One of the key characteristics of the architect John Kinross was fastidious attention to detail. Before undertaking work on a property, he would read up on the building’s history and, through that, he became highly skilled in traditional restoration techniques.
Kinross’s career spanned the 19th and 20th centuries, and his studies took him to Italy where he extensively researched Renaissance structures.
On home soil the architect worked on a number of church commissions and private residences. One such property is Carlekemp Lodge, on the western edge of North Berwick, East Lothian. Conceived as the lodge house to the neighbouring Carlekemp Mansion in 1898, it bears typical Arts and Crafts features: distinctive chimney stacks, a high-pitched slate roof and stone mullion windows.
Its owners, Calum and Yvonne Malcolm, bought the property in 1984. After their second child was born they needed more space. Their aspiration was realised only as an “OK” extension and conservatory. In 2007, they knocked them down and started again. “They did their job, but secretly we both hated them,” explains Calum. Working with Historic Environment Scotland on the grade A listed house, the couple sourced honey-coloured “Rattlebags” stone from a local quarry and constructed a new wing that houses a drawing room, snug, hall and fourth bedroom. Adjoining this wing is the original lodge, which has a sitting room, kitchen, utility room and ground-floor bathroom. Upstairs are three further bedrooms.
Linking new and old is a minimalist glass lean-to that serves as a focus point through which the old stone walls of the property can be seen from the garden. “You can see the original house and its proportions, which was what Historic Environment Scotland wanted,” says Calum.
Advertisement
Carlekemp Lodge is for sale through Rettie for offers of more than £895,000. The house also has a large garage with attached studio and kitchen, as well as a sunken seating area in the garden.
Perhaps ironically, considering how the man who designed their home spent the years that defined his career, the Malcolms are now downsizing to expand another property they own near Rome. Kinross would undoubtedly approve.