Glenkens man builds his dream house in only nine months

dailyrecord.co.uk:

A Glenkens forester had returned to his roots – after building a dream house close to the farm of his childhood.John Paterson and his contractors took only nine months to complete Barskeoch Wood Lodge beside the A713 north of Dalry.The new abode stands only 500 yards from Barskeoch Mains, where he was brought up in the 1960s.Outside the property has the appearance of a traditional Galloway cottage albeit with more glass to maximise light.But inside a spectacular vaulted oak ceiling echoes the 17th century cruick barn where he lived for 38 years.John, 61, public affairs manager with forestry and wood products giant Egger, is delighted to return to his native heath.He said: “Work got under way proper in May and the project was nine months from start to completion.“If it had been a straightforward timber-framed bungalow it would have been easy.“But I wanted to replicate the 17th century cruick barn in Cumbria which was my home.“Because of the complexities of the architecture – it has a curving green oak frame – I think the guys have done really well in the time.”He added: “A lot of the oak for the floors and doors was grown locally – as well as the larch for the cladding.“There’s some elm from Threave Gardens too – it was used for the door frames.”The eye-catching dwelling has attracted a lot of interest – some more welcome than others.John said: “I have not had any negative comments yet and have had people stopping to take a look.“There were a couple of Dutch tourists and an Ayrshire stonemason also wanted to have a look round.“And one person said ‘oh it’s a house – I thought it was going to be a petrol station!’“It took a good few weeks to register the house properly.“And within three or four days I got my first letter.“I