Knockroon News

Hope Homes chosen to deliver phase one of Scotland's largerst new town, Chapelton of Elsick

23/05/13

Hope Homes are delighted to be confirmed as one of the builders of phase one of Scotland's largest new town, Chapelton of Elsick, 10 miles south of Aberdeen.  Chapelton could eventually deliver 8,000 new homes and associated facilities.

Lord Southesk, Director of EDC, said "This announcement is another major milestone for us and takes another step closer to getting construction underway.  We are very excited by the calibre of the house builders we will be working with to make Chapelton a distinctive and attractive new town.  They are a perfect fit for the Elsick Development Company and Chapelton.  These companies are renowned for building high quality, sustainable homes, which is central to our plans for Chapelton."

Hope Homes are currently developing Knockroon, on Dumfries House Estate, after HRH The Prince Charles, Duke of Rothesay, put together a rescue package to save the estate for the nation.  Knockroon has been recognised by the Scottish Government as a model community for Scotland.

For more information on Chapelton see chapeltonofelsick.com, or click here to register your interest in the new homes being built at Chapelton by Hope Homes.

Ayrshire Rally Queen 2013

30/04/13

One highlight of the Ayrshire Young Farmers' calendar is the annual Rally Dance which was held recently at the Stewarton Area Centre.  Pictured here is the winner of the Rally Queen competition, Laura Templeton of Knowe Farm, Auchinleck.  Hope Homes have been sponsors of this event for a number of years now and are very happy to have links with the local farming community.

Next item in the Young Farmers' diary is the Rally Day which will be held at Whitefordhill Market, Ayr on Saturday 25th May.

Drawing Places delegates visit Knockroon

11/04/13

Anne and Ian Hope of Hope Homes gave a presentation about Knockroon recently at Dumfries House as part of "Drawing Places". 

This pilot event was organised by The Scottish Government and The Prince's Foundation For Building Community.  Local authority planners, engineers and development control officers were given the opportunity to get back to the drawing board on the first day while enjoying a series of presentations on day two, as well as a tour of Knockroon.  HRH The Prince Charles, Duke of Rothesay visited in the afternoon as well as Minister for Planning and Local Government, Derek McKay.

Anne and Ian were delighted to give the minister a private tour of Knockroon the same day.

Our photo shows Drawing Places delegates at Knockroon.

Coylton 99s Boys Football Club 10 mile sponsored trek

02/04/13

We were delighted to be able to offer a pit stop to the members of Coylton 99s Boys Club, who were taking part in a 10 mile sponsored trek to raise funds for a trip to a tournament in Blackpool. 

The trek took place through the grounds of Dumfries House Estate, took in many of the exciting projects within the estate with the boys passing the Sawmill Traditional Skills Centre, the Walled Garden and the house itself.  At the half way mark, the boys (along with a few parents and coaches) called into Knockroon for a much needed engery boost before heading off to complete the course.

Our photo shows the hardy bunch of walkers outside Knockroon.  More photos are available on our Facebook page.

Galloway and Southern Ayrshire Biosphere

26/03/13

As Scotland's first biosphere, Galloway and Southern Ayrshire Biosphere has been designated by UNESCO as a place with world-class environments that promote and demonstrate a balanced relationship between people and nature. Biospheres are created to protect the biological and cultural diversity of a region while promoting sustainable economic development.

UNESCO requires every Biosphere to be made up of three zones:
The Core areas lie at the heart of the Biosphere and include extensive areas of mountain, moorland, freshwater lochs and rivers. They are home to a wide range of scarce wildlife including iconic species like golden eagle, red deer and wild goats.

The Buffer zone of Galloway Forest Park is a working landscape managed to protect the natural heritage of the core areas. The area offers tremendous recreational opportunities in dramatic landscapes. Activities compatible with good ecological practices are encouraged and include facilities like the 7Stanes mountain bike routes and the Dark Sky Park viewing areas.

The Transition area is the part of the Biosphere Reserve where people live and can work together to make the best use of our local resources. Such as the development of low energy housing, environmentally friendly farming, and nature based tourism.

Hope Homes are delighted to be involved with the biosphere and are featured on their website as one of the case studies. To find out more and see how you too can become involved, click here to visit their website. Our case study can be found here.

You can also follow @ScotBiosphere on Twitter or Like them on Facebook here for regular updates.

Cumnock Town Hall set for major refurbishment

04/03/13

Cumnock Town Hall is in line to receive a massive £850,000 refurbishment this year, which it is hoped will reinvent the hall as a vibrant performance venue. The hall will be closed in April for a period of 6 months, with re-opening scheduled for September 2013 while work is still ongoing. Plans are currently under development, but are set to include a new roof, new windows and new interior facilities for theatre, comedy, music and cinema.

The project will be funded by East Ayrshire Council, who are paying £700,000 towards the cost, as well as the Cumnock Area Regeneration Scheme and Creative Scotland, who will contribute £110,000 and £40,000 respectively.

The final event before closure will be Create's Comedy night on Friday 8th March. 

1,000 Happy Customers for Hope Homes

04/03/13

Knockroon joint developers Hope Homes, reached another milestone recently, when they handed over the keys to their 1,000th customer.   Eric and Sheilagh Osborne are delighted with their new home at Uplawmoor, which is the 1,000th build Hope Homes have completed. 

An older property was demolished to make way for a new, low maintenance four bedroom home, designed and built to Eric and Sheilagh's requirements and specification. 

Specialising in bespoke construction and design, the Hope Homes team will build a home of which you can be proud of for decades to come.  With a dedicated point of contact and highly skilled workforce, their aim is that clients will enjoy having their home designed and built by Hope Homes.  If you would like to speak to someone to find out more, call now on 01292 590442.  Get in touch now - you won't be disappointed, but don't just take our word for it.  Click here to hear from some of the many satisfied customers.

