Katherine Bank | Earlsferry
Homes | Conservation
Private Client
Conservation-led refurbishment in a remarkable coastal landscape.
Katherine Bank sits within one of Scotland’s most striking coastal settings — a sweeping crescent of golden beaches, rugged rocky headlands, and the expansive waters of the Firth of Forth. From its elevated position, the home overlooks uninterrupted coastline, rolling dunes, and the long arc of the historic links golf course that stretches behind Earlsferry and Elie. This extraordinary natural context forms the backdrop to a project that balances conservation, contemporary intervention, and a deep appreciation for place.
Whole-house renovation rooted in heritage and context.
The home’s transformation began with a full whole-house refurbishment, designed to preserve its historic stone character while creating a warm, accessible, energy-efficient family home. Our clients wanted their house to feel aligned with its setting — resilient, calm and open to the views — all without compromising its conservation-area significance.
Internally, we refined circulation, inserted a new feature stair, reconfigured room layouts and introduced additional bedroom accommodation to support long-term use. These interventions were carefully integrated so that the building’s original fabric remains legible and celebrated.
Adaptive reuse and a more connected living experience.
Adaptive reuse guided every design decision. By repositioning internal walls and enhancing sightlines, the home now feels more intuitive and more deeply connected to its surroundings. Carefully framed views draw the coastline indoors, while the reconfigured interior creates a continuous flow between social spaces and quiet retreats.
High-quality contemporary rear glass extension with frameless glazing.
To fully embrace the setting shown in the aerial image — the vast crescent beach, clear waters and uninterrupted horizon — we introduced a frameless glass extension to the rear. This contemporary addition uses structural glazing to dissolve the boundary between home and landscape, allowing the sea, sky and shifting coastal light to animate daily life.
Wide sliding panels open directly onto a sheltered terrace, protected by a slim projecting canopy, creating an all-weather outdoor room that sits in dialogue with the coastline.
Rooftop glass extension and Juliet balconies maximising coastal views.
The upper level has been reimagined with a rooftop glass extension, strategically designed to capture the extraordinary panoramic views that characterise Earlsferry. A fully glazed beach-facing elevation draws the horizon deep into the home, transforming waking up, relaxing, and entertaining into immersive coastal experiences.
New Juliet balconies to key bedrooms and living spaces allow fresh sea air to flow through the house and offer uninterrupted views across the beach, rocky shoreline and out to the open water.
On the street side, the design maintains a traditional roof form, complete with zinc-clad dormers that remain sympathetic to the conservation area while expressing a contemporary quality consistent and capturing views over the golf course.
Thermal upgrades, sustainability, and longevity.
High-performance insulation, improved thermal detailing, and energy-efficient construction methods significantly reduce heat loss and enhance comfort. By retaining and upgrading the existing structure, the project protects embodied carbon while ensuring the home remains resilient within its exposed coastal environment.
Begin your own project.
If you’re considering transforming a characterful or coastal property — blending conservation with refined contemporary design — we’d be delighted to help.
Get in touch to explore how 125Architects can craft a home that honours its heritage, embraces its landscape and elevates everyday living.
