History & Restoration
The Story of Restoring Our Circa 1820 Thatched Cottage
In October 2016, we embarked on a deeply personal journey to restore a cherished family heirloom—a Grade B+ listed thatched cottage dating back to circa 1820.
This 1 ½-storey treasure, steeped in history, had been uninhabited for several years and fallen into a state of disrepair. Yet its walls held stories spanning generations, and it was my mission to bring this beloved home back to life.
A Cottage with Family at Its Heart
This cottage has been in my family for generations. My Aunt Kathleen (Katie), affectionately known as Auntie K, bequeathed it to me after her passing. Aunt Katie, my father James, my Uncle John, and my Aunt Mary were all raised here by my grandparents, Joseph and Agnes McKenna. Aunt Katie adored this cottage; it was her pride and joy, and she lived here for an incredible 93 years.
The decision to name the cottage after her was an easy one. I know in my heart that she would be immensely proud of what we’ve achieved, though she would likely be astonished at the countries from which our guests now travel to stay in her beautiful, thatched home.
Clearing the Site and Unveiling the Past
The first step in the restoration was clearing the overgrown vegetation surrounding the site. This marked the beginning of a transformation that not only revived the cottage but also the surrounding outbuildings, once part of a working farm. Seeing this beautiful Clachan brought back to life was an emotional moment for me and the local community alike.
One of the most poignant stages was removing the layers of whitewash and render from the cottage walls. For the first time, I saw the building in its natural state, with its original stone walls laid bare. Their rugged beauty was breathtaking—a fleeting glimpse of how the cottage must have looked when first built. Though the whitewash was later reapplied in keeping with its historical character, that moment remains a cherished memory.
Minimal Changes, Maximum Respect
Restoration plans were carefully designed to respect the original layout and character of the cottage. Minimal changes were made, only those necessary to meet current building regulations or improve functionality. For example, the staircase was updated, but no extensions were considered, as we were committed to preserving the existing footprint of the building.
We appointed an architect experienced in listed buildings and a contractor with heritage restoration expertise, both of whom understood the importance of retaining the cottage’s authenticity. Planning permission and listed building consent were obtained before any work commenced.
A New Roof and a Fresh Thatch
The old, thatched roof, an iconic feature of the cottage, was in a state of disrepair and had to be completely replaced. By December 2016, work began on the new roof and thatching soon followed. Watching the skilled thatcher at work was like stepping back in time, their traditional craft connecting the present to the past. By end of January 2017, the roof was fully restored, crowning the cottage with its timeless charm.
Modern Comforts with Historical Integrity
While preserving the cottage’s character was paramount, ensuring it met modern standards was equally important. The entire property was rewired, replumbed, and fitted with a new heating system. These upgrades were undertaken with great care to ensure they blended seamlessly into the fabric of the building.
A Labour of Love
The restoration was completed in just six months, from October 2016 to March 2017. The speed of the transformation astonished everyone, but what stood out most was the joy it brought to the local community and those further afield. Many had long cherished the cottage and shared our delight in seeing it restored to its former glory.
Today, the cottage welcomes guests from across the globe. It stands as a testament to careful craftsmanship and a labour of love that honours my Aunt Katie and the generations who called it home. Whether you’re staying for a short retreat or a longer escape, I hope you feel the warmth and history that radiates from its walls, just as we do.
