your parents were thinking I love the idea of being embedded in nature, but you need logistics and practicalities and here we have the best of both worlds.”


While the location was spot on, size was an issue as Robert explains “We knew right away it was too small. And that was with one child and one dog uite quickly we added another dog, and the intention was always to extend but we didn’t know if it was possible as the building is C isted.” As the location ticked all the boxes, the couple decided to take a risk and see if they could make the cottage work for them. Fortunately, they found an architect who could help them do just that, Fermn eltrn os Santos at Fife Architects.


The original cottage layout was stereotypical


with the front door entering into the living space, a bedroom on either side, a small shower room and a galley kitchen to the rear, defi nitely not big enough for an expanding family. So, within two weeks of moving in, the couple arranged a meeting with Fermn.


20


“When we visited his offi ce, it was everything we wanted from an architect’s offi ce,” Isla remembers. “It had a really cool vibe and there were lots of amazing designs on the walls but in every shape and size. We didn’t feel like we weren’t meant to be there it felt right.” Isla and Robert had a wish list of living


requirements for Fermn which included a third bedroom, more living space in whatever combination it could be achieved and direct access to the garden. In the kitchen there was a door which accessed an external deck with a set of stairs leading to the cottage cellars and this was what Isla and Robert thought they could utilise but weren’t quite sure how. appy to internalise the cellars, initially Isla and Robert thought everything would be incorporated onto this lower level, but Fermn had other ideas. “Given the slope of the garden this lower level was the sensible, extendable footprint, however, right at the fi rst meeting, Fermn suggested putting the third bedroom on the ground fl oor which we hadn’t expected,”


HIGH POINT


“When we fi nally realised the dream had become reality and now having the space to invite family and friends over – that’s a huge bonus.” – Robert


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