The Weavers Cottage 
The Renovation...

When we purchased the cottage it had been empty for many years, the previous owner had tried to repair it but run out of resources and it was in a extremely poor state. We started by removing the entire interior to see what we were dealing with. Unfortunately the timber was riddled with woodworm and rot so all the lovely v-lining (wood panneling) had to come out and even the stairs were too delipidated to be safe for reuse! The concrete floor had suspicious holes in it, and when we investigated we found it was only a cm thick skin over rocks and mud with a large amount of water and even the original open drain! All that had to be dug out, till we reached the clay. We dug a french drain all round the house to take the water away from the floor and laid aggregate, DPM, insulation, underfloor heating and finally a brand new concrete floor throughout the ground floor. Upstairs the roof leaked like a sieve, so we removed the entire roof, replaced the sarking, mended joists, fitted DMP and while the rear was slated with modern slate, for the front and extension the original 150 year old Balachulish slates were painstakingly replaced. The roof took over 9 months from start to finish! Back inside, the walls were DPM'd, framed with timber and insulated before being beautifully plastered. The floors had underfloor heating laid throughout upstairs and down for perfect heat distribution. The electrics and plumbing were completed from scratch and a beautiful new bathroom fitted. The kitchen has been crafted from an upcycled vintage sideboard and other pieces of antique furniture. The bespoke staircase is a triumph and the joiner built cupboard underneath for coats and shoes is a perfect hark-back to the original v-lining. The master bedroom is now downstairs, with a superb oak king-sized bed, cosy window nook and antique fireplace. Upstairs the previous bedroom is now a snug sitting room with another antique fireplace and driftwood light feature. From the second twin bedroom you can spy the hills of Harris and the mainland! Attached to the main house but with separate entrances is a handy utility room with washing and drying facilities and a luxurious sauna room with shower and changing area. The house will be a cosy haven filled with our handwoven tweed, handcrafted ceramics, original art and interesting curios. I want it to feel like a welcoming haven for you to unwind after a day exploring our beautiful isle!