Welcome

Cowieswells is a derelict farm south of Stonehaven in NE Scotland. We were lucky enough to acquire the place in August 2010 when we were moving back to the UK from Norway and looking for something to match or even better our previous, fjord-side home. The farm house and steading (barns) command an impressive and exposed cliff top location with fantastic views across the North Sea. The buildings were constructed from sandstone in a traditional style and our goal in rebuilding it is to be sympathetic to the original design whilst creating a much larger house which is modern, efficient and maximizes the unique views.

Since we bought the place we have spent over a year working with architects, planners and generally doing stuff that doesn't make for interesting reading. This blog picks up the renovation process in late 2011 when work outside got started. Over the coming months it will be updated every week or so with pictures, movies and the odd bit of text. Like Grand Designs but without the suave sarcasm of Kevin McCloud.

Sunday 23 September 2012

Week 28

Site meeting with builders and architect. All going very well. They poured the floors today so we could not get inside. They have started slating the roof and all the windows are boarded up, so the place is effectively wind and water tight.  The lead work is amazing. It’s been noted that there is no way that you would leave that much lead laying around without security anywhere south of here. You have to love NE Scotland and its low crime rate!
Have now decided on the kitchen and bathrooms, internal and external doors, fires, lighting and electric plans, entertainment system. Just floor tiles to go and we are done. Feels good to be able to sit back and watch it going up 


Wind and water tight. The red cedar on the utility and upper part of the extension is also up 


Some very fancy lead work 

View from the SE showing the house and the bothy in the background. The two visible gable ends will be glass
Harvest time, the view to the north


1 comment:

  1. the last picture is absolutely gorgeous. The light is amazing and the rainbow!!!

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