Glen Cruik
It was whilst staying in Glen Clova that Gerard Walsh happened across Glen Cruik in the Angus Glens. “It was quite rare as it was a new build and getting planning permission to build in the Glen is really difficult. It was in a stunningly, beautiful location but the house itself was also very beautiful, built in red stone, glass and oak. It was just incredible. I was able to procure it and it was the perfect environment for me because I do a lot of work from home. If I have a laptop I can work anywhere. So, I was able to move into this amazing tranquil location and it really was magical.”
Stone built with traditional post and beam construction, the property was completed in 2004 and Gerard purchased it in 2006. “The guy who built it did an amazing job. The double height reception room in the cathedral style creates a feeling of space which is pretty incredible.”
The bones of the property were in great shape but Gerard did spend considerable time putting his own stamp on it. “I decided to redo all the finishes in oak as I really thought this would bring the interior together. Over time I’ve replaced the front door, skirting boards, facings and things like that. I changed all the colour schemes and put in new bathrooms.”
Bathrooms are very important to Gerard. “I think a nice, minimalist bathroom really aids your relaxation and these bathrooms are a real pleasure to spend time in. Especially in the winter with underfloor heating – they feel very luxurious”
Gerard also made a few tweaks to the layout partitioning off the kitchen. “Initially, the whole downstairs area was open plan but the kitchen was too vast. Apart from that, the layout worked very well. The builder had thought of sensible things like incorporating a large porch which is situated next to the boiler room. After a wet dog walk you can get rid of the damp, dirty stuff and be clean and dry before you properly enter the house.
As Gerard has lived in the house for so long he also knows all the best spots as he explains: “I’ve tried to create and define spaces where people can relax. For example, I’ve put a sofa in the master bedroom because I know it’s a lovely place to sit and there’s a table and chairs out on the balcony because it’s a great place to read. Downstairs, I’ve divided the areas into zones but without putting up walls. I’ve positioned the chaise so you either get a view out the window or the fire. The fire functions brilliantly through the space although sometimes you do have to move the chairs as it gets so hot! And, in the winter, I often forget how cold it is outside. I’ll be hanging around the house in a t-shirt because it’s so warm and then I go outside to get a few more logs and its perishing.”
Once the layout was to his satisfaction, Gerard turned his hand to the furnishings which he has let evolve over time but all with a distinct Scottish theme. “I’ve found a fantastic lady in Brechin who has been redoing all the sofas and chairs in a beautiful tartan fabric. I’ve deliberately chosen old furniture and then had it reupholstered. The older pieces are just much better quality and built to last.”
About 3 years ago, Gerard’s job commitments meant that Glen Cruik was lying empty for half the year. “I never intended to use it for holiday lets but leaving the house empty for that length of time wasn’t good for it either. For a while I would come up for weekends and it was just amazing how much it recharged me. The house sits between two burns and once you cross the burns and start walking, you’re into the Glen in minutes. At the top of the hill the views are spectacular and at any time of year the amount of people you see is miniscule. However, the accessibility of Glen Cruik is great. You have to drive through a working farm to get to it and I think that adds to the charm. You feel you’re going to end up in the middle of nowhere and then you happen across this beautiful house. My main problem on these short visits was that I would make plans to see friends and sometimes I’d regret it because I just wanted to stay home and enjoy the peace.”
At present, Gerard is lucky to snatch a week here and there at Glen Cruik but he hopes that’s only for a few more years. “When I retire this is where I’ll be living and I’m really looking forward to it. It really is the only house for me.”
Glen Cruik is available to let through LHH Scotland, www.LHHScotland.com, tel: 01381 610496.
Stone built with traditional post and beam construction, the property was completed in 2004 and Gerard purchased it in 2006. “The guy who built it did an amazing job. The double height reception room in the cathedral style creates a feeling of space which is pretty incredible.”
The bones of the property were in great shape but Gerard did spend considerable time putting his own stamp on it. “I decided to redo all the finishes in oak as I really thought this would bring the interior together. Over time I’ve replaced the front door, skirting boards, facings and things like that. I changed all the colour schemes and put in new bathrooms.”
Bathrooms are very important to Gerard. “I think a nice, minimalist bathroom really aids your relaxation and these bathrooms are a real pleasure to spend time in. Especially in the winter with underfloor heating – they feel very luxurious”
Gerard also made a few tweaks to the layout partitioning off the kitchen. “Initially, the whole downstairs area was open plan but the kitchen was too vast. Apart from that, the layout worked very well. The builder had thought of sensible things like incorporating a large porch which is situated next to the boiler room. After a wet dog walk you can get rid of the damp, dirty stuff and be clean and dry before you properly enter the house.
As Gerard has lived in the house for so long he also knows all the best spots as he explains: “I’ve tried to create and define spaces where people can relax. For example, I’ve put a sofa in the master bedroom because I know it’s a lovely place to sit and there’s a table and chairs out on the balcony because it’s a great place to read. Downstairs, I’ve divided the areas into zones but without putting up walls. I’ve positioned the chaise so you either get a view out the window or the fire. The fire functions brilliantly through the space although sometimes you do have to move the chairs as it gets so hot! And, in the winter, I often forget how cold it is outside. I’ll be hanging around the house in a t-shirt because it’s so warm and then I go outside to get a few more logs and its perishing.”
Once the layout was to his satisfaction, Gerard turned his hand to the furnishings which he has let evolve over time but all with a distinct Scottish theme. “I’ve found a fantastic lady in Brechin who has been redoing all the sofas and chairs in a beautiful tartan fabric. I’ve deliberately chosen old furniture and then had it reupholstered. The older pieces are just much better quality and built to last.”
About 3 years ago, Gerard’s job commitments meant that Glen Cruik was lying empty for half the year. “I never intended to use it for holiday lets but leaving the house empty for that length of time wasn’t good for it either. For a while I would come up for weekends and it was just amazing how much it recharged me. The house sits between two burns and once you cross the burns and start walking, you’re into the Glen in minutes. At the top of the hill the views are spectacular and at any time of year the amount of people you see is miniscule. However, the accessibility of Glen Cruik is great. You have to drive through a working farm to get to it and I think that adds to the charm. You feel you’re going to end up in the middle of nowhere and then you happen across this beautiful house. My main problem on these short visits was that I would make plans to see friends and sometimes I’d regret it because I just wanted to stay home and enjoy the peace.”
At present, Gerard is lucky to snatch a week here and there at Glen Cruik but he hopes that’s only for a few more years. “When I retire this is where I’ll be living and I’m really looking forward to it. It really is the only house for me.”
Glen Cruik is available to let through LHH Scotland, www.LHHScotland.com, tel: 01381 610496.
Project Year: 2006
