Before and After Design: Transforming a Derelict Mill

"It was a quagmire," says Fiona Gill of the waterlogged site surrounding the old mill that she purchased with husband Ron. Yet, with the aid of drainage the couple have transformed the ruins of this former mill in Angus, Scotland into a comfortable, spacious family home.

Adequate drainage was not the only requirement on this idyllic plot: creating an access road up the steep terrain was essential, and a collapsed passage behind the building would need excavating. The latter also involved the construction of a retaining wall, which swallowed up Fiona and Ron’s contingency fund. "It used up our ‘cushion’. We’re still paying for it now!" says Fiona.

With groundworks underway, attention turned to the mill and creating a new home which remained faithful to the original rustic character of the building. "I wanted a ‘shabby farmhouse’, not a pristine show home," reflects Fiona. The couple took their ideas to architects AB Roger & Young (01356 622125) to turn into working plans.

The local planning department did, however, require some amendments to the design before granting approval. "There were three features we had to compromise on — the dormer window the porch canopy and the balcony. The dormer is smaller than we hoped for; we also wanted to extend the porch canopy to join the roof of the single storey wing and create a larger sheltered space. Luckily the balcony is pretty much as we intended," explains Fiona. A cosy snug now lies beneath the balcony, which opens up the first floor living room through patio doors.

The ruined walls of the existing mill were stripped down to a structurally sound level, and rebuilt using original stone found on site. Fortunately for the Gills, stone was plentiful, namely provided by a vast hopper filled with dressed stone, found inside the mill. "We still have a colossal amount left," comments Fiona. A timber frame was constructed within the stone walls, and the new home insulated and made waterproof with the addition of a slate roof, and traditional timber sash-style windows and matching doors.

Inside, natural materials prevail, with decorative oak ceiling beams and slate flooring on the ground floor, and timber floors and reclaimed flagstones upstairs. "Apart from a few snagging problems, the house is everything we wanted," say Fiona and Ron, who visited the site daily during the works. Indeed, it’s difficult not to feel a little jealous of their charming rural home.  

Inside and Out

Country Chic
The new home boasts a large family kitchen. With pine units – from Pineland Kitchens (01606 41292) – a Belfast sink, bridge tap, range-style cooker and tiled slate floor, the space epitomizes farmhouse chic. This interior theme continues throughout.

Outbuilding
The couple hoped to renovate an old cottage adjacent to the mill. However, its proximity to a stream meant the building could not be made habitable. Permission was, however, granted to reinstate the façade, and the cottage now functions as a store.

Further Reading:

• Before and After Design: Renovating a Bungalow 
• Before and After Design: Sustainable in Suburbia
• Before and After Design: A Green Makeover