My wee Isle of Skye renovation

[Catz]

Bit of history ...

I’ve been a member of a few Isle of Skye FB groups for many years. Just after I bought the property I logged on to find someone had posted a photo of my wee house and was asking if anyone had any info as to who owned it now. Bit intrigued so I messaged back and it turned out I was replying to Penny, a lady in her mid 70s who lived in Wales.
It turned out this was Penny’s mother’s (Marianne) childhood home. Still with me?

Marianne had grown up there as a child with her siblings but after they left the parents sold the house and croft. As a child my Mum remembers the next family as owning lots of ducks and there being a well in the garden. (Yet to find that.)
Anyway back to Marianne who ended up in London with a successful career in medicine, when she retired she apparently spent half her time in London and half at her holiday house in France. However her heart was still on the Isle of Skye so when she saw her childhood home was up for sale she bought it. This was late 60s when it was extended upwards and she and her friend moved there permanently.

For whatever reason Marianne decided to sell the house in the early 80s to my Uncle. Her daughter, Penny, told me she was upset by this decision as she and her husband would have bought the property but weren’t told about the sale. Families huh!
Penny evidently has fond memories of the house so I’ve been keeping in touch and letting her see it move slowly into the 21st century. I did offer her a weekend away once the house was finished but sadly she’s now a widow and disabled so travel isn’t possible.

Tl;dr - Contacted by Penny whose mother lived in the house as a child.

Here is Marianne, with her siblings, outside my wee house.


And Marianne, when she retired, outside the front door.


Photo of the house from the 70s after it had been renovated by Marianne.

[Catz]

snowandrocks said:

That's great - I find stuff like this fascinating.

I've spent far too much time looking at old maps and newspaper articles finding out about our cottage in Aberdeenshire.

https://maps.nls.uk/
This is pretty good and free - old OS maps have wells marked so you might be in luck. Ours is seemingly under the wood shed which is slightly unnerving!

https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/
The subscription to this isn't especially cheap but you get a few free articles and unlimited summaries. There's loads of results just for our cottage - even down to an advert for the sale of a nanny goat in 1872!

Amazing! Thanks so much for posting this.

A quick look and in 1872 there appears to be two buildings, maybe a house and barn. The next map on, in 1892, shows one building in a slightly different location. I can see a well location but I think this will still need some work to figure out exactly where on the property it is. Gives me a bit more of a clue though!
Fantastic.

[Catz]

Camoradi said:

Thanks for posting details of your wonderful renovation Catz. We've long thought about a move to the Highlands or islands but it never came off. Be sure to post up details when it is available for bookings please as we're long overdue a return visit to Skye

Thanks!
It’s a while away from bookings but I guess not many are travelling about just now anyway.

TheJimi said:

Cool update, and you're a good egg for offering.

Cheers.



Thanks to “snowandrocks” I’ve got a better idea where the well in the garden is. Penny, the lady from Wales, described it as a honeycomb well but has no photos of it.

Here’s an old ordnance survey map of the well’s location. Bit blurry as I had to zoom in.


That means it’s under this lot! This was grass back in the 80s but proved too much for my late Uncle who fenced off an area of garden around the house but left the rest of the ground to go wild. Lots of horrid willow. Finding the well may be a project in itself!


My lovely brother did cut down lots of willow so the view opened up again. Unfortunately he’s not as good at clearing as he is cutting so I imagine it will all grow back.

[Catz]

I managed to get my joiner back on board in September and insulation and plasterboarding continued. He left the gables exposed and we got in a dehumidifier for a few weeks, this helped dry out one gable but not the other. There definitely seems a problem at the apex of the roof where it meets the chimney, time to find another trade to figure this out.

Despite that almost all of the plasterboarding upstairs and down is done. It’s also taped and filled. In this corner of the world plasterers are basically non existent so taping and filling are the norm.
My joiner originally told me it wasn’t something he did as he was rubbish at it and I’d need to find another to tape and fill. During lockdown he did a bit and was evidently perfect at this skill!
He did admit later that he hated doing it but bless him he has done an impressive job, even if he hated it and possibly charged me for this hatred.

