When we first viewed this place, I was completely enamored with the idea of a library and living so close to the water. James was drawn to the extension, the newer part of the cottage that offered more space and light.
Planning the inside has been equal parts exciting and overwhelming. We tried mixing things up to see if we could come up with something better, but in the end, the original layout just works.
Honoring the old
We've stayed in so many of these cottages across the Highlands, and most are laid out in a similar way. They're cozy and charming, with low ceilings and thick stone walls that hold the heat in winter and keep things cool in summer. There's a reason they've been built this way for centuries. It works.
But we also love an open plan. Having that extra part of the house with enough space for everyone to gather felt like the best of both worlds. The cottage section for coziness and privacy, the extension for family life and entertaining.
A lot to fix in an old cottage also means a lot of decisions to make. At one point, we even considered going super modern, partly because we've seen so many ruins across the Highlands and love the contrast of old stone paired with modern architecture. Glass walls, sharp lines, the drama of ancient and contemporary existing side by side.
In the end, we chose to lean into the classic Scottish cottage look, but make it work for us.
What we're keeping, what we're changing
The front garden is becoming part garden, part driveway, since the cottage had no parking at all. Something about being built around 1800. They weren't really thinking about cars. But the back garden is where the magic will happen. Under all that bramble, we found a hydrangea bush, a stone wall, old lawn chairs, posts for a washing line, and at least six trees we didn't even know we had. Including what might be the world's tallest apple tree.
For James, the big win is symmetry. There was one window in the entry that was killing him, architecturally off-balance in a way that only bothers someone who notices that sort of thing. The new plans add a matching window. His relief was visible.
For me, it's the fact that you'll be able to spot the sea from the main circulation area of the house. That view is why we bought this place. Every room didn't need to face the water, but the heart of the home should.
The in-between
It would be easy to wish this part away. To yearn for the part when it's fun, or better yet, when it's all done. The kids wish for that, for sure.
But I know that someday this will be a wonderful memory. When we're in the finished cottage, it will feel different because of these messy stages. So for slow weeks, or tough days, I'll just be here reminding myself that I'll miss this one day.
Now that the plans are approved, things are finally moving. Gutting the inside comes first. And there are a few surprises ahead.
We'll be sharing it all here, from the messy parts to the magic.
Follow along as we bring this cottage back to life.
