With no phone, no TV, no fridge and no internet, stepping through the front door of artist Tom Hickman’s restored island croft is like taking a giant leap back in time.
Jam-packed with quirky antiques and historic artefacts, the property in New Tolsta, 12 miles from Stornoway on the Isle of Lewis, is one of the most beguiling and unique houses ever to feature on Scotland’s Home of the Year.
The 1930s croft is Tom’s haven from the modern world where he can create his art undisturbed.
Overflowing with paintings, tapestries, shell sculptures, doll houses and furniture, the 68-year-old’s mini museum features in tomorrow night’s episode of the popular BBC Scotland show at 8.30pm.
Tom, who has to use his neighbour’s phone if he needs to make a call, hopes his unusual “Back To The Future” home will be a hit with judges Anna Campbell-Jones, Kate Spiers and Michael Angus.
The painter and sculptor, who has not seen a single episode of the show, said: “Having no TV means I’m not familiar with the programme but an islander whose house made it to the finals a couple of years ago told the BBC they should have a look at mine.
“To me, it is just my little home, my own personal utopia, but they managed to convince me to share it with others, so I hope viewers will like it as much as I do. I have to admit I am a bit worried about what people are going to make of it as folk don’t live like this. I’m the joker in the pack but life needs one of those.”
Tom, who was born in Campbeltown, Argyll, added: “I am an artist and living in such a rural and beautiful location where no can get at me is ideal. No phone, TV or internet means I don’t get disturbed when I am creating. I love the silence. I only use electricity for lighting. I have a peat fire, I shower once a week and I wear three layers all year round.”
When the former antique dealer bought the croft in 2006, it was in a terrible state, having lain uninhabited for 42 years. But he painstakingly returned it to its former glory – adding his own distinctive style.
He said: “The house had stood empty since 1964 so avoided all those horrendous 1970s makeovers. I had to do an awful lot of work to restore it but it was worth it. I spent 25 years living in a much bigger house in Brittany, France, so I had a lot of scaling down to do of my antique collection, which I’ve spent a lifetime putting together. Every space is filled.
“A tremendous amount is what I have restored or made from scratch. There are pieces of my work in every room.”
Tom, who spent his teenage years in Cornwall, added: “I was born in Scotland but spent most of my life living elsewhere. I was desperate to come back home.
"After scattering my dad’s ashes in 2006, I took a road trip to the islands and fell in love with Lewis and with the house. Hopefully the judges and the public will be as enchanted with my home as I am.”
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