Just about there photos.

[Catz]

tgr said:

Beautiful place, coming along nicely

Thank you. I do still wonder if it’s coming along nicely.
I’ll be positive and say yes!

[Catz]

Lockdown gave me plenty time to think ahead and dream of kitchens.
Still a budget to consider though so I ignored my joiner’s suggestion to use the local Howdens and went on an online kitchen research mission! This was when I happened upon DIY Kitchens.

I had time to read their reviews, browse through their advice section and even send customer queries which they answered quickly despite everything going on. So I ordered some samples and played about with the 3D kitchen planner which they had available at the time.
It’s slightly nervy as you need to plan and measure yourself and hope you’ve got it right. My joiner didn’t seem convinced.

The samples they sent were very professionally packaged.


I could, and did, spend hours mucking about with their 3D planner. Honestly I’d love to be a kitchen planner!
I had to keep things simple though and work with the plumbing there so it worked out with water to the right, along with dishwasher and washing machine and other stuff to the left. So here was my basic plan. ( Never did figure out how to add handles to their planner. )


Ordered the start of October to arrive end of October but they had a fire in their painting facility. This renovation gets easier day by day!
Anyway delivery delayed by a few weeks which I can deal with.

Edited by Catz on Thursday 5th November 23:40

Edited by Catz on Thursday 5th November 23:43

[Catz]

Shnozz said:

What a stunning setting.

Whilst I am more of a warm weather sap, this place has a lot of appeal. Look forward to future updates.

Thanks. It’s one of my favourite places in the world.

I could happily sit listening to the waves, watching the ever changing clouds and the changes to the views for eternity. Not for everyone but perfect for me.

[Catz]

I managed a week visit in October before Scotland was put into Tier levels and travel restrictions came into place. I live in a Tier 3 area whereas Skye is Tier 1. It’s now advised those in higher tier areas don’t visit lower tier areas unless essential, I guess renovation isn’t essential. No idea when I’ll next be able to visit.

Much of the week was spent tidying up rubbish left by the roofer, the joiner had bagged his and chucked any wood over the fence so at least that was a bit easier.

Here’s the pile of rubbish, along with a big pile of wood over the fence which is mainly hidden by grass, there were also 2 rotten, wooden sheds to empty before they get demolished.


Time for a big skip. Déjà vu!


There’s apparently a “right” way to fill a skip so I left my brother to do his insulation jigsaw puzzle.


Yet more bonfires!


It wasn’t all work though. Here are some gratuitous photos of the local area, all within walking distance of the house.
The beach.


“Coral” Island.


My Flatcoat, Ember, loving her holiday.

[Catz]

marky911 said:

Great project and well done for staying positive through the setbacks.
On the other side of pain, hassle and effort lies the reward. If it was easy, everyone would do it.

PS. Lovely dog.

Thanks! (For both the dog comment and the bit of motivational speech ) There have been moments where I’ve thought “what the hell am I doing?” However gazing at the view for 15 mins or simply sitting and visualising a room being finished usually sorts me out.

Saleen836 said:

An upside of having it taped/jointed is, if it is done to a good standard you will have a lot less cracks to sort out in 10-12 months when everything is settled

Well that’s a positive!

[Catz]

Thanks for taking the time to post your observations.

AndrewCrown said:

Catz

I am really enjoying your thread...your Wee house and location look wonderful. We’re on a lockdown restoration also, so can sympathise with ‘skye’ time and intermittent trades/ availability of material.

Few observations, questions...

Tape & Fill
In our last restoration and current this was the local standard (France) I was sceptical at first but the results are excellent, some how a little crisper on angles etc.

I’m really pleased with the finish and I know what you mean with angles as many of the window recesses do look crisp. As Saleen said above hopefully this will limit cracks in the long run.

