Nominee Summary
Drumearn House is the sensitive restoration of a prominent B-listed property in the heart of Comrie, Perthshire. Through significant private investment and a commitment to traditional craftsmanship, the project is preserving an important piece of local heritage while creating high-quality visitor accommodation for the future. Local contractors, tradespeople and suppliers have played a central role throughout the restoration, helping sustain rural employment and skills. By bringing a long-neglected building back into productive use, Drumearn House will support year-round tourism, strengthen the local economy and safeguard an important landmark for future generations.
Building quality
The restoration of Drumearn House has been undertaken with an unwavering commitment to quality, authenticity and longevity. As a B-listed building, every stage of the project has focused on preserving and enhancing the property’s historic character while ensuring it meets modern standards of comfort, safety and performance. Traditional materials and specialist conservation techniques have been used wherever possible to retain the building’s original features and architectural significance. Particular attention has been given to the roof, stonework, timber elements and internal detailing, ensuring that repairs complement the original fabric rather than replace it unnecessarily. The project team has prioritised craftsmanship and quality over short-term solutions, working closely with skilled contractors experienced in heritage restoration. The design approach balances respect for the building’s history with the creation of welcoming, high-quality accommodation suited to contemporary visitors. Careful consideration has been given to layout, finishes, materials and aesthetics to create a cohesive and enduring result. Throughout the restoration, decisions have been guided by the principle of stewardship: protecting an important historic asset while ensuring it remains viable and relevant for future generations. The result is a property that celebrates its heritage while providing a high standard of accommodation that contributes positively to the wider rural economy.
Ethical/environmental standards
Drumearn House has been restored with a strong commitment to ethical practice, environmental responsibility and the preservation of local heritage. From the outset, the project has sought to retain and repair existing building fabric wherever practical, reducing waste and preserving the embodied carbon already contained within the historic structure. The restoration has relied heavily on local contractors, tradespeople and suppliers, ensuring investment remains within the local economy and supporting skilled employment within rural Perthshire. Wherever possible, traditional materials and conservation-led techniques have been utilised to maintain the integrity and character of the building while extending its lifespan for future generations. The project team have adopted a long-term stewardship approach rather than a short-term development model. By restoring and repurposing an important historic property, the project protects a significant local landmark while creating a sustainable future use that supports tourism and economic activity. Consideration has also been given to improving the building’s efficiency and performance where appropriate and compatible with its heritage status. Careful restoration, sensitive upgrading and ongoing maintenance will help ensure the building remains viable for decades to come. Above all, Drumearn House demonstrates how heritage conservation, environmental responsibility and economic sustainability can work together to secure a positive future for an important rural asset.
Community impact
Drumearn House is already delivering positive benefits to the local community through investment, employment and the preservation of an important historic building. The restoration project has generated work for a wide range of local contractors, craftspeople and suppliers, supporting rural jobs and helping retain specialist skills within the area. The project represents a substantial private investment in Comrie and demonstrates confidence in the future of rural Scotland. By bringing a prominent and previously underutilised property back into productive use, the development contributes to the vitality and attractiveness of the village while safeguarding an important part of its architectural heritage. Once operational, Drumearn House will provide high-quality visitor accommodation that supports year-round tourism and encourages visitors to spend time and money within the local economy. Guests will make use of local cafés, restaurants, shops, activity providers and services, helping to spread economic benefits throughout the community rather than concentrating them within a single business. The project has also generated significant public interest and engagement, with many local residents following the restoration journey and sharing a sense of pride in seeing a well-known local landmark carefully restored. Drumearn House demonstrates how sensitive heritage restoration can preserve the past while creating lasting economic, social and cultural benefits for the future of a rural community.
