readers’ homes
OLD MEETS NEW
A sleek, modern extension has transformed Julia and Rowan Walker’s traditional 19th century cottage in East Lothian
WORDS CAROLINE EDNIE
Conservation work to the front of the house included reinstating the original roof tiles and re-pointing of the stonework. The front door was also updated and the single-glazed windows were upgraded to double-glazed units
PHOTOS FREDRIK FRENDIN
Edinburgh-based couple Rowan and Julia Walker used to enjoy weekends away from the city, walking their dogs along the beaches of East Lothian. Each time the Walkers travelled to their favourite getaway spot, they’d drive past a row of traditional old pantiled, sandstone workers’ cottages in a neighbouring village. In 2017, they saw that one of the properties was up for sale, sparking their excitement at the prospect of owning a charming period property. It was the perfect chance to create the idyllic rural lifestyle they had long dreamed of.
For the first few years, Rowan and Julia found that the twobedroom cottage provided an ideal base for a quieter way of life, especially compared to their previous city-centre flat. Plus, it was still within travelling distance of their jobs in Edinburgh. However, when their first child arrived, the house started to feel too small. “So, we had to decide – do we move out and try to get something bigger? Or do we extend and get an extra five to 10 years out of the house?” says Julia. “We decided this was where we were happy in the short to medium term, as the location is ideal, with plenty of nearby amenities, including schools.”
At this stage the couple approached Tom Armistead of Edinburgh-based Somner Macdonald Architects. Rowan and his parents had a long association with the practice, who had previously renovated several of their properties in Edinburgh.
The east-facing addition was built using timber frame construction and finished with larch cladding. The handmade pantiles are a modern reflection of the traditional reclaimed tiles to the front of the building