Embracing the stunning surroundings, the Stalkers have created a chic modern longhouse with their future needs in mind

WORDS CAROLINE EDNIE

PHOTOS DAVID BARBOUR

It is perhaps unsurprising that Malcolm and Carol Stalker decided to return to their roots in Argyle and Bute on Scotland’s west coast for their first, and in all probability their only, self build project. The location is well knows for the landscape, and the ocean vistas, with the islands of Islay, Jura and Gigha in the distance. “We are both from the area originally,” says Carol. “We’ve been away for 40 years, living and working in the Central Belt of Scotland. But our family is still here, and recently we’ve had a dual life situation, residing in Stirlingshire through the week and due to family circumstances, with elderly parents, coming back every weekend. So, we decided that we needed a base here.”

For around two years the couple had been searching for a property or potential renovation project in the area, without much success. However during this period they were aware of four plots for sale. “These plots had been on the market for a couple of years. There was outline planning, but they were un-serviced at the beginning and this put us off. However, when the previous owner brought services to the land, they all sold,” says Malcolm.

Local design

The couple purchased one of these coastal plots, a sizeable 0.6 acres. At this stage their thoughts turned to the design of the house where they envisaged spending their retirement. “We loved the plot,” says Malcolm. “I then started to do research into house building. In terms of design we were very much inspired by location and heritage. We wanted something that would take advantage of the beautiful views over the Atlantic Ocean. We liked the concept of a traditional Scottish longhouse, so we envisaged something of this sort with a contemporary twist. We also wanted to embrace eco technology and the sustainability benefits of a new build.”