The Round House at TFC Food Services

Agricultural horse engines were built from around 1750 to 1840 in Scotland but they were eventually superseded by steam power. These open-sided octagonal barns or 'round houses' originally housed a horse-mill; an engine driven by horses walking round a vertical central spindle.

The power created by probably two or four horses would have been used to drive a threshing machine, water pump, turnip chopper or even a circular saw. A lay shaft passed through the back wall to transfer the power via large wooden gears to the barn behind.

The original structure consisted of 4 external broad stone pillars and 4 cast iron pillars supporting the lintels and slated octagonal roof. It has a floor area of 65 m2.

When we bought Greenhouse in the summer of 1990, the barn had fallen into disrepair. We used it for storage and as a sheep pen during lambing. Such a beautiful structure could not be allowed to fall down. Already the weight of the roof was starting to spread the base and woodworm and rot were beginning to take a hold.

Mike began renovation work in 1996 while we planned our next move. The roof sides were stabilised and pulled together with steel hawsers and straps. The roof was patched to prevent further damage. A vast area of old stone walls were carefully pointed to stop deterioration.

In January 1997, Mike began to draw up the architectural plans for conversion to the building you see today. He has been instrumental in all the renovation work, supervised the building work and carried out all the landscaping and interior decoration.

At the end of 1998, TFC Food Services had a superb new home, an exclusive new product development kitchen and a modern venue for training and presentations.