Our picture shows Eric and Sheilagh receiving their keys, a bottle of bubbly, flowers and a Costley & Costley gift voucher from Hope Homes Marketing Manager, Gillian Steele. 

Beautifully designed 3 bedroom semi-detached homes £165,000

07/02/13

We are delighted to announce the release of two beautifully designed two storey 3 bedroom home combining traditional features with the advantages of a modern, sustainable home. 

The Penkill family home has wonderful specification including:

• traditional double glazed timber sliding case and sash windows with antique brass fittings
• slate roof and black painted guttering and downpipes
• wet dash render with smooth window margins in traditional local colours
• feature chimney with log burning stove
• garage with hinged timber doors made by on-site craftsmen and handy pedestrian door
• rear garden wall built with specially sourced yellow brick or random sandstone
• joiner-made front door with feature ironmongery and hand painted house number
• French doors to lounge
• spacious dining kitchen
• large guest toilet and spacious family bathroom
• choice of contemporary or traditional quality internal finishes
• fitted kitchen and laundry room with dishwasher, fridge freezer, oven, hob and hood
• painted beaded board option in place of ceramic tiles

To find out more about this, or any other property at Knockroon, speak to a member of our marketing team on 01292 590442 or call into the Knockroon Visitor Centre, open Thursday to Monday between 11am and 5pm (SAT NAV KA18 1AN).

Victorian style 3 bedroom paired villas with sandstone features £190,000

07/02/13

We are delighted to announce the release of two beautifully proportioned 3 bedroom paired villas.  The Rowallan marries traditional Victorian design with all the advantages of a modern, sustainable home. 

The amazing specification for each home includes

• sandstone bay window to lounge
• black Victorian style roof crests and finials
• traditional sandstone and lead dormer window
• slate roof and black painted guttering and downpipes
• feature chimney with log burning stove
• landscaped front garden with painted garden wall and traditional railings
• Scottish style porch with white timber posts and joiner-made front door
• garage with hinged timber doors, made by on-site craftsmen and a handy pedestrian door
• garden gate with hand painted number detail
• traditional double glazed timber sliding case and sash windows with antique brass fittings
• rear garden wall built with specially sourced yellow brick
• French doors to spacious dining kitchen
• laundry room
• large guest toilet, family bathroom and en suite shower room
• choice of contemporary or traditional quality internal finishes
• fitted kitchen with dishwasher, fridge freezer, oven, hob and hood
• painted beaded board option in place of ceramic tiles

To find out more about this, or any other property at Knockroon, speak to a member of our marketing team on 01292 590442 or call into the Knockroon Visitor Centre, open Thursday to Monday between 11am and 5pm (SAT NAV KA18 1AN).

Taking Knockroon to Isle of Arran

06/02/13

Dr Sally Campbell of Arran Civic Trust visited Knockroon during the summer of 2012.  So impressed was she and her party that they requested a visit by a representative of Hope Homes to the Isle of Arran to spread the word of the developing community at Knockroon.

Tuesday 5th February may not have been the best choice of date --- certainly not for anyone lacking sealegs!  Squally showers meant  that the Ardrossan- Brodick ferry servce was subject to delay and cancellation.  Undaunted, our fearless directors,  Ian & Anne Hope set sail that afternoon clutching the presentation which was to take place in the Ormidale Pavilion in Brodick that evening.

A hardy group of about 20 members of Arran Civic Trust turned out and were enthralled by what they were shown.  Most attendees would know little of Knockroon and even less of the extensive work of Hope Homes.  This gave an ideal opportunity to blow our own trumpet, advertising not only the traditional style of build at Knockroon, but also the many and varied bespoke projects undertaken, both in the residential and the commercial markets in East Ayrshire and beyond.

Ian and Anne were delighted to stay overnight on the island thanks to the kind hospitality of Dr Sally Campbell & husband, thus delaying boarding the return ferry until the following day.

Since then, only a few days later, we are delighted to say that we have  been paid a visit  by two parties who attended the presentation, keen to see for themselves just exactly what we are so proud of.  They were not disappointed.  Come and see for yourself, the visitor centre and showhomes are open Thursday to Monday, 11am - 5pm.

Hope Homes welcome enquiries from all over Scotland and would urge anyone contemplating a bespoke project, to contact Scott Hope at head office 01292 590442 or email enquiries@hopehomes.co.uk

Michael Russell MSP visits Knockroon

18/01/13

Michael Russell MSP, Cabinet Secretary for Education and Lifelong Learning, visited Knockroon to find out more about the buzz that’s spreading about enterprise education in East Ayrshire.

During the visit, the minister was delighted to see pupils of Auchinleck and Cumnock Academies working alongside tradesmen. 

As part of the schools' business and enterprise programmes, the youngsters are learning skills and attitudes to help make them more ready for the world of work.

Others receive training and work experience in areas such as design, architecture and marketing.  They gain certificates in recognition of performance including SQA qualifications in Employability, Skills for Work and Leadership.

Hope Homes director, Ian Hope, explained to the group the premise behind the Knockroon Enterprise Initiative and how the pupils, the teachers and staff from each school and Hope Homes workforce are working together to make the project a success and build on this for the future. 

In a presentation to Mr Russell, design director David Ross of Keppie Design showcased the enterprising work of pupils in schools across East Ayrshire on the Interaction Initiative, which challenges students to design structures for use selling products created and made in schools.

Craig Stevenson of Braehead Foods and Cook School Scotland spoke about his work as a Business Leader and mentor, helping schools with initiatives in food and drink, designed to promote careers in this growth area for employment.

