A BUTLER’S flat is now surplus to requirements at a country house by the River Tweed as plans are submitted for its conversion into an office.

A planning bid has been submitted to Scottish Borders Council for the alterations to the flat at Mertoun House, east of St Boswells.

A submission with the application says: “Mertoun House has always had a primary residential use.

“The estate office has long been sited on the application site in an arrangement that provided office floorspace on the ground floor and residential floorspace on the first floor.

“However, as patterns of life evolve so too do the demands on the use of buildings. Specifically, there is no longer a requirement for a live-in butler and space required to provide an appropriate residential apartment.

“At the same time, the effective management of the estate and other interests has evolved to require more office staff and space to accommodate them.

“It is proposed to change the use of the first floor and those parts of the ground floor that form part of the butler’s flat, as well as the game larder, to office use.”