Woodland hideaway, characterized by architectural finesse, listed for sale at £18,000 in a private forest clearing.
The Bernat Klein Studio, a RIBA-award-winning Modernist building in the Scottish Borders, has been secured for the nation after a successful auction bid of £279,000 on July 30th, 2025[1]. This iconic structure, designed by architect Peter Womersley for Serbian-born artist and textile designer Bernat Klein, has been in a dilapidated state for two decades[1].
This 20th-century architectural masterpiece, renowned for its connection to Bernat Klein, is described as a 'very fine sculptural late Modernist building' by the assessors of Historic Environment Scotland[2]. The two-storey concrete and brick structure, with frameless glazing, horizontal cantilevers, and a central service core, is situated amid a beautifully unspoilt woodland[2].
The building's Category A listing by Historic Environment Scotland in July 2002 underscores its importance[3]. However, the restoration challenge is substantial given its dilapidated state and past failed attempts[1]. A full restoration by specialists is estimated to cost between £2.5 million and £3 million[1][2].
The coalition, consisting of the Bernat Klein Foundation, the National Trust for Scotland, and the Scottish Historic Buildings Trust, is leading the efforts to preserve this national treasure[1]. They aim to transform the studio into a new venue that inspires creative arts in the Scottish Borders, giving the building a sustainable new purpose[1].
The restoration project requires a 'huge depth of specialist expertise and very considerable financial resources,' warns the 20th Century Society's co-director, Catherine Croft[4]. Concrete restoration is notoriously tricky, making the repair and restoration of the Bernat Klein Studio a significant challenge[5].
Despite these challenges, the recent purchase marks a critical step towards safeguarding this important Modernist structure. The auctioneers, Savills, describe the Bernat Klein Studio as a 'masterpiece of structural elegance' that is 'at the intersection of industrial craftsmanship and artistic vision'[6].
The preservation efforts include not only fundraising but also plans to restore and repurpose the studio. The coalition and supporters have already raised over £33,000 through crowdfunding, with further donations pledged from philanthropic individuals and organizations[1][5].
This progress reflects a significant move to prevent the loss of one of Scotland’s most important Modernist buildings and preserve its cultural and architectural heritage. The Bernat Klein Studio, an iconic example of modernist architecture, is on its way to being restored to its former glory.
References:
- The Guardian
- RIBA Journal
- Historic Environment Scotland
- 20th Century Society
- Crowdfunding page
- Savills
The coalition, headed by the Bernat Klein Foundation, the National Trust for Scotland, and the Scottish Historic Buildings Trust, aims to reinspire creative arts in the Scottish Borders by transforming the Bernat Klein Studio into a new venue, thereby giving the building a sustainable new purpose. However, the restoration project requires a substantial amount of financial resources, estimated to cost between £2.5 million and £3 million, due to the building's dilapidated state and the complexity of concrete restoration.
