The Elms
When CCD was first approached, The Elms comprised two adjoining cottages — one occupied and the other a ruin — though both likely originated as a single-storey longhouse dating from the early 15th century. Despite its derelict state, the ruin retained significant historic fabric, including a rare stone évier, one of only two of its type on the island.
- Category: residential, heritage
CCD began by stabilising the structure: removing invasive plant growth, capping the exposed walls with lime mortar, and preventing further water ingress. With the building made secure, attention turned to its adaptive reuse. Working closely with the clients, a scheme was developed to reintroduce living, sleeping and washing accommodation, restoring the cottage to domestic use.
The road-facing elevation was reinstated in traditional form, with original openings reopened and a new clay pantile roof. In contrast, the garden elevation adopted a more contemporary approach, maximising light, views and the south-west orientation. Internally, historic features were retained and the fireplace reconstructed.
Works to the inhabited cottage included removing cement render, lime repointing the granite walls, installing a natural slate roof, and adding a new entrance porch. A detached garage was also designed to complement the setting.
The result sensitively reunites the ruin with the family home, preserving its character while providing modern accommodation — all carried out by a local contractor with care and craftsmanship.