WORDS CAROLINE EDNIE PHOTOS DAVID BARBOUR
When Allan and Susan Lewis bought their 1920s bungalow in one of Greater Glasgow’s most verdant suburbs in 2011, little did they realise that just a few years later they’d be living in a new-build dwelling at the end of the property’s garden. “It all started off with a throwaway remark,” says Allan. “When we initially purchased the house, the large outdoor space was one of its main attractions – it was three quarters of an acre.” But after a year of trying to keep on top of the gardening the couple realised it was a demanding and never-ending task. “At one point, I asked myself, ‘wouldn’t it be good if we could chop off half the garden and sell the plot?’” says Allan.
A blossoming idea
Once Allan suggested the concept to Susan, the couple decided to turn their plans into action. Initially they thought about putting the plot up for sale on its own, before looking into the possibility of selling the site with planning consent attached. This led them to Glasgowbased architect Ewan Cameron, a friend of a friend, for advice.
“At first, I asked Ewan to design a generic house and he said, ‘I don’t really do that!’” says Allan. “Then we had a lightbulb moment
THE LEWIS FILE
NAMES Allan & Susan Lewis