For many decades the Grade A listed workshops and stables lying in the Designed Landscape of Broughton Place (designed by the renowned architect Sir Basil Spence) had laid empty. Jemima Elliott moved to Broughton Place Farm with her later husband Peter in 2011, and with a vision renovate the farm buildings into energy efficient properties for the next generation, created two new homes in the vacant space whilst overcoming planning challenges that would have defeated many developers. The costly matters of installing a new wastewater system and objections from the roads department, as well as land use change requests for the A listed building were overcome by Jemima’s passion to renovate the property.
Jemima’s aim when renovating the properties was to invest in the longevity of the properties instead of aiming to achieve EPC credits. With the family’s extensive experience and knowledge in Conversion Structural Engineering (Elliott & Company), the longevity of the properties will not be in doubt.
Although the building had been well-maintained Scottish Borders Council were persuaded that to protect the building further, a balance needed to be met in allowing changes that would still protect its special interest, while enabling it to be put back into active use. A design led approach was undertaken with heritage value of the building at its core. This allowed minimal intervention with exterior detail and for any works to complement the building's nature. The outcome is a conversion that has revitalised this redundant and forgotten part of the building without compromising its character.
A key telling point regarding the standard of this conversion is that when the planning application was made in 2022, there were no objections from neighbours, only letters of support. Jemima was keen to see that sustainable materials were used as far as possible including wood fibre insulation and zero emission electric heating coupled with a small wood burner. A local contractor from Innerleithen, Smith and McMath, was used to carry out the works.
Most importantly, the addition of two new housing units to the local community is significant, and especially in the current climate. The farm now provides local housing for six households. While the units are only one bedroom, projections expect single and two adult households to remain dominant in the Scottish Borders where there is a shortage of smaller units.
Given the challenges faced in getting this project off the ground and the payback period for the project being more than a generation, it is fair to say that many would have given up at the planning stage. As with most rural projects, the objective was to deliver for the community while also making use of long redundant buildings.
The two new apartments are nearing completion and should be let in the coming months.
At a broader level, Jemima actively encourages public enjoyment of the farm with the John Buchan Way, a public footpath from Broughton to Peebles, going up through the farm, which is very popular. The farm has hosted many public rides and sponsored walks and is a popular venue for hill running including the Greenmantle Dash and the Two Breweries hill races.