AndrewCrown said:

Front door
Keep it, nice nod to the past I am sure you can colour match it

I do like the split door so it’s staying, despite the sales talk from various companies. A bit of internet research saved me getting loads of paint samples to try and match the “Chartwell Green” windows. Someone else documented their pain and led me to Dulux Tuscan Glade 3 which is a perfect match. (For anyone needing to know make sure you use a white undercoat. )

AndrewCrown said:

Boat stuff
Did you say there was a boat shed? Is that little white boat now yours? It’s my dream to have direct water access like that..

There is a boat shed, I really need to take a photo of that! It’s a large, metal, industrial style shed rather than a cute boathouse though. It is down by the waterline and is where my Uncle kept his boats. The white boat was my Uncles and many great fishing trips were had in it. Sadly the boat ended up the property of my cousins, however it’s getting lots of use which is good to see.

AndrewCrown said:

Fire
Those photos of bonfires against the skyline are stunning. Is there a fireplace and what’s the plan fire wise?
Edit...just saw your Stovax post..have two, they are very good.

Good to hear. My Mum has a Stovax and it’s served her well for the past 10 years. Turns out the one I was looking at is discontinued so just ordered a Vogue Small. I’m hoping the stove will help drive out the last bits of damp wall as well as being a lovely thing to have. Bit of a luxury item really with my tight budget but hey, it’s only money.

AndrewCrown said:

Well
Good luck with this, the Mrs has been experimenting with coat hangers and dowsing.

In my current house we couldn’t find the water Toby, neither could Scottish Water. Imagine my surprise when they sent out a guy with dowsing rods! He couldn’t find it either.

AndrewCrown said:

Land Rover
Sorry surely we need to see a shot of the cottage and your Landie

I generally drive up in my Type R (FK2 model not the EP3 that’s in my profile, not got round to updating after 5 years!) as it’s a teensy bit faster.
Landy/cottage shot is needed though. It’s the go to when the Winter weather hits so most likely I’ll take it up at the end of the year.

AndrewCrown said:

Best of luck with it all and look forward to future updates...

Many thanks.
Best of luck with your renovation too and I hope Covid doesn’t create too many problems for you. Where is your renovation thread?

[Catz]

Another thread reminded me about my kitchen appliance woes.

The kitchen supplier no longer sold appliances due to supply issues due to Covid. No worries I thought, I’ll just use that well-known, online, appliance company I’ve successfully used in the past. Only £20 to deliver to Skye although it had to be a Wednesday. However as fast as I got some appliances in my basket they had gone out of stock by the time I got to check out.

Eventually got my order in, and delivered.


Ermmm, what happened to the washing machine and fridge/freezer?
Apologies made, changes to order due to lack of supply, new delivery the next Wednesday.
Ermmm, still no fridge/freezer!
Apologies made, change to order due to lack of supply, new delivery next Wednesday.
Finally all here!
Nothing is easy these days!

[Catz]

Baby steps ... but I have a kitchen!

Photos courtesy of my joiner as I can’t travel to see it in person.



I don’t have a splashback yet so the upstands still need to go on. Oh and that cooker point needs moved!
Photo taken with a floodlight shining on the units so hopefully the colour is a bit less washed out in real life.

[Catz]

Many thanks for the kind comments and words of encouragement. What with travel restrictions, lack of some supplies/materials, not being able to deal with trades face-to-face and having to make decisions from samples which can’t be seen on site I do have moments when I wonder what I’m doing!
I was never brought up as a quitter though.

elanfan said:

Catz as you’ve done so much research on the house it would be nice to copy it and leave a a box up in the loft for future generations to uncover. Oh and sign it somewhere.

That’s a great idea!

xyz123 said:

Catz said:

Are the doors on tall units at end on left hand side, reversed?

That’s what my joiner asked too.
The tall unit houses an integrated fridge/freezer. It’s hinged on the right for two reasons.
1. So that the doors can be opened more than 90 degrees to take out fridge drawers etc for cleaning.
2. I imagined the door handle constantly dinging the wall if it was the other way round.

