The Renovation Journey
April: 2021
When we first stepped into the old stone steading on a blustery March morning it was hard to tell where the wind ended and the walls began. The roof sagged with quiet resignation, moss crept through well worn cobbled floors and water dripped from sagging gutters. Scratched deep into the timber, faded pencil etchings held memories of names and dates, left by farming families now long gone, subtle reminders of lives once lived.
And yet, there was something about this building: a kind of quiet dignity. Helen and I didn’t just see a renovation project; we saw a building with life still in it. A structure that could welcome people again, become a gathering place, offer warmth and feel like home.
Summer: 2021
We quickly drew up plans with a vision to create a modern home that would conform to the latest efficiency and building standards whilst preserving the fabric and heritage of the building. We undertook the majority of the work ourselves picking up skills and learning as we went, often the hard way. We survived two full Scottish winters in a touring caravan, which felt heroic at the time (and slightly mad in hindsight).
Autumn: 2021
To our great relief, a steady stream of friends and family stepped in to help. While we waited on Engineers and building warrants, we pushed ahead with major repairs, rain or shine.
Spring: 2022
With the building warrant now granted we began construction. This began with the demolition of a very badly damaged section. All salvageable materials from stone to the timber rafters were saved and reused elsewhere in the project.
Summer: 2022
With the structure at the rear of the steading sadly gone, we now set about rebuilding on its footprint. Alongside our Architect Katy (Helen's twin sister) and following design principles that respected the heritage, while creating a seamless connection between old and new. Slowly, the square-shaped building and courtyard began to re-emerge.
Autumn: 2022
With a full crew we condensed a 3-week schedule into 10 days and got to work preparing the Coach House foundations. We installed drainage pipes, laid the sub base and concrete slab, built retaining blockwork and repaired the magnificent stone arches and pillar. We also raised the courtyard level as this was the final opportunity to access with heavy machinery. Following all this, floor insulation and plumbing first fix with UFH pipes were installed. A big moment!
Winter: November 2022
As Winter approached we began to succeed in our battle with more than 60 metres of drainage and electrical trenches, some were over 2 metres deep! They snaked around the Steading from two sides, each needing a precise fall and to converge at a single point before the septic tank. Thanks to our resident mathematician, Helen, they did, perfectly.
Winter: January 2023
In true Highlands spirit the winter bit hard. Temperatures were rarely above freezing and some weeks dropped to as low as -10C! With no heating and our breath visible indoors, we began the stud work in the Coach House, joined by our friend Josh and warmed only by grit, good company and tea!
Spring: April 2023
With the ceilings level, plasterboard fitted, and the log burner installed, none too soon, we rolled up our sleeves for the tiling and final fix. Soon our professional joiner stepped in, helping us hang the doors and push through the final stretch.
Summer: 2023
With the glorious and vibrant spring weather arriving and joined by James' dad, we turned our hand to dry stone walling whilst Helen finished the decorating. Soon after, we moved into the Coach House and said a bittersweet farewell to the caravan that had sheltered us for two years.
Autumn: 2023
With the Coach House nearly finished and habitable we turned our attention to the remainder of the Steading. The newly built timber frame that completes the square had sat patiently for over a year. Josh re-joined us, this time for the long haul! Together we once again launched into studwork, insulation, and plasterboard. Only now appreciating the scale of what we had undertaken, it was going to be a mammoth task!
Winter: 2023/24
As temperatures plunged once again, we found ourselves slipping behind schedule. In true heroic fashion, James’ dad stepped in at short notice, helping us tackle the gable end, soon dubbed 'The Cathedral' for its towering scale and stubborn complexity. Inside, the cold was merciless, holding a steady -6°C, freezing our water bottles solid within the hour.
Spring: 2024
As spring warmed the air, we pressed on with the back of the Steading, first-fixed and plastered at last. A quiet triumph, though it would have to wait patiently once again. To make the most of the weather we shifted our focus outdoors and to the connecting walkway re-laying the cobbles and natural stone paving.
In the photo, you’ll spot Helen’s cousin Andrew lending a hand as we guided the giant granite threshold into its final resting place. A moment of heft, heritage, and teamwork!
Summer: 2024
With each passing week the Steading began to take shape. Old crumbling walls were repaired and re-pointed, cast iron gutters now hung refurbished back to glossy black. The new interior brought modern efficiency but was installed with a light touch, honouring the need for breathability in the traditional stone.
​
We also said goodbye to Josh who, having joined us following his time in the Royal Marines, had contributed enormously throughout the build, bringing physical strength, unwavering determination and a steady work ethic. His departure felt a bit like the end of an era.
Autumn: 2024
Summer brought a welcome rhythm of progress, with family and friends once again by our side. crafting some outbuildings and laying the front paving which was framed by a granite curb.
With the major works largely behind us, we turned our attention to a daunting list of finishing touches and the final push to meet every building regulation.
Winter: 2024/25
By this point in our timeline Helen and I were truly, and not surprisingly, exhausted! We decided to dial things down a notch, tackling the endless to-do list at a slightly more human pace as we geared up for our final completion inspection in early February.
The date arrived and, true to form, the building control officer flagged one last minor task before signing us off. A few days later, our completion certificate arrived in the post. To mark the moment we treated ourselves to a well-earned meal at our favourite Inverness restaurant, equal parts relief and quiet celebration.
Spring: 2025
Building warrant now fully approved. The steading is legally an address but not yet complete. This new Spring saw Helen complete the gorgeous cobbled porch, each stone was carefully chosen and re-laid. Then together we finished the front driveway and parking areas, built a log store and even started some gardening! The courtyard is next on the priority list for repointing, landscaping and planting!
The finish Line?
We’re incredibly proud not only of the care and time that we have dedicated to each stone and timber but also of the resilience and growth it brought out in us. We would be remiss not to mention the unsung heroes; our friends, families, neighbours and trades who all had a hand in our success.
It's been a privilege to take on such a responsibility and we feel deeply fortunate to have had the chance to breathe new life into this place.
A labour of love
The steading has shaped us and now it’s yours to enjoy. Whether you’re here to rest, explore or reconnect, we hope it brings you the same peace and inspiration it gives us.
 |  |  |  |  |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 |  |  |  |  |
 |  |  |  |  |
 |  |  |  |  |
 |  |  |  |  |
 |  |  |  |  |
 |  |  |  |  |
 |  |  |  |  |
 |  |  |  |  |
 |  |  |  |  |
 |  |  |  |