Michael Russell MSP said: "Curriculum for Excellence is designed to give pupils the skills they need for learning, life and work.  This initiative is a great example of how schools and employers can work together to help young people learn about the world of work, making their learning journey more interesting and preparing them for the start of their working life."

Councillor Stephanie Primrose, Spokesperson for Lifelong Learning, said: "We were delighted to welcome Michael Russell MSP to East Ayrshire to see how successful our bold enterprise push in education has been - and continues to be.

"There is great enthusiasm in all our schools for such initiatives.  The work going on at Knockroon with Auchinleck and Cumnock Academy pupils highlights this driving force and strong ambition for the future of our young people".

Our picture shows Michael Russell MSP with Hope Homes joiner John Torbet and some of the pupils working on site.  The pupils working with John on site today were David Wilson, Tyler Ramsay and Callan Gordon from Cumnock Academy and Logan Howat, Peter Richmond and Curtis Dhisna. We were also joined by Shannon Holmes, Susan Grierson and Jillian Christie from Auchinleck Academy to assist with serving refreshments during the visit. 

Knockroon features in Times Educational Supplement Scotland

18/01/13

Knockroon Enterprise Initiative features in the latest issue of the Times Educational Supplement Scotland. Pick up your copy now or read article here

Ride a Cock Horse

12/12/12

Recently we told you about the beautiful rocking horses which John Meiklejohn, former Hope Homes joiner has crafted.  One of these handsome cuddies is on display and has been much admired by our older visitors and tested by budding young jockeys.
Ayrshire Cancer Support were gifted a similar model and held a raffle to raise funds, the draw took place on Wednesday 19th December and Murray McBride of Hope Homes was invited to pull the winning ticket.  The rocking horse doesn't have far to go to find it's new stable, the lucky winner is local lady Michele Elliot who lives in Drongan.
Approximately £1,400 was raised via the raffle, Ayrshire Cancer Support will be sure to be delighted and will put the money to good use in the local area. http://www.ayrshirecs.org/

Have a Rock 'n' Roll Christmas!

16/11/12

Former Hope Homes joiner John Meiklejohn presented Ayrshire Cancer Support with a beautifully, hand-crafted, rocking horse this week. John presented the horse to the charity as a thank you for their support throughout his own cancer care. The gift will now be used to help raise funds in the run-up to Christmas.

Hope Homes were delighted to provide the raw materials for the rocking horse, which is made from a combination of douglas fir, red pine, plywood, leather and birch. This is the second such horse John has crafted; the other is currently on display at Knockroon where it has been both admired and enjoyed by many of the 11,000 visitors who have passed through.

The Ayrshire Cancer Support rocking horse will be raffled off on the 19^th of December and tickets are priced at £2. The draw will be made by one of our own employees and will take place at the charity's head office in Kilmarnock.  If you would like the chance to own this unique piece, please contact Gail Anderson on 01563 538008, visit the charity’s website www.ayrshirecs.org or alternatively pop into one of the charity’s shops around Ayrshire. Tickets can also be purchased at our Knockroon visitor centre. 

Get Ready for Work at Dumfries House Estate

07/11/12

Five young East Ayrshire people are relishing every opportunity as they embark on a 20 week course giving them a huge range of work experience and the taste of a future career in construction.

Tyla Crockett, Scott McHallum, Scott McGillvary, Edward McIlwain and Kris Leitch have gained places on a "Get Ready for Work" programme at Dumfries House Estate which will give them an opportunity to try a variety of trades including joinery, bricklaying, stonemasonry, painting, tiling and plastering.

The course, run by East Ayrshire Council Economic Development Service and Hope Homes, centres around the construction of a new educational centre, outward bound accommodation, and the renovation of a former sawmill together with the construction of a hospitality training centre. The young people will shadow time-served tradesmen, learning all about construction skills and the world of work and giving them a chance to discover where their own interests and skills lie.

And Councillor Robert McDill, Spokesperson for Delivering Community Regeneration was delighted to meet the trainees as they started the course. He said: "Regeneration is about more than just doing up buildings, it's about investing in our communities, our young people and providing an improved environment for the future wellbeing of all.

"This project at Dumfries House ticks all the boxes.  We’re working in partnership with a successful local employer, Hope Homes, to help restore and create useful buildings which will be of educational and leisure benefit to future generations.  We're also providing a fantastic opportunity for these young people to gain experience, self-confidence and knowledge which will undoubtedly help them in their future lives and careers.

"Our Service works hard to provide opportunities both for young people and employers, helping with training, work placements, wage subsidy and recruitment.  We aim to make it easier for employers to find, take on and develop the right people, while giving people of all ages a chance to develop their work skills and progress into sustainable careers."

Ian Hope, Director of Hope Homes said: "Hope Homes are delighted to be able to give these five young people the opportunity to work with our experienced skilled tradesmen.  We are delighted to be designing and constructing these new buildings on Dumfries House Estate and this is a great example of how the estate is helping to regenerate the area."

Stephen Kay, Education Officer at Dumfries House added: "The Great Steward of Scotland's Dumfries House Education programmes are designed to support His Royal Highness, The Prince Charles, Duke of Rothesay's drive for education and employment to support Heritage Regeneration.  Ian and Anne Hope of Hope Homes, are working closely with Dumfries House on many projects, and in the spirit of HRH's vision have taken on five young people from the local area to support their work on the Dumfries House Estate."

Dental Practice Opens At Knockroon

06/11/12

Knockroon Dental Practice is the latest addition to the new community being built on the edge of Cumnock.  The family friendly NHS practice is backed by Ayrshire and Arran Health Board to serve Cumnock and Doon Valley and the surrounding area, including new residents living at Knockroon.

