Papple Steading: West Range, Papple

Part of a steading complex. 7 symmetrical bays; advanced gabled entrance bay at centre with set-offs, hoodmoulded round-arched opening to pend, with keystone and corbelled dovecot above; pointed-arch opening to dovecot and stone piend roof. Pyramid spire intersected by gables of each elevation; decorative weathervane.

Formerly known as Popplehal or Popilhall, by site of former nunnery. Impressive frontage is outstanding among Improvement steadings in East Lothian and in its setting (Historic Scotland)

December 2011: Nominated for inclusion by local planners. Planning and listed building consent for conversion of the steading to residential use were approved subject to conditions including legal agreements in 2008 ref: 06/00990/FUL & LBC.

17 July 2013: Local planners advise works have commenced at some of the cottages within the farm site but not yet at the main building.

14 October 2014: External inspection finds the farm steading disused - a new farm complex having been built to the East. The former steading is overall in poor condition with slipped and cracked slates, blocked rainwater goods, broken windows and missing or damaged doors. Walls appear in fair condition although some areas of dampness are evident. The farm chimney stack is damaged. Full Planning Permission and Listed Building Consent for the restoration and conversion of the steading to form 4 dwellings are under consideration ref: 13/00699/P & 13/00699/LBC. Move to At Risk.

20 July 2017: Local planners advise the site has changed ownership, the new owner is likely to propose a restoration project shortly.

7 November 2017: Consent is being sought for the restoration and use of the former cottage and adjoining range as a dwelling and holiday lets 17/00851/P. The supporting information notes the intention to restore the steading complex using a phased approached, this application being the first phase.

2 July 2019: Local planners advise permission (17/00851/P) has been conditionally approved for conversion/ repair works. Work has commenced on the former Grieve's cottage. Moved to Restoration in Progress.

6 March 2020: An application for Listed Building Consent has been lodged for alterations to buildings and formation of hardstanding areas as changes to the scheme of development the subject of listed building consent 17/00850/LBC, Grieve's Cottage, Papple Steading, Morham, Gifford, East Lothian, Ref: 20/00216/LBC

3 August 2021: Local planners report the first phase of the restoration works has been completed and the next phase of works to convert to form a shop visitors/conference centre, auditorium, cafe/bar, letting bedrooms, offices and holiday lets is anticipated to commence shortly.

24 January 2024: The Papple website notes that phase 2 of restoration works to the Steading are now underway and projected to be complete in 2024. These will include the opening of a library, horse stables and access to the doocot structure.