Listed country house saved from dereliction
A listed country house near Peebles, Scotland, has been brought back to life as a family home following many years of neglect.
Owners Mike and Meg Gush recognise they are custodians of Hallyards and have been keen to renovate it sympathetically. Mike said: “Where 20th century alterations had been undertaken with non-traditional materials, such as cement floors and concrete render, we have removed them and reinstated the structure using natural materials and techniques.”
As in most historic houses, the walls of Hallyards do not have a damp course, so moisture rises up them and needs to evaporate away. At some stage lime plaster had been replaced with gypsum plaster but this had prevented them from breathing. All internal walls were replastered with lime to ensure they can now breathe.
Mike added: “For the internal decoration we chose Earthborn Claypaint because it is highly breathable and works well with lime plaster. Our palette is themed around the original colours that we uncovered, including the green on the library walls. We’ve chosen shades that complement the stone floors and slate worktops, aiming to create a bright and airy feel.”
Claypaint is a unique, clay based emulsion. Its advanced technology maximises the natural properties of clay to create a high performance, highly breathable paint that covers exceptionally well and gives a distinctive, ultra matt finish.
Being free of oils and acrylics, Claypaint is virtually VOC free and does not give off any toxic emissions. That means it is safer for the health of building occupants as well as the environment. Its eco credentials include the stringent EU Ecolabel.
Claypaint is available in Earthborn’s signature palette of 72 shades. Bespoke colours can be developed through the nationwide network of Earthborn stockists such as Ian Russell Paints of Edinburgh which supplied the paint for Hallyards.
For further information visit:
www.russellpaints.co.uk