Dentist, Donald McKie, has over 30 years' experience and the practice is managed by his wife, Janice, who has worked with Donald for many years.  Boasting state-of-the-art equipment, Knockroon Dental Practice is open 5 days, 9 am to 5.15 pm.

The new facility is great news for Lynne Pollock, who lives in Cumnock, as she has been recruited as a trainee dental nurse to work alongside Hazel Doolan, a fully qualified and experienced dental nurse.

Said Practice Manager, Janice, "We are delighted to be providing employment and a much needed service in the local area and look forward to getting to know the people of Cumnock and Auchinleck."

Knockroon Dental Practice
97 Auchinleck Road
Cumnock
KA18 1AN

Tel. 01290 420048

If you are interested in basing your business at Knockroon, call Anne Hope on 01292 590442.

New Building Opens on Dumfries House Estate

23/10/12

Yesterday, HRH The Prince Charles, Duke of Rothesay, officially opened the Prince’s Drawing School Dimplex Studio on Dumfries House Estate.

Formerly the Dumfries House laundry, the building was designed by John Adam in 1760 to complement both Dumfries House and the nearby Coach House. However it had fallen into disrepair and work began on the refurbishment on April of this year.

Four artists' studios have been created and these will be the home of an exciting new international residency opportunity for practising artists from Scotland and the United States. As well as being a venue for students of The Prince’s Drawing School to experience drawing and painting around the estate, classes will be developed after discussion with local art educators.

The studio is the latest building to be completed on the Dumfries House Estate and will complement the Traditional Skills Centre at the sawmill complex, refurbished by Hope Homes.

Watch this space for details of further projects – more news coming soon! 

ALUMNI VISIT KNOCKROON

22/10/12

Ed Taylor of the Prince’s Foundation for Building Community led a group of alumni on a visit to Ayrshire recently. As part of their tour, they visited Knockroon, as an example on new urbanism in practice.

The Prince’s Foundation, headed by Hank Dittmar, are the masterplanners of Knockroon. As well as projects in the UK, the Foundation are guiding town development in the Galapagos Islands and renovating traditional housing in Beijing.

To find out more about the work of the Prince’s Foundation, pass your email address to a sales advisor here at Knockroon telling her you wish to receive their newsletter or see http://www.princes-foundation.org/.

Prince's Foundation Livebuild

19/10/12

The Building Craft Apprentices' Livebuild Project is an embodiment of the skills covered in the 3 weeks of The Prince's Foundation Summer School.

In July a wide range of students took part in the summer school on Dumfries House Estate with Hope Homes providing the practical work experience at a number of their sites, including Knockroon.  Participants came up with a design for a summer house which is now being built by Prince's Foundation building craft apprentices in the walled garden.  Construction is taking place over September and October with help from Hope Homes.  The craft apprentices are developing their skills in traditional building crafts including joinery, roofing and metalwork.  The summer house will be a wonderful asset for  the walled garden and everyone involved is looking forward to seeing it when it is complete.

Since 2008, Livebuilds have been completed in Poundbury, Dorset; Ellon, Aberdeenshire and the Welsh National Botanical Gardens.

For updates on how the walled garden project is progressing, follow Hope Homes on Twitter or like us on Facebook.

The Scottish Dark Sky Observatory Opened By First Minister

05/10/12

First Minister, Alex Salmond, today opened The Scottish Dark Sky Observatory, recently completed by Hope Homes.

Mr Salmond congratulated everyone involved in bringing a world class facillity to East Ayrshire and emphasised the benefits it could bring to the area. It is the only gold standard dark sky park on the planet with its own observatory.Star gazers will come from far and wide to make use of the very dark sky in the area. The Royal Observatory in Edinburgh has confirmed that it is the best possible site for stargazing.

Chairman of the Trustees of the charity behind the project, Mark Gibson, said that the observatory was just the beginning and that plans were afoot for a planetarium and nocturnal zoo. He mentioned that the obervatory was within the UNESCO designated biosphere, and  that this laid the foundations for sustainable development and nature toursim,  helping to bring jobs and prosperity to Dalmellington and the surrounding area.

New manager, James Silvester, a soon-to-be doctor of astrophysics who worked at an observatory in Ontario, Canada, will soon announce details of how the public will be able to access the new facilities. He plans to lead  day and night time visits for community groups and schools. There is even the possibility of links with universities and colleges.

Hope Homes are delighted to be involved in such a worthwhile project and , in general, with the excellent works being carried out on Craigengillan Estate by Mark Gibson, owner, and his team. Mr Gibson, in turn, has thanked Hope Homes for completing the project to a very high standard and 6 weeks ahead of schedule.

If you would like to find out more about the observatory please follow Hope Homes and the observatory on Facebook and Twitter.

And if you are looking for someone to build you an observatory...

The project has been made possible through funding from the following bodies:
East Ayrshire Council; The Monument Trust; Minerals Trust; LEADER; William Grant & Sons Ltd; The Eden Charitable Trust; SCORE Environmental; The James Weir Foundation; The Robertson Trust; Coalfield Regeneration Trust; Scottish Government and Central Scotland Green Network.

London 2012 Legacy

05/10/12

Knockroon joint developers, ZeroC have added another award to their display cabinet.  Their Officer's Field development in Weymouth, Dorset has already received numerous awards including Housing Project of the Year at the Building Awards 2012 and Supreme Winner at the Housing Design Awards and has now been named as the Development of the Year at the recent Sunday Times, British Homes Awards 2012.

The former London 2012 Olympic Sailing Village was home to 670 olympians, coaches and officials during the games.  It is now in the process of being refitted as homes varying in size from one to four bedrooms.  To find out more about the development, click here.

Congratulations once again to all the team at ZeroC on this well deserved accolade.

