October 22 2020

Alan Dunlop Architects are to refurbish a C-listed coastal property on the edge of the Crail conservation area in Fife, on behalf of an American client.

The Watch House controlled the supply of grain, goods and water coming into Kings Mill and will now serve as a private home. This will entail demolition of later additions to the front and rear to be replaced by new single and double-height extensions.

Dunlop said: "The Watch House project is the renovation of a 250-year-old listed structure in Crail, on the East Neuk of Fife and a landmark on the Fife Coastal Path. It's a spectacular site and the building looks onto the North Sea and over to the Isle of May National Nature Reserve. On a clear day, and there are many, you can see down to North Berwick."

Renovations had been due to commence this year but have been delayed due to the onset of Covid-19, as Dunlop explains: "The project received planning permission and listed building consent at the turn of this year. The drawings are the original planning drawings. I was in the process of forming a design team for the next stages, preparing a building warrant and construction detail and tender drawings when the lockdown started. As a double whammy, my client is a New York-based financier, in April New York became the epicentre for Covid-19 in the US and she has been grounded there since. We hope to start again, fingers crossed, in 2021 and complete in 2022."

New additions such as a dining room and rainscreen veil will employ either oak or ash which will weather and age with the original building over time.

6 Comments

#1 Posted by Andying Andy on 22 Oct 2020 at 23:50 PM

Andy it......but I think it is a shame it has been delayed.

#2 Posted by Bill S on 23 Oct 2020 at 07:51 AM

Have to say that this style of presentation works really well for this particular building typology. That final image is cracking and really imbues a sense of place.

#3 Posted by Scottish architect, currently furloughed. on 23 Oct 2020 at 09:13 AM

True. A real sense of place and more beautiful drawings to support a sensitive proposal Professor Dunlop.

#4 Posted by St Andrews Conservation on 11 Apr 2023 at 17:41 PM

Walking the Fife route at Sunday I came across this building for the first time on a spectacularly sunny day. It is in a poor existing condition so can't wait to sèe it finished as shown here in these proposals.Looks like a very appropriate and sensitive prospect, respectful of the history, context and setting.

#5 Posted by Neil C on 12 Apr 2023 at 08:00 AM

#6 As kids my sister and I spent holidays in Crail, we thought this house belonged to a witch. Spooky stuff but it looks like an excellent addition much in keeping. Looking really good for the town to see it renovated at long last.

#6 Posted by Neil C on 29 Jun 2023 at 11:46 AM

I will be with the with my office table tonight Professor but I'd like to come and say hello. Good luck, such a beautiful project.

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