Barn O Braco -
A Parental homestead created for + by James + Sandra McAvoy in a hidden corner of North East Scotland.
A new home
Discovered whilst out walking in the Garioch, they approached the Farmers - Madge + William Murrison about this redundant long Granite Barn, of 1.5 Stories sitting at the foot of the Bennachie mountain range. The Barn once served the near bye Burnhervie Mill + offered stabling for two horses + carriage with a Chalmer (stable hands residence), up and over the beasts.
Mum McAvoy instantly clambered up into the attic Chalmer and remarked – “This will do me fine – I could really sleep well up here “That was that ! and work commenced in 1999.
The Barn was taken back to bare walls and provided space for kitchen, sleeping and bathroom functions on its ground floor. The Chalmer was retained upstairs and provide 2 of the houses bedrooms. Star and moon light traced the seasons in the master suite from ridge glazing and high deep cill windows.
First gallery
Purposeful collaboration
A new wing of partly earth sheltered living accommodation was then framed in native Oak wood by Gordon Macdonald + Steve Lawrence of Carpenter Oak + Woodland – who were moonlighting with Dan + Murray from work to rebuild Stirling Castle’s- main hall roof. - A wing that feathered down and wrapped a private garden of wild plants gathered by Sandra + Andrew on their mountain walks. The peaky-boo step down in ridge heights from the gallery clinched high level views of weather wrapping the "Mither Tap" of Bennachie fusing mountain and home.
Working with renowned local builders John Penny + sons became a master class in Granite Masonry – With the master Doug Penny already in his 70s skilfully juggling every Granite stone till it found its natural seat.
Second gallery
Pleasing results
The ever varying play of light and seasons on the interior causing James McAvoy to reflect – “I’m sure its lighter inside the house ..than out”.
To be nothing more and nothing less than it had to be. A redundant building repurposed and reconfigured as a Homestead.
Sandra became immersed in the culture of the Garioch and amidst teaching at Fyvie Primary School produced a marvellous garden from collected wild seed and cuttings.
At her very happiest “ sitting oot ..at the ooterie .. at the foot of the ben” with her first grandchildren or having “ a wee fly “ cup of tea with Madge.
Widely published: Homes and interiors Scotland, Sunday Times, Glasgow Herald etc.
The house gained Aberdeenshire Council Awards for New Housing and Sustainability in 2002.
Since then further Improvements have been made and a workshop with an attic home Office built to enhance the Building grouping.
The workshop was given a sustainability award in 2008 by Aberdeenshire Council.