MasterChef Finalist Sarah Rankin Opens Kitchens International's New Design Studio at Orwell Farm
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Kitchens International has opened an appointment-only design studio at Orwell Farm's new rural business hub near Loch Leven in Kinross. The studio officially opened on 1st October with MasterChef finalist Sarah Rankin joining local guests to celebrate the launch with a live cookery demonstration on a stunning hand-crafted island with ‘invisible’ hob.
Having relocated from their existing concession within Sterling Home in Tillicoultry, Kitchens International's new appointment-only studio is perfectly positioned on the banks of Loch Leven near Kinross, a stone's throw from Loch Leven’s Larder and within an hour's drive of 80% of Scotland's population.
The relaxed, inviting space is one of three new openings planned for 2026 alongside new locations in Edinburgh's Morningside and Glasgow's West End to complement their established flagship showroom on Dundas Street in Edinburgh’s New Town.
Kitchens International’s new studio has been carefully designed to provide a personal and immersive space for clients to enjoy a private consultation in a relaxed countryside setting with a dedicated design team. The beautifully appointed space allows clients to feel the quality of the Ki products while being one of only two locations in Scotland showcasing Gaggenau’s latest innovations; the revolutionary invisible Essential Hob concept, seamlessly integrated within the worktop for a minimalist and highly functional cooking experience.
Completed in 2021, Orwell Farm has transformed from derelict agricultural buildings into a vibrant rural business hub. The historic stone steading now houses contemporary design studios and offices, with a modern interior that respects the building's agricultural heritage. Powered by renewable energy (ground source heat pumps and 50kW of solar PV), the site achieved a Net Zero EPC rating and was named Net Zero Development of the Year at the 2025 Scottish Property Awards. The hub brings together Studio LBA Architects, Edinburgh Film Company, Rosemount Nursery School, Pilates Lab, Frew Conservation, Fabby Furniture and Kitchens International's design studio.
Graham Johnston, Owner and CEO of Kitchens International, said:
"The Orwell Farm studio represents our ambition to expand Kitchens International's presence across Scotland whilst showcasing the quality of engagement our customers expect. We already serve a substantial client base across the Perth and Kinross region, and this stunning location will help deepen those relationships. Being part of Orwell Farm is important to us - it's a community of businesses focused on quality and creativity, and we're committed to building genuine relationships with our fellow tenants and other local businesses, championing what they're doing.
The appointment-only model allows us to provide the focused, detailed consultation our clients' projects require. The studio's design draws inspiration from its breathtaking setting: the colours and character of Loch Leven, the contours and curves of the historic steading building, and the surrounding natural landscape. That sense of place runs through every detail of the space, creating an environment where clients can really connect with how design shapes the way they live and cook.
MasterChef finalist Sarah Rankin's experience working in private and professional kitchens alongside her passion for locally sourced produce made her the perfect person to open the studio. She understands how exceptional design serves the reality of cooking and living, which is exactly what Kitchens International designs for, creating spaces our clients truly love to live in."
Lynsay Bell, Orwell Farm's owner, and Managing Director of Studio LBA Architects, said:
"We are delighted to welcome Kitchens International to Orwell Farm. Their stunning appointment-only studio complements the mixed-use character of the rural business hub and reinforces our commitment to creating a destination that brings together design, craft and community activity.
The space sits adjacent to our offices and gives our clients the opportunity to see a beautiful finished kitchen in a real-life setting to inspire their own projects."
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Editors notes
Kitchens International
Kitchens International is Scotland's award-winning independent luxury kitchens and living spaces business.
Founded in 1994, KI has established an unrivalled reputation for delivering exceptional kitchen, bathroom and living space solutions, combining world-class brands, innovative design and outstanding customer service. Kitchens International supply world-leading kitchen ranges and appliances from brands including Gaggenau, Sub-Zero & Wolf, Quooker, Siemens, Leicht, Stoneham, Callerton, Poggenpohl and Cosentino.
Kitchens International is now independently owned by Graham Johnston, owner and CEO, after completing a management buyout. The business has recently unveiled plans for three new showrooms in Edinburgh, Glasgow and Loch Leven.
Kitchens International has featured on Channel 4's ‘Grand Designs’ and BBC’s ‘Scotland’s Home of the Year’, showcasing the business's expertise in delivering exceptional spaces for ambitious projects.
Kitchens International designer Dionne Robertson has been shortlisted at the Designarati Awards 2026 in the Kitchen Designer of the Year – Over £40k category.
KI’s talented team have won multiple industry awards throughout their 32-year history, including KBB Review UK Kitchen Retailer of the Year, Designer & Young Designer of the year and the Leicht Global Kitchen Design Award. Their most recent accolade came in 2025 when they won the KBSA Concept Designer of the Year award for the 3rd time. The award-winning design featured a contemporary, multifunctional dining kitchen blending concrete micro-cement with industrial textures, raw woods, and Dekton.
Orwell Farm
Orwell Farm is a net-zero rural business hub located on the banks of Loch Leven near Kinross in Perthshire. Purchased in 2019 by Jeff Manson and Lynsay Bell (managing directors of award-winning architecture practice Studio LBA), the farm underwent a £850,000 transformation from a derelict agricultural steading into a modern, sustainable, creative workspace. Named Net Zero Development of the Year at the 2025 Scottish Property Awards, Orwell Farm combines high-quality office spaces, studios, workshops and retail units powered entirely by renewable energy (ground source heat pump and solar PV). The mixed-use business hub is home to Studio LBA (anchor tenant), a pilates studio, children's nursery, Kitchens International's new design studio, and other creative enterprises, with further phases in development. Orwell Farm exemplifies thoughtful rural regeneration with a focus on sustainability, community spirit and supporting Scotland's rural economy.
studiolba.co.uk/projects/orwell-farm/
Sarah Rankin
Sarah Rankin is a MasterChef UK finalist (2022), cookbook author, and passionate advocate for Scottish produce. Based in Perthshire, she works as a private chef, food writer, broadcaster and culinary event host. She has published two cookbooks: 'Kith: Scottish Seasonal Food for Family and Friends' (April 2024) and 'Feast' (October 2025), both celebrating local, seasonal Scottish ingredients.
Sarah is a regular contributor to BBC Radio Scotland and has appeared on BBC Radio 4's The Kitchen Cabinet. Originally from Inverness, she champions sustainable cooking practices and partners with local Scottish producers.
