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.
“It was from the TV licencing people threatening me with prosecution.
“Welcome home!”
John’s recovery from serious illness a couple of years back allowed him to pursue his project.
He also acquired five acres of broad-leaved woodland beside his home which he intends to change.
He said: “I felt fortunate that I was given the chance to do this.
“I wanted to plough on and fulfil my life’s dream by building a house here.
“Barskeoch Wood has a lot of beech trees which I would like to take out.
“I want to convert the wood back to a native woodland of oak, birch and hazel. They felled the wood in 1970 and the trees I have got date only from 1970.
“I was nine at the time and still remember that fresh smell of newly cut oak.
“That stuck with me and I’m sure that had a big influence on my future career.
“I have a lot of connections to this place.”
John added: “I loved Cumbria and have a lot of friends there.
“But for the past 15 years there’s been a growing desire to be hefted back to my side of the hill.
“I loved walking in the Rhinns of Kells, worked on Forrest Estate.
“And I was brought up on Barskeoch Mains, which is only 500 yards away.
“So this place is very much home to me.”
John is already contributing to local affairs as a member of the Glenkens Action Plan steering group.
He also had made a special memento for his home – a little brass plaque dedicated to his parents Jessie and James.
