Beasties). “I’ve used their Thistle wallpaper in one of the bedrooms. I think their designs are just enough for one wall. I’ve also used another design which features stags but with wind farms too and I like that little ironic twist.” Although Craig, Hilary and their two teenage daughters retreat to Pityoulish whenever they can, when it’s empty it is available to rent, and a few more extras have been added to the property. What the couple assume was the former dairy (it was the only building with a proper floor) has been made into a games room which is just the right size for a game of darts or table tennis. A further two outbuildings have been built into the exterior to incorporate storage for bikes, skis and kayaks. Hilary drew on her experience from her own family holidays to ensure this was a holiday home that ticked all the boxes, including for practicality. While keen to embrace an open plan design, Hilary was pragmatic about the weather conditions in the Highlands. “The climate can be brutal and open plan living impractical when you need to store so much outdoor kit,” she explains. The solution was to make the main living spaces open plan but with an abundance of storage and a large boot room and drying room to ensure everything is dry for the next
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“We’ve tried to reincorporate original timbers wherever possible”
day’s adventure.
“I love the interior of the steading; it has come together so well, but equally we spend so much time in the garden. The next project is to further develop the outdoor space and create areas where I can plant meadows and wildflowers.” For the family, the restoration of Pityoulish has been a long, eventful journey, but it’s now on the homeward straight and Hilary and Craig have created a property with integrity that they can be justifiably proud to share with guests. “There have been times of tension and worry but overall, it has been a really mindful, wonderful project and I feel we owe this building so much.” These kind of last sneaky peeks at properties on the internet aren’t for the fainthearted – who knows what path they will lead you down.
CONTACTS/ SUPPLIERS
MAIN CONTRACTOR CR Construction
(Jamie and Chris Robinson)
CRconstructionltd.uk
ARCHITECT
Highland Rural Design (John Craig) 01540 662458
STONEMASON
Even Cheyne 07817 139708
PLUMBER Allan Orr 01479 810249
ELECTRICIAN
Binne Electrical
binnieelectrical.com
KITCHEN Howdens
howdens.com
jan/feb 2022
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