Case study

Restoring the Heart of Kinbuck

Designed by Braco Designs

In the heart of Kinbuck village stands a 200-year-old carding and spinning mill, lovingly restored to its former splendour.

Over three years, this ambitious restoration, led by Lee Collins of Braco Designs, transformed a once-neglected commercial property into a stunning five-bedroom family home with an elegant annex-style layout. The removal of an unsympathetic extension reinstated the mill as the centrepiece of its surroundings, celebrating its industrial past while embracing modern living.

The early 19th-century stone building, with its slate roof and loft dormer featuring a historic hoist, is a monument to the area’s industrial heritage. Listed on Scotland’s Buildings at Risk Register for over 20 years, its preservation is a victory for historical and architectural preservation.

The vision for this restoration was clear: to revive the mill’s historical character while creating a functional, contemporary home. Original features – such as fire points, an industrial winch and wooden beams - were carefully preserved and integrated into the design. The weathered exterior walls were hand-chipped to reveal the original stonework and repointed with lime plaster. Inside, dramatic arched windows enhance the dramatic double-height dining area.

The downstairs cloakroom is one of the most innovative design features; a repurposed lift shaft incorporating the original lift push buttons. The upper floor houses an office, complete with the preserved lift door. Hand-aged paint gives an aged character, blending seamlessly with the mill’s vintage industrial textures, alongside reclaimed antiques sourced from France and Amsterdam.

Drummonds’ fixtures were a natural choice for this unique home. A commitment to timeless quality perfectly aligns with the ethos of the project. A bespoke vanity, designed to resemble an antique piece of furniture, features taps from Drummonds’ Leawood range in antique brass. With their robust, industrial aesthetic, these taps complement the mill’s heritage beautifully.

The Meon Bath, with its raw iron exterior, forms a dramatic centrepiece in the bathroom, softened by cascading greenery. Finished with antique brass taps and fittings, the space achieves a perfect balance of industrial charm and refined luxury. Designer Lee Collins, a passionate advocate for Drummonds, highlights the Leawood range and antique brass finishes as personal favourites.

“The introduction of Drummonds products into our designs truly elevates them. As the sole supplier of Drummonds in Scotland, we take pride in bringing their classic products to projects across the country. Their unrivalled quality ensures our clients receive the very best.”

This exceptional restoration has earned widespread recognition, including The Herald’s ‘Interior Design of the Year Award’ and the Society of British and International Design’s ‘Fit Out Project of the Year.’ Yet beyond the accolades, the true reward lies in the connection to the past. Stories shared by locals whose ancestors worked in the mill underscore the profound importance of preserving this historic landmark. Through a deep respect for history and unwavering attention to detail, the Old Mill’s legacy has been secured for generations to come.

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