Solas Cottage
Isle of Jura, Scotland

Jura is best known as the remote location, where George Orwell wrote “1984.” Our project at the crofting (small farms) village of Knockrome, involves renovations to the cottage known as Solas (meaning light).  With work to the house complete, the side byre (small barn) is now being converted to an in-law suite, complete with conservatory.  The final phase will address conversion of the back byre to a holiday rental cottage, including a one and a half story addition in the traditional vernacular of the island.  In preparation for this project, Alan Berry met with local builders, visited construction sites, and reviewed Historic Scotland’s conservation publications.