Previously used as an old tractor shed, the Doocot was skilfully restored between 2016 and 2022 into a two-storey holiday let by owners Duncan and Lisa Kennedy, who also produce award-winning apple juice from their East Neuk Orchards.

One of the main priorities of the renovation was to preserve the original dookets (pigeon holes) as a key feature of the property. Set around two walls at the top of the building, these were incorporated into the first-floor kitchen-living room, becoming visible as you arrive up the stairwell.

At the construction stage, clearly there was an opportunity here to not only draw attention to the existence of this wonderful piece of history, but also create a stunning architectural impact with lighting.

Clare Wade of Cat Lighting was approached to work with the team to design a lighting scheme for the whole building, focusing in particular on the dookets.

A key challenge in the planning was how, how many and what kind of lights could be unobtrusively fitted to cast light along alternate compartments, highlighting the stone structures and effectively creating a unique piece of art around the room.

The solution was found by building out a bulkhead above the dookets and installing mini recessed downlights at symmetrical intervals.

Wired on to their own circuit, and dimming-controlled, the lights can be on by themselves which creates a dramatic, almost gothic effect, or work with the other lighting in the room to provide a comfortable ambient light.

Elsewhere in the building the original stone walls were perfect for lighting, using strategically positioned downlights up the stairs to catch the full effect of the texture and shadows. Stylish wall lights installed on the opposite wall serve to lead up the steel staircase, with an uplit window adding to the ambient light.

The bedroom is its own treat, with tightly angled spotlights highlighting wooden panels and led strip shaping the window, up past an uplit window to sparkling starlights in the ceiling.

Well planned and carefully specified lighting design have played a major part in the creation of this very unique and striking property. If you would like to discuss any type of lighting project, whether restoration, extension or new build, please contact Clare Wade at Cat Lighting for an initial consultation.

Cat Lighting is one of over 140 exhibitors of exhibitors at The Scottish Homebuilding & Renovating is at the SEC 11- 12 May 2025.

If you’d like to meet up with the team from Cat Lighting, snap up two free tickets, worth up to £24* for either (or both) shows, by clicking here