Historic Cottage Restored in Scalby Village

A historic stone-built cottage on the Duchy’s Cloughton estate in Yorkshire has been fully refurbished and improved to provide modern energy efficient living accommodation in the heart of the village.

Field Close Cottage, next to Daisy Tea Rooms in the conservation area of Scalby village, had previously been occupied by the same tenant for more than 20 years before falling vacant in June 2021. Working with building consultants Sanderson Brown Ltd and local building firm RD Attridge Builders Ltd the Duchy team undertook a full refurbishment of the property prior to re-letting. The project also provided the team with an opportunity to trial several environmentally friendly and sustainable upgrades to the Duchy design specification developed in 2016.

The new improvements included additional roof insulation throughout, wall insulation made from recycled cotton fibres, pure wool carpets and wood fibre underlay. The central heating boiler and radiators were upgraded to improve thermal comfort and heating efficiency and the old gas oven and hob was replaced with a more sustainable electric model. An electric vehicle charging point was also added to the rear outside wall of the property.

Commenting on the project, Duchy Head of Rural Development Lara Thompson said: “We have been trialling various eco-products throughout the year as part of our drive to improve our design specification and ensure that it is as energy-efficient and sustainable as possible. Many of the initiatives and products introduced at Fields Close Cottage will now be incorporated into our Design Guide and rolled out across the portfolio as we refurbish more of our historic properties across the estates.”

The refurbished 2-bedroomed cottage has proved popular with the local community, with over 20 viewings and no fewer than 8 applications for tenancies received within 7 days of completion. The property has now been let to Field Close Cottage has now been let to a well-known local businessman who is highly regarded for providing services within the health and social care sector across Scarborough.