An oak frame family home and bespoke Gloucester garage in Ayr

The purchase of a derelict chauffeur’s cottage on the Gadgirth Estate near Ayr as a young couple in 1987 was the starting point of Iain and Karen’s interesting journey of building projects.

Over the years, as properties on the estate came up for sale, Iain and Karen took the opportunity to buy, restore and sell them as well as buying land to build holiday accommodation on. Their attachment to Gadgirth, now in its third decade, has culminated in the design and build of this stunning oak frame home.

Iain and Karen mapped out a design and floorplan for their future home with Thomson Hunter Associates – our Regional Architectural Designers in Scotland.

“The location we had in mind for our new house was a superb, sheltered walled garden surrounded by mature woodland in the estate grounds,” says Iain. “We knew getting planning permission for a new home in the open countryside would take a lot of negotiation with the local Council – it wasn’t about the design which was exemplary, but more about tying the house build in with our holiday let business. We had to work really hard and had to meet with the head of the planning department to gain planning permission. Once approved we had to comply with the many conditions that the Council had insisted upon.”

Stepping through Iain and Karen’s solid oak double front door, you enter their light and open, vaulted hallway.

“We tried to create internal spaces with a range of ceiling heights to show off the beauty of the oak frame, as well as create interest as you move through the house,” continues Craig.

Setting the tone for the rest of their home, their bespoke oak frame comprises an array of handcrafted sling braces, adding layers, intrigue and character to this entrance. And the curvature of these braces echoes in the design of the sweeping oak staircase positioned here. Crafted by local Joiner, Jack Cowan, the complementary, curved balustrade (which is as smooth as a knife gliding through warm butter), follows and accentuates the unique shape of the landing above.

Upstairs there are four bedrooms which all benefit from en-suites. The master bedroom is positioned on the face glazed gable end so Iain and Karen can enjoy expansive views over their River Ayr.

Renewable energy was at the heart of Iain and Karen’s home design. Both floors’ heating is generated by a Mitsubishi air source heat pump that provides warmth for their underfloor heating and works in conjunction with their highly energy-efficient and airtight WrightWall and WrightRoof Natural encapsulation system.

In addition, large format integrated solar panels set alongside the roof tiles create a streamlined roof. The recessed PV provides solar electricity and charge a battery to back up during power cuts and to power night-time electricity.

If you’ve browsed the gallery of photographs below, it’ll come as no surprise that Iain and Karen are over the moon with their oak frame home and garage.

“It’s exactly what we pictured, and it’s the first house I’ve sat back in and thought there’s absolutely nothing I’d like to change about it.

“My advice for future self-builders is to spend time on your design, have the right team around you and most importantly, enjoy your build!” Concludes Iain.