Period homes make the public private

Our built heritage, former churches, schools and town halls, can offer unique dwellings, says Kirsty Mcluckie

Converting a former school, church or similar public building to a single home or flats can be a challenge on a small scale.

But safeguarding much larger period buildings by converting them to residential use throws up some interesting questions of how to create usable modern interiors while retaining the integrity of the exterior.

One of the most ambitious projects in recent years in Scotland has been the conversion of the Fort Augustus structure, at the southern end of Loch Ness, into apartments.

The building was originally a military fort, but became a monastery and then a school. Its first redesign was completed in 1880 in an ornate Victorian style.

Its unique history, buildings and setting on the shores of the loch are of national significance, but at the beginning of this century it stood empty, its fabric deteriorating due to damp and rot.

A scheme of restoration, conversion, selective demolition and sensitive new building work created more than 90 residential units plus leisure facilities and was completed in 2012.

There are several properties currently for sale in the complex but perhaps none is as striking as 6 Abbey Church.

The two-bedroomed duplex apartment was formerly a chapel and retains its highly decorated interior stonework, stained glass and vaulted ceilings.

High stone arches form a natural barrier between the kitchen, dining and sitting room. Upstairs are two bedrooms, one of which is open to the floor below to take advantage of the vast windows.

As converted properties go, you would never forget its former purpose, but the layout makes clever use of the space and the original features, while being a comfortable home.

While Fort Augustus is complete, other developments of large period buildings are currently underway with apartments available to buy off-plan.

Savills is bringing a former school development near Glasgow Botanic Gardens in the city’s West End to the residential market.

North Kelvin Apartments, on Shakespeare Street, will create 85 conversions and new-build apartments from a red sandstone school which dates back to 1915.

The first 29 units to be completed are located in the original school building, which has a striking architectural style.

They will include one, two and threebedroomed flats as well as a selection of two and three-bedroomed duplexes and triplexes. As seen in Fort Augustus, mezzanine floors will be used to take advantage of windows spanning several storeys.

Kinross Town Hall is currently undergoing conversion into nine, one and two-bedroomed apartments.

The building is a landmark, complete with an imposing clock tower, and its architecture combines an eclectic blend of Georgian, Victorian and Edwardian.

The refurbishment has used high-quality materials such as timber sash-and-case windows and a traditional slate roof, while inside the apartments have underfloor heating and smart boilers.

As a unique feature, the work has integrated existing war memorials into the building to pay homage to its history.