A Forgotten Gem in a Scottish Village
In October 2020, George embarked on a bold challenge—renovating a crumbling, abandoned Scottish house that hadn’t been lived in for over 50 years.
Tucked away in a quaint village 30 miles north of Edinburgh, the building’s past whispered through its deteriorated stone walls and damp, uneven floors.
Once used to bind and distribute religious books in the 1700s, this historic house had lost its purpose. But George saw potential where others saw decay.
The First Look Inside
After purchasing the property for £55,386, George faced the harsh reality. The downstairs floor was a mix of ground and mud, the walls were fragile, and the roof needed immediate attention.
The first step? Clear out the remnants of its past life and start from the ground up.
Breathing New Life Into Old Walls
The renovation began with repairing the unstable walls and filling old chimneys. Insulation became a priority, given Scotland’s unforgiving winters. While some mourned the loss of the exposed stone, practicality prevailed. Drafts were sealed, and the building slowly started feeling like a home.
An Unexpected Challenge
One of the most surprising setbacks was the roof. Hidden structural issues demanded costly scaffolding and repairs. While it strained the budget, the effort brought back the charm of the original stonework, now perfectly repointed.
Modern Touches With a Nod to History
The transformation was more than cosmetic. Raising the ceilings upstairs and installing roof windows bathed the space in natural light. A bespoke hardwood oak staircase replaced the old, rickety ladder, making the house feel open and inviting.
Inside, George chose a simple, modern design—white walls with blue-gray accent touches to keep the rooms airy and cheerful. The compact 37-square-meter (400-square-foot) space became functional with custom-built storage solutions, like a low wardrobe and under-stair storage.
Challenges Worth Facing
Unexpected costs like a staggering £8,319 water and sewer connection fee added to the project’s challenges. But by December 2021, the renovation was complete. The total cost? £157,844. Though slightly more than the current market value of £155,000, it’s a home tailored to George’s vision—a price he was willing to pay.
The Final Reveal
From a damp, empty shell to a cozy, livable home, the transformation was incredible. Outside, cobblestones now complement the village’s historic charm, thanks to George’s dad’s first-ever cobblestone-laying project. Inside, the once dark and drafty rooms now feel bright and warm.
Looking Ahead
While George is thrilled with the results, this is just the beginning. His next goal is to tackle another renovation or explore tiny houses across Scotland. Sharing these stories—and their costs—will hopefully inspire others to breathe life into forgotten spaces.
Watch the Full Restoration
See the full house transformation on George’s YouTube channel—where an abandoned relic becomes a cozy home!
Related
8 Stunning Stone House Transformations: Before and After
Transforming 100 Years in 12 Months A Silo’s Stunning Revival
0 Comments