Description

These two 18th century ashlar fronted town houses are located in the centre of the Ardersier Conservation Area. There may be some association with Fort George, but they are certainly unusual properties for Ardersier, which even at the time of the 1st edition Ordnance Survey in the mid eighteenth century, was described as consisting largely of single storey thatched houses in only middling condition.  Although the exteriors are relatively unassuming, the interiors were found to display some sophistication of detailing in the decorative joinery and plasterwork when the Trust acquired them from then absentee owner. The properties, having lain empty for over 50 years were in a semi derelict condition, displaying serious problems of stone decay and water penetration.

Project

Because of the quality of the interiors, it was agreed that the only option which minimised intervention and loss of historic fabric was to restore them back to residential use as two properties, for sale on the open market on a revolving fund basis.

Design Team

Leslie F Hunter	Architects
Torrance Partnership	Surveyors
Peter Stephen and Partners	Engineers
Ridout Associates	Timber Specialists

Funding

The Architectural Heritage Fund provided financial assistance to enable the Trust to develop the proposals for submission to the funding bodies. The total project cost was £497,000 and funding was secured from the following organisations to enable this project to proceed:

Heritage Lottery Fund
Historic Scotland
Manifold Trust
Highland Council

Funding was secured from the following organisations:

• National Lottery – Heritage Fund Scotland
• Historic Environment Scotland
• Highland Council
• LOCAL PLANNING AUTHORITIES