The high life

Discover how Martin Sherring and Penny Edwards have self built an ultra-efficient, lowbills Passivhaus for retirement that supports their eco principles as much as their love of traditional craftsmanship and the great outdoors

WORDS JENNY MCBAIN  PHOTOS MARGARET SORAYA

THE SHERRING & EDWARDS FILE

NAMES Martin Sherring & Penny Edwards

OCCUPATIONS Retired

LOCATION Ross-shire

TYPE OF PROJECT Self build

STYLE Contemporary

CONSTRUCTION METHOD Timber frame

PLOT SIZE 5.5 acres

LAND COST £280,000

BOUGHT 2009

HOUSE SIZE 180m2

PROJECT COST £310,000

PROJECT COST PER M2 £1,722

TOTAL COST £590,000

BUILDING WORK COMMENCED February 2012

BUILDING WORK TOOK 45 weeks

Having sold their timber business in central Scotland, Penny Edwards and Martin Sherring were hankering after a new adventure for their retirement – and self building provided the perfect opportunity for the couple to express themselves. Their journey has culminated in the creation of Stoneybank; a striking, wood-clad house that represents the epitome of energy efficiency and sustainable living.

The right path

Initially, the couple hadn’t planned to build their own home. Instead, they spent six months in France to experience another way of life. “We decided we didn’t want to move abroad permanently because we’d always be expats,” says Martin. “In any case, we’re outdoor enthusiasts who enjoy a slightly cooler climate and love the mountains.”

On returning to the UK, they rented a house in their chosen location – an area to the north of Inverness known as the Black Isle – and set out with the goal of buying an existing property. However, both Penny and Martin are committed environmentalists and they soon found there was nothing on the market that would satisfy their yearning for a comfortable, ecological lifestyle.