Highland Living
The Yates family have an idyllic second home, where a classic bespoke kitchen takes pride of place in the newly-added wing.
Home gallery
When businesswoman Catriona Yates was seeking a second home for her family, it was natural to return to her roots in the beautiful Highlands. Her six-bedroom residence near Dornoch was built in the 18th century and has been almost doubled in size with the added wing – perfect for a brand new kitchen.
Catriona runs her firm, MacLean Fine Art, from the family home in Chelsea and has a keen eye for design. She wanted a cook zone that would work in a period property but offer essential contemporary comforts, too.
When she met designer, Barbara-Lucia Sumner, at Mark Wilkinson, Holland Park, Catriona found a kindred spirit. ‘I have places in Devon and London, so I quite understand the challenges involved,’ comments Barbara-Lucia. ‘We quickly established that Catriona wanted a kitchen that would blend seamlessly with the rest of the house, as it’s so central to it.’ The resulting scheme is a charming fusion of old and new. The den at one end boasts the latest audio-visual equipment and is a big attraction for all the family. And, at the other side of the room, the Yates’ have a family dining area complete with chandeliers for a chic French flavour. The rest of the interior has a more formal feel, with the new kitchen at its heart.
‘The quality of the cabinetry was really important, as the kitchen is a thoroughfare and works so hard,’ explains Barbara. The New England furniture has poplar frames, with recycled timber boarding for the panels .
Catriona was able to consult with a Mark Wilkinson painter when the restful lavender and sage green paint finishes were mixed on site, to get the perfect shade. ‘I find the tones subtle and very restful,’ shares Catriona. ‘Using an emerald hue on the island helps to break up the kitchen too. Plus, the second sink allows me to split my food prep from cleaning up, and makes the room work so well,’ she adds.
Other practical solutions include a dedicated breakfast area where the family can refuel with minimum fuss in the morning. Barbara also planned in a telephone staging post, complete with a chalkboard for messages. ‘We all tend to congregrate in the kitchen, so it made sense to have a landline to hand,’ Catriona says.
‘My London kitchen is quite compact, so it’s a joy to have such a large space to work in. I certainly make a lot more chocolate cakes and roast chicken suppers when I’m in Scotland! I find baking very rewarding, and I love the views across the fields in the summer evenings.’
Kitchen profile
A classic New England style kitchen by Mark Wilkinson complements an antique pine dresser and an understated pastel décor. Thick Amadeus granite worktops are mixed with poplar cabinetry for a highly functional but good-looking work zone, ideal for dishing up Sunday roasts and family fayre.Mark Wilkinson Furniture, Overton House, 27 High Street, Bromham, Wiltshire.
Tel: 01380 850004. www.mwf.com. Mark Wilkinson kitchens are priced from around £35,000.
Stockists
Appliances
Dishwasher G1182SCVi, from £750; oven H4271BPSS, from £990; hob KM500FRAMESS, from £555, all at Miele. Three-oven cooker in Heather, priced £7760, at Aga.
Fictures and fittings
Island unit Modultop sink, priced £297, at Kohler. Edgeworth sink EDG100WH, £762, at Shaws of Darwen. Tap 4173PF, around £451; tap 4460PF, around £267, both at Perrin & Rowe. Emulsion in String, around £27 for 2.5l., at Farrow & Ball. G255 pendant lights above island unit, around £90 each, at Dibor. Amadeus granite worktop, £872 per sq. m.; tiles behind Aga, price on application, both at Mark Wilkinson Furniture.
*All prices are approximate.
