Buildings, Estate and Equipment
Julia Dry | Monday, 8th December, 2025

... continued from the Directors newsletter December 2025

The Summerhouse

The transformation of the Summerhouse was funded by an unexpected and generous donation from donors who had personal experience of managing a holiday rental.
Hamid van Koten agreed to project manage the refurbishment working with the donors to achieve a good result.
One month prior to covid work was completed and bookings for the Summerhouse were already being taken. When the travel restrictions came into place we were forced to close for bookings. We were able to access government grants during the closure through the Corra Foundation.
Under careful management this has become a great success providing a resource that is primarily aimed at funding the refurbishment of buildings and, as necessary, the large increases in running costs.
Since completing the six month course Sarah Everson has now taken over the day to day management and is also working with Jethro Flowers assisting with maintenance tasks.

Bequest

We received the news that we had been given a bequest in Alastair Macdonald’s will. Alastair was an architect who came to volunteer in the garden and had done meticulous and detailed plans of the Main House. We also received a selection of his large collection of books and the plans as mentioned.
He had initially enrolled in a course at Edinburgh University called The Metaphysics of the Mystical Unity, looking at different spiritual beliefs, religions and philosophies. Richard MacEwan and Adam Duprè were involved with one of the modules as outreach from Chisholme. The underlying unifying theme of the courses must have struck a chord with Alastair as he attended two six-month courses and continued to visit Chisholme, working as a volunteer in the garden.

Gate Lodge

This bequest meant that we were at last able to undertake refurbishment of the Gate Lodge which stands at the main entrance to the house and had been sitting empty for about 18 months looking sadly neglected.
Hamid van Koten again volunteered to take on the project management and this year in May it was finally completed and is offered as guest accommodation for longer term stays for those wishing to be part of the resident community. In line with our commitment to energy conservation a large wood boiler was installed and there are solar panels waiting to be fitted.

Other works completed

Bathrooms
The library bathroom was converted into a shower room; the upstairs wing shower and sink was replaced, both bathroom floors were made waterproof. Lottie’s Cottage bathroom was completely refurbished. It was necessary to replace the floor, removing and replacing a partition wall, bath and shower as the floor joists were rotten with active fungus and damp.

Water storage
There was a survey commissioned and completed by a hydrologist regarding the water reservoir: how it performs; and how it is fed. There were some in-house works undertaken to improve the flow into the tank. The recommended enlargement of the fenced off area surrounding the collecting points that feed into the reservoir tank still awaits completion. This is to protect against grazing livestock.

Water purity
Nick Hornor and Walt Holland undertook to connect every building at Chisholme to the UV system. They accomplished this with minimal interruption to guests and visitors. Nick also re-roofed the garden shed which was leaking badly.

Retreat doors
The old pine doors have now been replaced with better fitting and better quality doors made from Chisholme oak.

New equipment
A new dairy fridge was purchased for the kitchen and a new potato peeler, flour bins and digital scales; the housekeeper was able to purchase new mattresses, pillows and bedding, more cotton sheets and duvet covers and replace broken china. Audio equipment was acquired to amplify the conversation in the Mead Hall when needed.

Estate
Estate Manager Peter Harbottle was very busy through 2023 to 2025. Fathill was felled in 2023 and Storm Arwen required additional felling on parcels of land where trees were precariously hanging having not quite fallen to the ground. With the help of volunteers 6,000 plus trees were replanted overall.
The storm also demolished the outdoor kitchen, this was subsequently rebuilt as a timber structure, with volunteer assistance, for the three day RUMI750 event and the FNI courses; and a stove installed to heat water for the ablution area and for cooking.
To date: hedge trimmers, a chain saw and a long reach pruning saw have been purchased and the tractors and lawn mowers have been thoroughly overhauled. Peter is planning to develop a long term plan for the Estate with a focus on sustainability, community, culture and the environment taking their places in relation to the role of the spirit of education in unity that animates.

Chickens
As part of the education in good husbandry there is an intention to reintroduce chickens to Chisholme. The plan is to build a high fenced enclosure to keep them safe from foxes, badgers and other predators.

Solar panels
Solar Panels in the lower pasture – A feasibility report was commissioned on solar energy and quotes were obtained for the installation of panels in the lower pasture with grants in mind. Read more here

Planning Proposal on adjacent land
Proposed Wind Turbines at Midhill Wind Farm:
A heritage impact assessment has been commissioned regarding this proposed development. The impact statement has been funded by donations. Although the number of turbines has now been reduced to just 13, they will still be visible from the house and the Monument and may be audible from the retreat and house.
Read more here

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