The Kennels

BEFORE THE BUILD
The Kennels was built in 1902 and was the home of an Otterhound breeder. The original dog kennels remained in the grounds until the rebuilding works were started. We 'lived' in this property until planning permission was eventually granted at the beginning of 2010. Building started on the 02 June 2010 and we 'moved in' on 23 December 2010 although there was still much to be done after that date

DEMOLITION DAY
The new build started with clearing the old buildings away on 02 June 2010. This wasn't without its difficulties as, until the day before, the electricity was still connected to the original building and demolition could not be done until that had been removed. The filmcrew were expected so demolition could not be delayed.

THE BUILDING OF A HOUSE
Building the new house was an exciting project, bigger than any of the tiny renovations we had done before. Working with so many trades and a project manager was challenging at times but we also found some very talented craftsmen. One of us dropped into site every day, either before or after work, and this proved to be essential to ensure that we finished up with the home we desired.

TO BUILD or  NOT TO BUILD
The build of this property was filmed by a company for the BBC.

Simon O'Brien, actor and property developer, was the presenter and the programme was aired on 21 September 2011.

"To Build or Not To Build". Series 2, Episode 13. BBC One

LANDSCAPING AND GARDEN OFFICE
Once the main house was built there was a lot of work to be done in the grounds. A cartlodge was erected which was a garage on one side and a self-contained garden office on the other. Paths and driveways were completed and a patio at the rear of the house. Disabled access was required to ensure that the house met all the building requirements for planning permission.

HOUSE TO HOME
The house was handed over to us from the builder on the 05 December 2010. There was still an awful lot of work required inside before we could live in it but by the end of the month there were carpets down and the heating on so we started moving in on the 23 December, less than 7 months after 'breaking ground'. 

PLANS & DRAWINGS
Plans and drawings of the build.

Floor Plans
Building Plans
Kitchen Plans
Electricity Plans
Plumbing Plans
Garage / Garden Office

SOLD in 2019
The Kennels was sold in 2019. We always knew we would be selling our home at some stage as our money for retirement was tied up within the house. It took a long time to decide upon our final strategy, between this property and Bartons and selling both to move to Scotland. In the end we chose the latter and that's where we are today, living on the west coast of Argyll and over-looking Bute in a home that needs renovating. Permissions now granted for that, just need the builder here.