WORK is underway on a new 39-home development in the village of Pittenweem, marking Cruden Homes’ return to Fife for the first time in over a decade.
Located on James Street, the development includes 36 traditionally designed new-build homes alongside the sensitive restoration of three existing properties, through the conversion of the C-listed St Margaret’s Farm steading into two homes and the refurbishment of number 50 James Street.
The project will transform a long-standing vacant and derelict site, replacing disused agricultural and commercial buildings with new homes and landscaped green space.
The properties will include a mix of three, four, and five-bedroom properties, alongside six affordable terraced homes for Kingdom Housing Association, comprising four two-bedroom and two three-bedroom houses.
Designed to reflect the distinctive character of Pittenweem and the wider East Neuk, the development will feature traditional architectural elements such as sash and case windows, render window surrounds and chimneys. This design-led approach draws inspiration from Cruden Homes’ award-winning Longniddry Village development in East Lothian.
The project begins with the demolition and removal of several derelict buildings currently on the site followed by levelling groundworks. As part of the development, Cruden will create a ‘pedestrian-friendly’ layout centred around open green spaces and sustainable drainage systems (SuDS).
The homes will incorporate sustainability features including air source heat pumps and electric vehicle charging provision, alongside biodiversity enhancements such as bat boxes, swift bricks and wildflower planting.
Andrew Duncan, land director at Cruden Homes, said, “Breaking ground on our new Pittenweem development marks an exciting return to Fife and reinforces our commitment to growing across Scotland. This site has been allocated within the Fife Local Development Plan since 2017, and we are proud to now bring it forward.
“Our vision is to deliver thoughtfully designed, energy-efficient homes in a highly desirable coastal setting. By sensitively reusing existing buildings, enhancing accessibility, and creating high-quality new homes, we aim to support the development of a sustainable new community that integrates seamlessly with the existing village of Pittenweem.”
The first homes are expected to be completed in early 2027.
