Project Name: Yester House

Location: Gifford, Scotland

Date Completed: 2018

Interior Designer: Jeffreys Interiors

Architect: Groves-Raines Architects

Construction: Taylor and Fraser Ltd

Associated Companies: Harley Haddow, Nevins of Edinburgh, Sculleries of Stockbridge, The Bathroom Company

Yester House, in Gifford, East Lothian, is an A-Listed Stately Home designed by architects James Smith and Alexander McGill in the early 1700s, with renovations later conducted by William Adams and son. The grounds of the house are included in the Inventory of Gardens and Designed Landscapes in Scotland.

Jeffreys Interiors were enlisted to work alongside the client on the interior refurbishment and decoration of the property. Whilst the inherent grandeur and beauty of the building was evident, it was tired, outdated and required immediate intervention to prevent further damage and bring it back to its former glory. Together, the design team worked to design a home that is complementary to the stature and history of the building, while also serving as a comfortable and functional home to a young, modern family.

Jeffreys Interiors have taken great care to restore and reuse as much as possible; while a change of purpose to the rooms on the ground floor, including moving the kitchen to the centre of the living area, meant that the day-to-day life in the home became much more accessible and reflective of contemporary living.

The re-opening of the sealed enfilade along the southern expanse of the first floor has created a stunning Master Bedroom suite comprising a treatment room, dressing room for both clients, master bedroom, and finishing with the en-suite bathroom. This sits adjacent to the girls’ bedrooms which are linked to a Jack and Jill bathroom via a fairy-tale forest corridor.

The basement was curated to be the family’s playground. A cinema, gym and pool room were installed, while the original range has been left in place in the old kitchen which is yet to be converted.

The design is complementary to the stature and history of the building, but also serves as a comfortable and functional home to a young, modern family. While impressive, it is also authentic and homely.