Admittedly it would look better if it was left hinged but there just wasn’t the space at the end of the run. I could have sacrificed the drawer unit for something narrower to make more space but then there would be no drawers and a wide piece of filler. You have picked up on the one bit of my “kitchen design” that I wasn’t entirely happy about!

[Catz]

elanfan said:

On the last page the integrated cabinets have what looks like a 20/25mm gap to the wall which now has a filler strip fitted. I’d be shocked if that didn’t give you room to open the doors to 90 degrees. A tiny rubber white stopper on the wall would protect from damage. The doors and appliances are usually reversible, got to be worth a try to not have to put up with years of it opening the ‘wrong’ way!

You need to open a fridge freezer door over 90 degrees to get out drawers etc. Have you never cleaned your fridge?
DIY Kitchens recommended a gap of 100mm if opening the door the other way.
My fridge freezer doors are reversible but most appliances come right hinged as standard. So it’s opening the right way, even if it seems the wrong way.

[Catz]

elanfan said:

I’ve got a door frame right next to mine, it just opens to 90 deg and I can get everything in or out (even the rotting veg covered in slime).

Give it a try you might be surprised. No need to reverse now just open the door to 90 degrees and try it. If it works on right hand hinge it should on the left too.

You know you want to. :lol:

I do want to! Unfortunately I’m stuck in a Level 4 area and not meant to travel anywhere. (Skye is Level 1)

Anyhoo the doors now have holes drilled for the handles so changing would mean new doors.

[Catz]

The woodburner should have turned up a fortnight ago but due to “supply” issues it’s not going to arrive till January, at the earliest. I ordered a Stovax Vogue, the fitter suggested a Morso squirrel then he discovered that wouldn’t turn up till February.
Anyway decided to go ahead with sorting out the fire opening so it’s ready once I do get a stove.

This was when I discovered the fire opening which had been hiding behind a huge electric fire with surround.


Unfortunately it had been filled with concrete for whatever reason.


We managed to drill out most of the debris which revealed not the prettiest of stone. I toyed with the idea of leaving the lintel exposed but decided it wasn’t that pretty either.


Some filling needed but almost ready for a stove, whenever that may be.

[Catz]

jet_noise said:

That's quite a small hole. Has your fitter OK'd it for your intended stove?

It is a bit limiting for stove choice but the fitter has OKed it for a number of small stoves.
The opening is about 950 wide by 800 high but not very deep so I’m limited to stoves with a depth of around 300.

[Catz]

Shaw Tarse said:

Can/have you put extra sockets in?
Keep up the good work
Missed out on a visit to Skye this year

I see you spotted those multi plug things.
Yes, the whole place has been rewired so there’s loads more sockets. Possibly too many!

Despite everything Skye was still jumping with tourists in July and August this year.

[Catz]

Sadly my Mum passed away in December so the house has not been high on my priority list. I’m “temporarily” living in Mum’s house, which is just along the road, and seeing this wee house everyday did spur me to get some focus. If anything it’s helped as a distraction.

I eventually got a stove and it’s up and running. A tiny little Esse but it burns beautifully.



The radiators have been fitted and the boiler is in place. I just need some decent weather to pour a concrete plinth for the oil tank and there’ll be central heating for the first time.


Second fix electrics done. It’s so good to be able to switch on a light after a year of no electricity.

[Catz]

Diplomatico said:

Any reason you split the granite through the middle rather than across the front?

I didn’t have much say in the matter as the stove fitter did the hearth when I was locked down in the Central Belt of Scotland. I was just grateful to actually get a hearth!
Trying to get things done this past year has been tricky. Lock downs, supply issues with materials, trades being overwhelmed with demand after lockdowns, it’s not been easy.

Thank you for all the kind posts regarding my Mum. She would have loved to see the house finished and always gave me a motivational chat when I felt down about the lack of progress. I’m just glad she got to see the kitchen in and the stove almost in.
She did bring up her children to be resilient and, along with my Dad’s input, we’re not quitters!