Scottish Borders Council visit Knockroon

24/08/12

We were delighted to play host to a group of Planning Officers from Scottish Borders Council recently at Knockroon.  An enjoyable morning ensued with a short presentation about Knockroon, followed by a tour of the showhomes. 

Our picture shows the group with Hope Homes director Anne Hope, outside the visitor centre. 

Knockroon 10K

04/08/12

Saturday 4th August saw another milestone at Knockroon, when our visitor figures hit the 10,000 mark since opening.  One wonders how many other builders can boast such numbers?  Our visitors have come from all over the world to see firsthand what so many are talking about, however our celebratory visitors are local folk.

Martyn Robertson and Christopher Donnelly live in Sorn, where they are renovating an old cottage.  The lads who have visited before, brought Martyn's Mum Catherine to show her where some of their inspiration has come from. Catherine Robertson is considering relocating from the outskirts of Glasgow and was highly impressed with what she saw at Knockroon. They were all delighted at the news that they were our special viewers today and even more so when, to mark the occasion, they were presented with a bottle of Hope Homes' champagne. 

Interest continues apace, the visitor centre is open Thursday to Monday, 11am - 5pm and everyone is given a warm welcome.  There are now four properties occupied and those residents are all enjoying the new life at the unique community unfolding at Knockroon.

The recently aired documentary "The Royal Restoration" which featured Knockroon, certainly stirred curiousity among many.  Everyone is welcome and we are happy to show you around or let you wander unaccompanied as you wish.

Come along today and see for yourself what everyone is talking about.  You never know - you may be our next special guest!

Sporting Effort

01/08/12

Prestwick St Nicholas Ladies recently held their annual Open on a very windy Scottish summer day.  Hope Homes sponsored a hole at the competition and coinciding as it did with the opening of the Olympic Games the ladies marked the occasion by ringing a bell before play.

Another photograph shows that golf is not only a gentlemans' game and the ladies lighten things up a bit - showing two players who drove to  the same point at the 16th.

Get into Sustainable Building

27/07/12

Hope Homes are delighted to be involved in the very worthwhile Get into Sustainable Building course organied by The Prince's Trust and The Prince's Foundation for Building Community.

Ten students have received 3 full days of work experience on one of our many sites throughout Ayrshire, including Knockroon and the new Scottish Dark Skies Observatory at Craigengillan Estate, Dalmellington.  Trades studied included carpentry & joinery, brickwork, electrical and plumbing.

Our photos show some of the students at work. 

Prince's Foundation Summer School Build Project

11/07/12

The Prince's Foundation for Building Community Summer School is a world renowned annual event. 

More than 30 design, planning and craft students from all over the world will take part in this year's three week intensive course which culminates in a competition to design an open-air summer house in the walled garden at Dumfries House Estate. 

We are delighted to be involved in this project, where our director, Ian Hope will offer advice to students on construction of potential designs, during design week.

The public will also play an integral part in the design process. Everyone is invited to attend during the Design Week to vote on what they feel is the best design.
 
Once chosen, the winning design will be constructed in autumn by the Building Craft students, who will also have attended the Summer School course.

To find out more about the project, visit princes-foundation.org  

Around the County Farm Shows

04/07/12

For many years now, Hope Homes have been proud sponsors of the numerous agricultural shows staged during the spring and summer months. The venues are scattered throughout Ayrshire & beyond, extending south into Wigtownshire.
From Stewarton to Stranraer and Catrine to Colmonell, each show presents a variety of entertainment and good natured competition. The one common thread has to be the unreliable Scottish summer weather! So fickle has this been that some of the showgrounds have equalled T in the Park in the glaur stakes. In fact, some show organisers have resorted to cancelling the event altogether and Dalrymple is the most recent casualty. Decisions such as this are not taken lightly and result in not only disappointment, but lost revenue as well as very damp spirits.
For those shows still to come we all very much hope that the sun will come out tomorrow.
Best wishes to all the farming communities from all at Hope Homes. 

OIR Saturday Walking Group Visits Knockroon

03/07/12

We were delighted to play host to 25 members of the OIR Saturday Walking Group on 30th June at Knockroon.  Walkers parked their cars at Knockroon in the morning before heading off to Dumfries House via the pathway connecting the two.  

After lunch, the group returned to Knockroon to find out more about the development from Hope Homes director Anne Hope, before a tour of the showhomes and the other currently completed homes.

Our staff then welcomed the guest back into the visitor centre with tea, coffee and home baking.  A very enjoyable day for all. 

Get into Sustainable Building

02/07/12

This four-week course, offered by The Prince's Trust, in partnership with The Prince's Foundation for Building Community and Dumfries House, taking place at Dumfries House Estate, got underway today.

The course gives training in sustainable building techniques and work experience on a live building site to sixteen unemployed people aged between 16 and 25 who are interested in a career in sustainable building.

During the progamme participants will:

• gain work experience in the sustainable building sector
• gain training in sustainable building techniques which include stonemasonry, dry stone walling and traditional building methods
• gain training and certification led by Prince's Foundation and Kilmarnock College
• develop your skills and knowledge in a positive learning environment
• increase your confidence and team working skills

Hope Homes are delighted to be involved in this project and will be providing the work experience portion of the course on one of our building sites throughout Ayrshire.   

To find out more about the help provided by The Prince's Trust, click here to visit their website. 

IAPS Conference Delegates visit Knockroon

26/06/12

The International Association People-Environmental Studies (IAPS) 2012 conference recently took place at Strathclyde University and we were delighted to welcome some of the delegates to Knockroon on one of the many field trips available throughout the conference.

The group was accompanied by Mark Greaves of The Prince's Foundation for the Built Environment, who in his role as Programme Manager for Scotland has been heavily involved in Knockroon.

