A Vision Realised on the Shores of Loch Carron

For Anne Buchan and Jim Williamson, regular trips to the West Coast of Scotland stirred something deeper, a yearning for open water, dramatic landscapes, and the rhythm of a life lived outdoors. Like many, they dreamed of a different way of living. Unlike most, they made it happen.

COVID-19 brought clarity and a chance to act. With remote working finally possible for Anne, a roads engineer, they asked a simple question, why wait?

A Determined Search for Place

Finding the plot was no easy feat. They combed the Highlands, from Loch Duich to Ullapool, writing to solicitors and landowners and scouring planning portals for leads. Eventually, a promising site appeared on the Loch Carron Estate. It was remote, beautiful, and right on the water. There was a hitch though, it was part of a croft*. Initially deterred by the legal complexity, they walked away. But when the estate later offered to de-croft the land, they seized the chance to make an offer.

A Home That Belongs to the Land

The plot came with existing planning permission for a bold, turf-roofed ‘earth house.’ Anne and Jim retained the architect, Fraser Stewart, and refined the design to suit their lifestyle – smaller footprint, fewer rooms, and a structure better suited for efficient construction in a tough Highland climate.
They chose a timber frame build, pre-fabricated and clad in Scottish larch, with a sedum roof that blends the home into its lochside setting. The curved, glazed bow front frames the ever-changing light on the Loch.

“In winter, we lie in bed and watch the sun rise over the water. In the evening, we sit with a whisky and watch it set.”

This is Reul-Bhad, a home rooted in landscape, light, and quiet purpose.

Choosing Fleming Homes – The Right Partner for Self-Build Freedom

Anne and Jim did their homework and for them Fleming Homes stood out. Not just for the quality of their timber kits, but also for their attitude. “Right from the start, I felt Fleming Homes was a good company to deal with. Nothing was too much trouble. I always felt comfortable asking questions, even at the risk of sounding daft. That meant a lot as a first-time self-builder.”

The couple chose Fleming Homes for the flexible solutions, responsive service, and a hands-on, approach. It was exactly the support they needed to feel confident and in control.

Built for Speed, Built for the Elements

The timber frame was erected in January 2024 in just three weeks, despite the wintry conditions. Even a major landslide cutting off site access didn’t de-rail things.  Community resilience and the ingenuity of local trades, in particular MGS Joinery, kept things moving. From kit delivery to moving-in took just nine months, this unique project went on to win Best Timber Frame Home at the BuildIt Awards 2025.

Smart, Sustainable, Self-Reliant

Inside, triple-glazed windows, high insulation, and efficient heating keep the home warm with minimal energy use. Solar panels are on the way. A mix of electric panels, underfloor heating, and a wood-burning stove provide the perfect ambience without costing the earth.

With such an inspiring view and large area of glazing, choosing the right window supplier was key. Alu clad, Rationel Auraplus via Architectural Doors & Window Ltd were selected for their unrivalled performance and modern aesthetic. 

Anne and Jim made smart decisions to stay on-budget like sourcing fittings themselves and doing the decorating. It’s this balance of practicality and intention that has helped shape their home’s character.

Lessons in Living Freely

Anne and Jim’s advice to future self-builders is simple but powerful “Decide what you can live with and what you can do without. Don’t be afraid to ask questions. At the end of the day, it’s your home.”

Every decision on their journey – from materials to location – was guided by practicality, versatility, and the aspiration to live life immersed in nature.  Days now begin with paddles on the Loch and end with a wee dram. “We watch the yachts come and go sometimes even catch sight of the Waverley Paddle Steamer or the Royal Scotsman passing by. It’s perfect.”

Anne and Jim’s Top Tip

Surround yourself with partners you can rely on one hundred percent. “Our trades were phenomenal,” says Anne. “In addition to those we’ve already mentioned, we’d especially like to acknowledge groundwork contractor AA Stewart Ltd, our electricians Grantie AVI Ltd, and our plumber, Daniel MacKay. The way everyone communicated and worked together made the whole process easier.”

Your Dream, Your Way

At Fleming Homes, we believe building a home should feel like building your life – your way. Like Anne and Jim, you don’t have to wait. Talk to Fleming Homes about designing a timber frame home that gives you the freedom to live life on your terms.

**a croft is a small agricultural landholding of a type that has been subject to special legislation applying to the Scottish Highlands since 1886. The legislation was largely a response to the treatment of tenant farmers during the Highland Clearances.