EAST LOTHIAN
Considered architecture for substantial homes in East Lothian.
From our studio in North Berwick, Somner Macdonald Architects creates thoughtful, enduring homes across East Lothian. Our work draws on more than three decades of residential experience and a deep understanding of the region’s coastal towns, villages and rural landscapes.
We work with homeowners considering substantial restorations, ambitious extensions and bespoke new homes. Whether transforming an existing property or exploring the potential of a generous plot, we bring clarity, craft and a long-term vision to the relationship between house and landscape.
Coastal homes, reimagined with care.
At Stafford House in Dunbar, the character of a Victorian villa informed a contemporary extension that opens family life towards the sea. The existing house and new work are connected through proportion, materials and a careful response to the clifftop setting.
At Links Road in North Berwick, a comprehensive retrofit and internal reconfiguration created generous spaces with stronger connections to the garden. These projects reflect our interest in conservation as a starting point for thoughtful contemporary living.
Rural settings and the opportunity to create something new.
East Lothian’s villages and countryside offer varied opportunities, from the reinvention of traditional homes to a bespoke new house shaped around its site. We consider light, shelter, views, access and landscape from the earliest stages, allowing the particular qualities of a place to inform the architecture.
At Drem Farm, an extensive refurbishment and extension gave a traditional cottage more generous rooms and a stronger relationship with its garden and the fields beyond. We bring that same attention to context and daily life to larger properties, conversions and new-build briefs.
Local understanding, from first ideas to completion.
We welcome conversations about homes in North Berwick, Gullane, Dunbar and the surrounding villages and countryside. Our process begins with your aspirations and the particular property or site, considering the opportunities, planning context and budget before developing a design.
Our East Lothian studio is at 2B Law Road, North Berwick. If you are considering a substantial residential project, introduce us to your home or plot. You can also explore our work in Edinburgh.
Projects
Explore selected homes from East Lothian and beyond, where conservation, contemporary architecture and landscape come together through careful design and making.
Our project Index offers a wider view of more than three decades of residential work across East Lothian, Edinburgh and Scotland.
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![A backyard with a grassy lawn, shrubbery, and a large tree with orange and yellow leaves. In the background are multi-story stone and brick houses with chimneys and windows.]()
Stafford House
2026
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![Cozy living room with a wood-burning stove in a fireplace, decorated with framed artwork, a vase with dried flowers, and a lamp on a side table. A small black and white cat sits on a green upholstered armchair, and a brown sofa with assorted pillows is partially visible. The room features warm lighting, a textured beige wall, and hardwood floors.]()
Frederick Street
2026
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![A wooden bench situated outside next to a stone wall and a door. On the wall, there are two round signs with the text "Sommer Macadamia".]()
Brougham Place
2025
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![A stone house with multiple chimneys, trees, a black fence, and a sidewalk with two people riding a scooter are visible. A tall streetlight stands in front of the house, and dark clouds are in the sky.]()
Kilgraston Road
2025
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![Modern brick house corner with arched white doors, a small garden, and a stone walkway.]()
Barnton Avenue
2024
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![Modern house with large glass windows, brick terrace, and surrounding garden.]()
Hermitage Drive
2024
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![Modern staircase with wooden paneling, leading to built-in bookshelves at the top. The shelves hold books and decorative items, including a plant.]()
Craiglockhart Terrace
2021
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![Modern brick house with large windows, sliding glass door, and lush garden.]()
Woodsome Road
2022
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![Modern kitchen interior with stone wall, pendant light, and sleek cabinetry featuring an induction cooktop. Wooden flooring and an adjacent living room are visible.]()
Drem Farm
2024
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![Modern kitchen interior with black island, minimalist decor, dark hanging light, open shelving, houseplants, and light wood flooring.]()
North Park Terrace
2024
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![Modern kitchen with green cabinets, wooden floors, and two green support columns, featuring large windows overlooking a garden.]()
Seaview Crescent
2024
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![Modern living room with two gray sofas facing each other, colorful pillows, a geometric patterned carpet, a central glass coffee table, a fireplace with art above, built-in bookshelves, and large windows.]()
Moray Place
2016
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![Modern exterior door with brown panels and stone building facade, surrounded by a stone pathway and small garden.]()
Abbotsford Park
2015
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![Wooden wall paneling with vertical slats and recessed lighting; geometric patterned floor tiles.]()
Links Road
2024
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