During the visit, the delegates were given the opportunity to find out more about Knockroon and view the showhomes and recently completed homes. 

IAPS is an international association that was set up to facilitate interdisciplinary debate adn collaboration in environment-behaviour research and man-environment studies. To find out more about the association visit iaps-association.org or watch the video here.

Triple Award Glory for ZeroC

25/06/12

Knockroon joint developers, ZeroC have every right to be delighted as they have received another three accolades for their Officer's Field development in Portland, Weymouth.

Following on from their success at the Building Awards 2012, where the development was crowned Housing Project of the Year, the Olympic Sailing Village received three awards at the recent Housing Design Awards 2012.  Not only did the development receive the Graham Pye and Richard Feildon Awards, it was named Supreme Winner, the main award of the evening.  

To find out more about the awards, and Officer's Field click here

Auchinleck & Cumnock Academies Business Enterprise and Skills Centre Celebration Event

21/06/12

We were delighted to take part in the Business Enterprise Skills Centre Celebration Event in conjunction with Cumnock and Auchinleck Academies in June 2012.

Before arriving at Knockroon, guests had visited Cumnock Academy, to find out more about the projects associated with the Business Enterprise Fund before witnessing demonstations from the pupils in the Home Economics and Technical Departments.

At Knockroon itself, Ian Hope, director of Hope Homes, described to the guests the excellent work being completed by the pupils from both academies during their time at Knockroon and invited them to see for themselves the sustainable garden products being produced in the Wee House each week.

As well as having the opportunity to speak to the current batch of pupils based in the Wee House, guests were served a delightful buffet lunch by pupils from both Cumnock and Auchinleck Home Economics departments.

Our photos show the pupils hard at work.

Ideal Home Show a roaring success

12/06/12

Members of the Knockroon Enterprise Initiative were the main attraction at this year's Ideal Home Show.  Pupils from Auchinleck Academy, along with members of the Hope Homes team could be found in the Education Area of the Prince's House in the centre of the exhibition, where visitors were able to purchase some of the sustainable garden products being made by Auchinleck and Cumnock Academy pupils as part of the Knockroon Enterprise Initiative.

The Prince's House returned to the Ideal Home Show Scotland for a second year and proved to be as popular as last time with the majority of visitors to the show viewing the house (and garden) as well.  Orders on the day topped four figures with more enquiries coming in after the show as well. 

Our photos show the team ready to go at the start of the show and the products in situ in the garden.

ZeroC wins top UK Building Award

25/04/12

ZeroC, joint developers at Knockroon, have recently received the Housing Project of the Year Award at the Building Awards 2012 which took place at the Grosvenor House Hotel, Park Lane, London.

Their Officer's Field development in Portland, Weymouth is almost completed and will be leased to the Olympic Games for use as the Olympic Athletes Sailing Village for the 2012 games.  All homes will be ready for occupation immediately after the games.   

To find out more about the development visit www.officersfield.com

New life for Dumfries Estate Sawmill

18/04/12

The Sawmill at Dumfries House appears to be part of early 19th century additions which were designed to improve and modernise the estate. It would have been part of a self-sufficient enterprise, with other working buildings such as the stables, coach house, laundry and home farm.  Located to the west of the house, beside Polcalk Burn, it would not have been intended to be visible.

The surviving buildings, were in poor condition, however, now renovated, should be seen in the context of the water works and engineering required to drive the water wheel which in turn powered the saw.

The Prince's Foundation for the Built Environment and The Prince's Trust worked in partnership to breathe new life into the former sawmill at Dumfries House.

The sawmill structure and equipment form part of the Dumfries House Estate's listed landscape.  They were in a highly dilapidated state, however are now restored to full working order. A more recent small building, adjacent to the sawmill, has been replaced with a larger craft workshop.

Two widely acclaimed traditional building skills courses will be delivered from the Sawmill Building Skills Centre: The Prince's Trust's Get Into Traditional Building course and The Prince's Foundation for the Built Environment's Residential Summer School. The Sawmill Building Skills Centre will also deliver modules for The Prince of Wales's Building Craft Apprentices programme and The Graduate Fellowship in Sustainable Architecture and Urbanism.

Hope Homes Scotland are delighted to be involved in the project, the photos give a glimpse of the transformation.

Catrine Young Ones Get Close To Nature

28/03/12

Young people of Catrine and district are getting down to grass roots with the help of Catrine Community Enterprise Trust.  A number of composters and invertibrate hotels made by pupils of Auchinleck and Cumnock Academies on site at Knockroon, were purchased by the Trust.  These wre then gifted to various local bodies within the community.

Senior pupils of Auchnleck Academy involved in the construction, accompanied by their teacher, representatives of Catrine Community Trust and Janice McKellar, Senior Sales Adviser of Hope Homes Scotland paid a visit to Catrine Nursery School and Catrine Primary School to meet the budding young gardeners.

Already even the very young showed a keen interest and understanding in caring for their environment.  At the nursery, accompanied by teacher Lynette Cook and colleagues, they were happy to don hard hats, posing for our photo and showed us the work already underway in their playground.

Catrine Primary School Head Teacher, Campbell McLinton, proudly boasted that her small school holds an Eco Group which meets at lunchtimes and after school.  The group numbering 18 pupils of all ages from classes P1-P7 reveals a healthy percentage in a school with a roll of 120.

Heather Robertson has worked with Catrine Community Trust for a number of years and her enthusiasm for the project is infectious.  Obviously popular with the children, her assistance is invaluable to both the nursery and the primary school.

Hugh Hutchison, Community Enterprise development Manager, is delighted to be part of a group which can be credited with the preservatin of the architecture and the history of the district.  The project is clearly dear to his heart. 

