Last operational more than half a century ago, Upper Kennerty Mill faced an uncertain future after its roof and much of the interior, including the original mill works, were destroyed by fire in 2006, leaving it in a dilapidated and precarious condition.

But in a project that has been a labour of love and a career highlight for award-winning architect Annie Kenyon, this historically significant building has been saved.

Sympathetically conserved to retain or replicate many of the original features, the core mill building looks much as it would have when it was built in 1838, its historic structure safeguarded by the retention of the original stonework, door and window spaces. To replace the original windows, Annie sourced a modern replacement, craftsman-built accoya redwood casement windows, in traditional style.

On the east elevation of the building, the remnants of the two 14ft water wheels have been restored by Annie’s father Peter Kenyon. Peter also restored the internal mill workings which can now be seen through a glass viewing floor, a feature in the open-plan kitchen and dining hall.

The original lades, which once carried the water from the Culter Burn to power the mill, have also been restored although they now serve as pathways rather than water courses.

Inferior quality additions to the original mill have been replaced by a contemporary new-build extension.

“We’re so pleased that we have been able to preserve this building which in its day was a vital contributor to the local economy,” said Annie. “Not only is the building itself very special, it blends in beautifully within the environment. Sitting in half an acre of ground, which includes 150m of frontage along the burn, it’s a haven for wildlife and while we’ve been working here, we’ve been able to observe otters, red squirrels, salmon and trout and a very wide variety of bird life, all the usual garden birds but also kingfishers, pink-footed geese, pheasants, sparrow hawks, common buzzards and red kites.”

Inside the building itself are rooms full of traditional character such as exposed beams and exposed stonework which blend with ultra-modern and stylish features including two custom-built glass staircases with steps carved from elm grown at Annie’s home near Turriff.