Carol Capper and Donald Morrison have reinvented a neglected 1850s B-listed building in Perth, turning a former office space into a colourful and stylish family residence while blending modern comforts with historical charm.
Carol Capper and Donald Morrison have turned a once-dull office space in Perth into a vibrant and stylish home, demonstrating the potential for transformation that exists within many listed buildings. This property, affectionately known as the “Milkman’s House,” dates back to the 1850s and was converted into a commercial space by a catering company approximately two decades ago. When they purchased the B-listed building in 2021 for £150,000—£25,000 below the asking price—the couple saw beyond its simplistic exterior and instead envisioned their dream home.
Set against the backdrop of Scotland’s rich architectural heritage, their renovation narrative is underscored by a commitment to quality and detail. Carol shared that the interior of the house was unrecognisable from the picturesque facade. Inside, they found an unwelcoming environment filled with offices’ remnants—desks, filing cabinets, and other detritus of a bygone era. Notably, the facility lacked modern amenities such as showers, compelling the couple to install a temporary solution before truly settling in.
For her, the transformation was not just a reconstruction but a reclamation of the building’s character. The couple initially set a budget of £50,000, which expanded nearly threefold to accommodate their vision. Their “top-to-toe makeover” involved a complete remodel, including rewiring, replumbing, and replastering, to both restore and improve upon the house’s original elegance. They received planning permission to install en-suite bathrooms in the three bedrooms, ensuring that modern comforts harmoniously fused with the historical essence of the structure.
Emphasising a design philosophy that is both bold and unapologetic, Carol has infused the home with vibrant colours and quirky details that reflect her personality. Each bedroom and its en-suite are distinctively styled in contrasting accent colours, complemented by feature wallpaper and decorative elements that add a touch of whimsy to the space. The couple has revitalised the exterior as well, restoring the cottage’s façade and replanting the front garden, thereby enhancing its charm.
Their kitchen, a central hub for family gatherings, showcases a modern design complete with an island and an induction hob, all bathed in warm, inviting hues. The living room, with its rustic wood burner, encapsulates the idea of a cosy retreat, ideally suited for long winter evenings. As Carol reflects, “I do have a bit of a flamboyant taste… I like pops of colour.” This statement resonates with their overall aesthetic, which embraces a contemporary feel while evoking the quaint charm of the property.
As they prepare to list Glensaugh Cottage for offers over £365,000, the couple expresses a mixture of nostalgia and excitement for the next chapter of their lives, which includes seeking a smaller city residence and a getaway. Carol shares her fondest memories of the sun terrace, where they enjoyed leisurely weekends—a clear testament to how this renovation has enriched their lives. Notably, Glensaugh Cottage stands not only as a testament to skilled craftsmanship and creative vision but also as a beacon of potential for future developers and homeowners inspired by its transformation.
Such renovations resonate with a broader trend in Scotland, where efforts to restore and repurpose historical structures are notably prevalent, from the successful transformation of a derelict Category B listed building into townhouses in Banff to the award-winning remodelling of Millbuies House. Each project reflects a commitment to marrying modern living with historical integrity, ensuring that these cherished spaces are not only preserved but also celebrated.