1st Cumnock Boys Brigade celebrate the Brigade's 50th anniversary

21/03/12

There are around 28 boys aged around 8-10 years who normally meet in Cumnock every Monday evening.  The younger Anchor Boys also meet on a Monday and the senior section (with around 12 members) meets on Fridays. 

The boys recently visited Knockroon with their officers.  Director, Anne Hope, talked to them about the ideas behind Knockroon before they enjoyed a tour of all three showhomes.  Calum Yancouskie won an Easter egg having answered all the quiz questions correctly.  Everyone then tucked into tea, coffee and homemade cakes.

We think you'll agree that the boys looked very smart in their uniforms. 

Knockroon Enterprise Initiative aids Green Tourism

05/03/12

The sustainable garden products that are being produced and marketed as part of the Knockroon Enterprise Initiative are proving popular with individuals and businesses alike.

Robert and Caroline Dalrymple of Ballantrae Holiday Cottages recently purchased three compost bins and three invertebrate hotels for use at the newly constructed holiday homes in Ballantrae. Keen to ensure their holiday homes are sustainable, other environmental features include heating using a combination of log burning stoves using locally sourced wood from fallen trees and renewable energy and line dried bed linen. To find out more about the cottages visit ballantraeholidaycottages.com

Some of the pupils involved in the project visited Ballantrae recenlty to see their products in situ and being put to good use.

Pictured are Robert and Caroline Dalrymple with Cumnock Academy pupils Ashley Thurston and Craig MacMillan and Auchinleck Academy pupils Ross Anderson and Josh Hedger, along with Martyn Hendry of Auchinleck Academy.

To purchase your own sustainable garden product from the range, visit our Knockroon Visitor Centre or email us at enquiries@hopehomes.co.uk

Sustainable Garden Products - Knockroon Enterprise Initiative

27/02/12

Hope Homes and East Ayrshire Council have set up an ambitious education programme involving pupils from Auchinleck and Cumnock Academies.  Young people have the opportunity to develop skills to prepare them for the world of work. 

As part of the Knockroon Enterprise Initiative, pupils are designing, constructing and marketing several products including compost boxes, log stores and invertebrate hotels. 

To purchase a product, call into the Knockroon Visitor Centre (open Thursday to Monday11am - 5pm) or email enquiries@hopehomes.co.uk

Catrine Community Powerdown Project

23/02/12

Our most recent group visit to Knockroon visitor centre are all members of Catrine Community Powerdown project.  The group aim to raise awarenesss --and funding, to restore the village's unique and historic renewable power system. Designed to provide hydro power for the local textile industry, the system was state of the art for it's time (1787).  Now in disrepair it is designated as a Scheduled Ancient Monument.  Preservation shall not only offer a visitor attraction for Catrine, the upgrading shall help protect the rich biodiversity of the River Ayr.

Members who attended the evening were given an insight into the ethos of the development at Knockroon - in particular the sustainability aspect involved - by Hope Homes director Anne Hope.  Business was rounded off with refreshements and an opportunity to view the showhomes and pose any questions.

Knockroon at St. James' Palace

10/02/12

The Prince's Foundation for Building Community (formerly the Prince's Foundation For The Built Environment) held its annual conference at St. James' Palace recently.  HRH Prince of Wales spoke about the history of the charity and reflected on its work at home and abroad over the past 25 years.

Other speakers included Anne Hope, Director of Hope Homes and TV presenter Kirstie Allsop.  Anne talked about the work done at Knockroon.

"The strong working partnership that has been established between the Prince's Foundation, East Ayrshire Council, the local community and ourselves is paying dividends and many more benefits will manifest themselves as the project progresses."

Kirstie Allsop said she was "thrilled" with her first year as an ambassador for the Foundation, and expressed her support for the upcoming work of the charity. 

"As the Prince's Foundation moves into the vanguard of this new crafts revolution and seeks to empower the public with these ideas, it's so important that we promote sustainable design in our neighbourhoods and our homes: and that we think about the idea of community and the people that live and work at the heart of these places."

For more information visit princes-foundation.org

Royal Welcome

25/01/12

The difinitive design magazine, Architectural Digest, takes you inside Dumfries House in their February issue.  The magazine features HRH, The Prince Charles, Duke of Rothesay, on the cover. 

For more information, see www.architecturaldigest.com and www.dumfries-house.org.uk

Auchinleck Academy

19/01/12

A group of secondary school pupils made the trip to Knockroon visitor centre and showhomes this week. The purpose of the visit was twofold.  The teenagers are students of both the technical and the language departments at the local academy.  The project they were undertaking required them to design an informative leaflet about the Knockroon development.  In addition to this, the text will be printed in both French and Spanish.

Our photo shows the talented bunch on site

Knockroon chosen for Prince's Foundation Christmas card

20/12/11

We are delighted that a view of The Kirk's Alarm at Knockroon has been chosen by the Prince's Foundation to be used on their 2011 Christmas card.

Inspirational Names

16/12/11

One of the most common questions asked about a new development is “Where does the street addresses come from?”  At Knockroon, the local area has certainly been the inspiration. 

The Knockroon visitor centre sits on the corner of the existing Auchinleck Road and the newly created The Kirk’s Alarm, taken from the Robert Burns poem of the same name which includes a reference to John Kennedy, factor at Dumfries House. 

Other Burns connections are Tam’s Close, Meg’s Mews and Hornbook from the poems Tam O’Shanter and Death and Dr Hornbook.

Sir Walter Scott is well represented with Darsie Brae and Milnwood taken from his novels Redgauntlet and Old Mortality.

Cumnock has proven to be a big inspiration to the street names with Castle Court and Castle Walk referring to the ruins of Terringzean Castle close to Knockroon and Bowes Glen from Bowes Farm on the outskirts of Cumnock.

