NISBET is one of two highly attractive estate villages in the Borders to be designated as conservation areas following the recent adoption of the council's Local Plan Amendment.
The fine lay-out and distinctive architectural features on the houses at Nisbet and at Clintmains, near St
Boswells, have persuaded planners to add both communities to the region's list of 39 localities with conservation area status.
Nisbet's designation includes almost the entire village and means future development and alterations to properties will be carefully controlled.
A Conservation Area statement setting out the reasons for the special status says: “Nisbet has remained virtually unaltered since it was developed in the 19th Century. The village was built for the workers of
West Nisbet and East Nisbet farms, and there are only two properties in the village that are independent of each of the farms, namely the Schoolhouse and Smiddy House.”
It adds that the conservation area possesses a distinct identity and has retained much of its original character.
Nisbet's original estate lay-out is still intact and is arranged around two informal spaces – the mill pond to the east and the burial ground to the west.
“There are many significant features and architectural details that can also be found and are worthy of preservation”, adds the statement. “These range from moulded hoods above windows, and transom lights and arched doors some with integral fanlights.
“Boundary walls with coping are also an important feature within the conservation area and these too should be retained. All of these details and other physical features of the village such as the greenpainted timberwork highlight the significance of such an important settlement within the Borders and indeed in Scotland as a whole.”
The conservation area at Clintmains also covers the majority of the village. Its name stems from “the farm by the lake” and was originally built for the workers of Mertoun Estate, owned by the Duke of
Sutherland.
Editorial Supplied by The Jedeye.