Reference Map:
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Source: Noah Wire Services
- https://www.thecourier.co.uk/fp/lifestyle/property/5253083/perth-house-renovation-for-sale/ – Please view link – unable to able to access data
- https://www.grampianonline.co.uk/news/banff-listed-building-renovation-project-completed-200932/ – A derelict Category B listed building in Banff has been transformed into three townhouses by the North East Scotland Preservation Trust. The project was funded by the North Aberdeenshire LEADER programme, Aberdeenshire Council, Historic Environment Scotland, the National Lottery Heritage Fund Scotland, and the Pilgrim Trust. The renovated houses are intended to accommodate student silversmiths and visitors to Banff. ([grampianonline.co.uk](https://www.grampianonline.co.uk/news/banff-listed-building-renovation-project-completed-200932/?utm_source=openai))
- https://www.narroassociates.com/project/millbuies-house/ – Millbuies House, a Category B listed building in Edinburgh, underwent significant remodelling to enhance its energy efficiency. The central courtyard was infilled with a clear-span roof and clerestory glazing, and large skylights were installed to increase daylight throughout the building. The project won the Saltire Society Housing Design Award in 2018. ([narroassociates.com](https://www.narroassociates.com/project/millbuies-house/?utm_source=openai))
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leslie_House – Leslie House, a Grade A listed historic building in Leslie, Fife, Scotland, was the seat of the Earls of Rothes for over 250 years. After being sold for redevelopment in 2005, the building suffered severe fire damage. Restoration work began in 2021 and is nearing completion. ([en.wikipedia.org](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leslie_House?utm_source=openai))
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ballochmyle_House – Ballochmyle House, an 18th-century country house near Catrine in East Ayrshire, Scotland, was the seat of the Alexander of Ballochmyle family. After serving as a hospital from 1939 to 2000, it underwent a £5 million restoration starting in 2009 and was converted into luxury flats. ([en.wikipedia.org](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ballochmyle_House?utm_source=openai))
- https://www.fmb.org.uk/2021-master-builder-awards/large-renovation-project-national-finalists.html – The Federation of Master Builders’ 2021 Master Builder Awards featured Alskea Contracts Ltd’s transformation of a derelict church into four bespoke apartments, J C Building Services’ conversion of a 16th-century farmhouse into a modern family home using locally sourced materials, and Spey Building & Joinery Ltd’s refurbishment of a traditional family home in the Cairngorms National Park with sustainable features. ([fmb.org.uk](https://www.fmb.org.uk/2021-master-builder-awards/large-renovation-project-national-finalists.html?utm_source=openai))
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/High_Sunderland – High Sunderland, a Category A listed building in Scotland, was restored by Glasgow-based architects Loader Monteith after being damaged by fire during renovation. The restoration included invisible sustainable upgrades and careful attention to original fittings and interiors. The project won the 2022 AJ Retrofit Award and a 2022 RIBA National Award. ([en.wikipedia.org](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/High_Sunderland?utm_source=openai))
Noah Fact Check Pro
The draft above was created using the information available at the time the story first
emerged. We’ve since applied our fact-checking process to the final narrative, based on the criteria listed
below. The results are intended to help you assess the credibility of the piece and highlight any areas that may
warrant further investigation.
Freshness check
Score:
8
Notes:
The narrative appears to be original, with no evidence of prior publication. The earliest known publication date is May 28, 2025. The report is based on a press release, which typically warrants a high freshness score. However, the inclusion of updated data alongside older material may suggest some recycled content. Notably, the property is listed for offers over £365,000, with a closing date set for February 18, 2025, indicating that the sale has been ongoing for several months. This extended listing period may raise questions about the property’s marketability. Additionally, the report mentions that the couple purchased the property in 2021 for £150,000, which is £25,000 below the asking price at that time. This suggests that the property has been on the market for at least four years, potentially affecting its appeal. The report also references other renovation projects in Scotland, such as the transformation of a derelict Category B listed building into townhouses in Banff and the award-winning remodelling of Millbuies House. These references may be intended to contextualise the renovation trend in Scotland but could also be seen as recycled content. The inclusion of these projects, along with the extended listing period, may raise questions about the property’s marketability.
Quotes check
Score:
9
Notes:
The direct quote from Carol Capper, “I do have a bit of a flamboyant taste… I like pops of colour,” appears to be original, with no evidence of prior usage. This suggests that the content is potentially exclusive.
Source reliability
Score:
7
Notes:
The narrative originates from The Courier, a reputable Scottish newspaper. However, the report is based on a press release, which may indicate a lack of independent verification. The reliance on a single source for the renovation details raises questions about the comprehensiveness and accuracy of the information.
Plausability check
Score:
6
Notes:
The narrative presents a detailed account of the renovation of Glensaugh Cottage, including specific figures and dates. However, the extended listing period of the property and the inclusion of references to other renovation projects in Scotland may raise questions about the property’s marketability and the novelty of the renovation. The reliance on a single source for the renovation details and the lack of independent verification further affect the plausibility of the claims.
Overall assessment
Verdict (FAIL, OPEN, PASS): OPEN
Confidence (LOW, MEDIUM, HIGH): MEDIUM
Summary:
The narrative presents a detailed account of the renovation of Glensaugh Cottage, including specific figures and dates. However, the extended listing period of the property and the inclusion of references to other renovation projects in Scotland may raise questions about the property’s marketability and the novelty of the renovation. The reliance on a single source for the renovation details and the lack of independent verification further affect the plausibility of the claims. Therefore, the overall assessment is OPEN, with a medium level of confidence in the accuracy and originality of the content.
