The Schoolhouse at Applecross is, like most schoolhouses, attached to the school. It had been extended and altered in the late 20th century. The house was cold and draughty. In order to bring the schoolhouse up to current building regulations it was decided to replace both the porch and side extension with new.

The refurbishment involved stripping back the house to the original stonework and lining it with insulated render, wood fibre insulation and a breathing lime plaster. The new extensions are fully clad in slate to match the original roof and inside the house has a new Caithness slate floor with a stair and joinery in oak, including a sliding pocket door to separate the living and dining/kitchen areas. The new layout, materials and insulation has transformed the house into a warm, usable light-filled home.


Photography by Will Scott