Patio Decking at a 400 Year Old Pub in Falkland, Fife

Patio decking isn't something I usually design unless its part of a much larger project. This property was special however. There has been an inn on this site since at least 1607 and parts of the property are category A listed by Historic Environment Scotland. It is also located in Falkland village, which has the oldest conservation area in Scotland. So, getting permission from Fife Council planning department to build decking was not a given.

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I worked with the landlord of The Bruce Inn in Falkland, to maximise the available space for outdoor dining immediately after Covid. The design might look simple but I had to demonstrate to the planners how the proposed materials would visually match the existing stone and ensure it was designed such that it wouldn't impact the old walls.

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I specified Scottish Larch for the decking, as this material ages to a soft grey and its colour matches the buff sandstone walls. The deck is free standing and doesn't connect to the 400 year old inn. After some negotiations with Fife Council I secured both planning approval and listed building consent. 

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The deck is a nice place to sit and enjoy a pint.