move out of Edinburgh, where Rosalind worked, to a more rural locale within commuting distance of the city. Early on in their search, the couple found a project in Peebleshire, and although it was a challenge too far, it altered the nature of their plans.

"We realised we wanted something to get our teeth into," says Rosalind. A property near Dunbar in East Lothian, a 45-minute drive from Edinburgh, soon caught their attention.

One of four homes created from ten, "two-up-two-down" farm workers' cottages in the 1970s, this run-down property had been empty for six months. Although a lot of work would be required to transform it into a family home, the couple felt this was achievable.

Staying in their Edinburgh flat while their new home was stripped back to the basics, the couple camped out in the cottage garden at weekends.

"We were hands-on, keeping costs down," Rosalind says.

The plan was to convert the attic of the single-storey cottage into bedroom/bathroom accommodation, while reconfiguring small, ground-floor rooms. This property absorbed two-and-a-half original farm cottages, the gable walls running through the building.

Rosalind worked alongside chartered surveyors, who assisted with plans required to attain a building warrant, and she also secured recommendations for tradesmen, with whom the couple virtually lived for months.

"Rather than finance two homes, we moved in before the bulk of work was done," Rosalind says.

Living without much of a roof was perhaps the most challenging situation the couple found themselves having to deal with after most of the sarking boards unexpectedly needed to be replaced. This, and the arrival of Velux windows, caused early delays, as did the new staircase required to link the two floors. The staircase location was hotly debated as building regulations stipulate there must be adequate ceiling height above each tread.

"Working with a typically low-ceilinged East Lothian cottage we had to think carefully," says Rosalind.

Positioned within the living/dining area, the staircase has become a feature, thanks to a bespoke design utilising solid ash and handcrafted iron spindles. A solid oak pillar (a flitch beam encased in oak) was installed through the new staircase opening, up to the roof, while staircase spindles continue upwards, acting as a "wall" around a little first-floor minstrel's gallery.

"The pillar helped maximise light travelling down the stairs," explains Rosalind.

Upstairs, new rolled steel joists (RSJs) were required. "But we reinstated timber for a more attractive finish," Rosalind continues. Most original beams were painted black before the couple stripped them to natural timber, reinstating character. Marcus, who loves working with wood, was exacting about internal timbers, sourcing spalted beech for the windowsills. Walls at attic level had been panelled in pitch pine, which was removed and re-used as panelling in the family bathroom, while the original attic floor was re-laid in this bathroom and the neighbouring ground-level bedroom.

Timber reclaimed from an old gym hall was sourced for the living/dining room. Partition walls inserted during the 1970s were removed, giving the couple a spacious living/dining area occupying the width of one of the original farm cottages. Chimneys were preserved within the old gable walls, and in the living/dining room the hearth is now home to a large wood burner.

"With the open stair we wanted a big fire that would belt out heat," says Rosalind.

French doors open this room to the back garden, while a door to the opposite side leads to a front courtyard and green. Timbers were replaced on original sash-and-case windows that deliver light to both sides.

The kitchen retained its position - filling the building's depth, with large windows at either side - although its look has drastically changed. Previously lined with fitted units that closed in the space, it now hosts an informal mix of new units and those handcrafted by Marcus (around the Belfast sink). There's a large freestanding cooker, an oak storage cupboard and ample space for a farmhouse table. For practicality the kitchen was floored in Travertine, while the utility room and hallway have durable red clay tiles by Fired Earth.

Fireplaces in the gable walls of two of three double bedrooms on the first floor were retained for aesthetic appeal. Three-feet of solid stone was removed from the walls to link these new rooms, while all the walls on this level were insulated and re-plastered. The boiler for the new oil-fired heating system was located in the utility room, making the latter an ideal drying area.

For the family bathroom the couple sourced traditionally styled sanitary ware and a roll-top bath. Tongue-and-groove wall panelling enhances the cottage vibe. In contrast, the en suite shower room to the upstairs master bedroom was designed as a contemporary wetroom, complete with underfloor heating. This master suite also accommodates a large walk-in wardrobe.

Evidence of Marcus's woodwork skills emerge throughout. As well as the kitchen units, bookcases and a cot for the couple's little boy, he made the dining table, although Rosalind explains he hasn't graduated to chairs yet. Those around the table are from Real Wood Studios at Ancrum, near Jedburgh, upholstered in Anta fabric. One of Rosalind's favourite pieces is a wingback armchair in the living area, also reupholstered in fabric by Anta."Marcus rescued it from an old sawmill, paying about 10," she explains.

Most recently Marcus built two outhouses - a shed (for his woodwork) and summerhouse - on additional land the couple purchased to extend the garden, where they inherited easily maintained lawns and shrubs.

"We're not gardeners, but it has huge potential," says Rosalind. Most trees and shrubs the couple planted are well established, now bursting with growth.

Rosalind's work is prompting a move north, and the couple are on the lookout for another home. This project may have taken the best part of three years, but it hasn't deterred them.

"We enjoyed renovating," says Rosalind, "The original building provided direction."

Offers over 299,000. Contact Lindsays, tel: [phone], www.lindsays.co.uk

This article was originally published in The Scotsman Magazine on Saturday 23 October 2010.