I've posted my self build highland photography 'blog'
Discussion
As some of you know, I've been building a place in the Highlands for the past forever. To say it has been hard work would be a kind understatement.
Straight away, let me assure you that when I say 'build' I don't mean I have lifted so much as a nail or a saw with which to hammer it... but you know what I mean.
Anyway, I was approached a while back by a production company who wanted to make a documentary about the build (a la 'Grand Designs'), but I REALLY didn't want to do this. However, several suggested I start a blog... which I did, but have waited until now to post it, as the words 'kiss' and 'death' sprung to mind. It will continue (unless I keel over - which is quite likely) until the Finish.
If you have a spare 15 mins - this will tell you everything you need to know as to why you should NEVER design and build a house in the most remote bit of Britain, unless you like stress that is.
It's a bit 56k unfriendly, so I've split it into pages.
www.SteveCarter.com/build/build.htm
Straight away, let me assure you that when I say 'build' I don't mean I have lifted so much as a nail or a saw with which to hammer it... but you know what I mean.
Anyway, I was approached a while back by a production company who wanted to make a documentary about the build (a la 'Grand Designs'), but I REALLY didn't want to do this. However, several suggested I start a blog... which I did, but have waited until now to post it, as the words 'kiss' and 'death' sprung to mind. It will continue (unless I keel over - which is quite likely) until the Finish.
If you have a spare 15 mins - this will tell you everything you need to know as to why you should NEVER design and build a house in the most remote bit of Britain, unless you like stress that is.
It's a bit 56k unfriendly, so I've split it into pages.
www.SteveCarter.com/build/build.htm
Matt
Everyone says that... it'd bloody better be!
dobbo
Kept the existing single garage, have a double planned for elsewhere on the plot
KB
Not shown on the plans - 'recording studio' doesn't work well for planning permission. It will take up about 35% of the first floor (the whole of the right hand side of the east/west bit).
>> Edited by GetCarter on Monday 21st November 18:41
Everyone says that... it'd bloody better be!
dobbo
Kept the existing single garage, have a double planned for elsewhere on the plot
KB
Not shown on the plans - 'recording studio' doesn't work well for planning permission. It will take up about 35% of the first floor (the whole of the right hand side of the east/west bit).
>> Edited by GetCarter on Monday 21st November 18:41
Just read the blog from start to finish (even the techi inserts) which I don't think I've ever done before. The house looks like it'll be fantastic. You should have asked me to be project manager...I'm doing nothing else
(My last project I had 110 people on site to organise)
Can I be the first to ask if you are interested in a two week "House swap" next summer?
Martin.
>> Edited by V6GTO on Monday 21st November 18:44
(My last project I had 110 people on site to organise) Can I be the first to ask if you are interested in a two week "House swap" next summer?
Martin.
>> Edited by V6GTO on Monday 21st November 18:44
Excellent, brilliantly laid out and worded with views to die for. That is going to be an amazing place and worth every minute of aggravation once it's finished.
What else is amazing is that while all this has been going on, you have still found the time to take, and post, superb pictures from the highlands on a regular basis
Beautiful house/site/idea mate. Great diary. You gat away with the weather so far! When we extended our house upwards, "they" decided to take the old roof off before the new went on. Que heaviest single night of rain in 10 years and every room not being renovated, requiring renovation.
Still, we love the house, and laugh about it now (it was 10 years ago).
Good luck with the project, as I said, it looks stunning.
Still, we love the house, and laugh about it now (it was 10 years ago).
Good luck with the project, as I said, it looks stunning.
I used to be a project manager in telecomms so I know exactly how you're feeling ! It does feel good when it all finally comes together though. Don't go trying to do anything in the sandy countries unless you're willing to multiply the time you would normally expect things to take by 2.75. See, you've got it easy really !
Thanks for the kind words chaps.
Nasty camera crews watching me have a mild stroke as blizard conditions set in on Thursday and the roof collapses... not pleasant viewing methinks.
Also, the 'angle' that the production company wanted to take was that it is such an 'eco' build.... and I think the cars I drive might have blown that a tad
superlightr said:
BTW why did you say no to the tv production idea?
Nasty camera crews watching me have a mild stroke as blizard conditions set in on Thursday and the roof collapses... not pleasant viewing methinks.
Also, the 'angle' that the production company wanted to take was that it is such an 'eco' build.... and I think the cars I drive might have blown that a tad
Fantastic, but it reminds me why the 'need to build' always seemed to pass me by. All power to you for taking on the project management of something as complex as that.
I would imagine the Finns would not have too much problem after a heavy night in the bar. The ones I used to work wih a few years ago were masters at making every drink count and not showing any obvious effects in the morning. Except once ...
Is the plot on the Loch side of the coast road that runs around to Applecross? If so I should have a piccy somewhere that might show the roof of the old house. Certainly took some from the general vicinity if it is where I think it is. Heaven knows where the pics are though.
Oh, and you didn't say whether you intend to plant any trees. Perhaps you could build a wind turbine instead - good eco mileage in that with the locals surely?
I would imagine the Finns would not have too much problem after a heavy night in the bar. The ones I used to work wih a few years ago were masters at making every drink count and not showing any obvious effects in the morning. Except once ...
Is the plot on the Loch side of the coast road that runs around to Applecross? If so I should have a piccy somewhere that might show the roof of the old house. Certainly took some from the general vicinity if it is where I think it is. Heaven knows where the pics are though.
Oh, and you didn't say whether you intend to plant any trees. Perhaps you could build a wind turbine instead - good eco mileage in that with the locals surely?
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