The final street address, Jimmy Boyd Walk, has been named after former local councillor and Provost James Boyd MBE.  His late wife was also employed as Secretary to the Trustees of the Marquees of Bute for 23 years. 

Complimentary Champagne Tour

09/12/11

All three families who have reserved a new home at Knockroon recently enjoyed a champagne tour of Dumfries House courtesy of Hope Homes and Zero C. 

Curator, Charlotte Rostek, personally highlighted interesting features in each of the striking rooms and each family had their photograph taken beside the beautiful Christmas tree in the main hall. 

A most exciting and interesting evening was enjoyed by everyone.

Local businesses visit Knockroon

30/11/11

More than 40 local businesses were represented at the recent Business Information Evening at Knockroon. 

Opening the presentation, Michael Fawcett, project director of Dumfries House, gave an informal talk on the future plans for Dumfries House.  Anne Hope a director of Hope Homes, continued with a  presentation on Knockroon and answered any queries raised by the guests.

A tour of the Knockroon visitor centre followed and thereafter a viewing of the fully furnished show homes  where the sales advisers were on hand to provide further information and offer tea and homemade cakes to all guests.

The evening proved to be an informative and enjoyable event for all who attended. 

Drongan Primary 7s Visit Knockroon

24/11/11

40 pupils and staff from Drongan Primary School visited the Knockroon visitor centre and show homes recently as part of the Education Industry Link that has been in place between the school and Hope Homes for many years.

During the visit the pupils were able to try their hand at many activities including bricklaying, surveying and marketing.  At the end of the visit, the children took part in a quiz with lucky winner Bailey Hannah receiving a book token as his prize. 

A very enjoyable day was had by all and we are looking forward to another visit next year.   

Sorn SWRI visit Knockroon

23/11/11

Members of Sorn SWRI recently visited Knockroon where they had the opportunity to view the show homes and find out more about the exciting new community at Cumnock. 

A competition was held amongst Graphic Design pupils of Auchinleck Academy to produce an invitiation for the event.  The winning design, by Sarah Paterson, was sent to all Sorn SWRI members inviting them along for the evening.  Sarah is pictured below with her parents at the show homes. 

Cumnock Round Table visit Knockroon

21/11/11

Members of Cumnock Round Table visited Knockroon recently as part of their November meeting. 

During the evening, the 28 eight guests listened with interest to the talk from Anne Hope, director of Hope Homes Scotland, giving further details on the exciting plans for Knockroon, followed by a tour of the showhomes. 

Why not arrange an exclusive tour for your club, society or group?  To find out more, call us on 01292 590442.

Sky's the limit for Knockroon Business Enterprise

18/11/11

Ian Hope, director of Hope Homes Scotland, welcomed Cumnock and Auchinleck Academy pupils and teachers, East Ayrshire Council officials and staff to the recent launch of the Knockroon Business Enterprise and Skills Centre (BESC).

He said: “We would like to develop a strong bond between business and education and we see this enterprise at Knockroon as an additional bolt-on to support the excellent curriculum already being delivered in schools.

“In the immediate future, we need to get designing, manufacturing, marketing and selling Knockroon products – and the sky is the limit if we get it right. We need to build a student team to help deliver this.”

At the launch event, visitors saw six pupils from each school taking part in learning activities and toured the stunning showhomes – in a street named The Kirk’s Alarm – designed to reflect the rich architectural tradition of 17th century Ayrshire. Every detail is perfect, from the wrought iron railings to the sandstone garden walls.

In a series of training activities over the next year, young people will develop skills to prepare them for the world of work.  They will train at Knockroon with skilled tradesmen in civil engineering, plumbing, joinery, planning, electrical work and marketing. 

Anne Hope said: “The young people will be working initially on constructing timber garage doors. Some will be based in their own on-site centre, selling products they have created, such as sustainable garden log stores, composters and garden gates. Youngsters will also be given a house of their own to work on, as they learn skills and trades throughout the year”.

Since the visitor centre opened in October, 3,300 visitors have viewed the new homes, with 1240 on the opening weekend alone. The whole development – in which Prince Charles is taking a keen personal interest – will feature 600-700 homes at Knockroon, on the edge of the historic town of Cumnock and Prince Charles’s Dumfries House Estate.

Anne Hope said: “Our aim is to develop a community in which families walk to local amenities such as the village shop. Adam Square will be at the centre of the new neighbourhood, with a public building as its focal point. The mix of homes and workplaces ensures Knockroon will be a vibrant place to work, live and visit.

Councillor Jim Roberts, Spokesperson for Lifelong Learning, said: “This joint education business initiative presents a wonderful opportunity for local young people to learn from experts in various trades and professions in a real working environment.

“The forward-thinking partnership between Cumnock Academy, Auchinleck Academy, the Council and Hope Homes is a strong one and it will be exciting to see how this develops in the future”.

Higher Product Design Visit

01/11/11

Pupils from the Higher Product Design classes of both Auchinleck and Cumnock Academies visited Knockroon on 28th October as part of the links that are in place between the schools and Knockroon. 

During the visit, the pupils were given the opportunity to tour the visitor centre and the show homes, taking particular interest in the exterior finishes of the homes, the street elevation and sign writing. 

To bring the visit to a close, a question and answer session on Knockroon was held with Gillian Steele of Hope Homes Scotland as guest speaker.

The pupils are pictured outside the visitor centre with Gillian Steele. 

HRH The Prince Charles, Duke of Rothesay at Knockroon

02/06/11

HRH The Prince Charles, Duke of Rothesay, visited Knockroon on Tuesday 31st May 2011 to unveil a foundation stone. 

During the visit, the Prince met with invited guests, members of Hope Homes workforce and members of the public who came along to see the unveiling.