George Dunnett, a man from Scotland, found himself drawn to an old stone cottage located in the area where he spent his childhood. This cottage, situated in the Cobbles lane, had been abandoned for many years and was showing signs of wear and tear. George, with a vision in mind, decided to buy and renovate the dilapidated structure, transforming it into his dream home.
Discovering the Diamond in the Rough
As George took his daily walks along the Cobbles, he noticed three deserted or unused structures. The first one, a small stone cottage, was shrouded in mystery. Its former occupants and the history of its contents remained unknown. Nestled beside it was a small cottage, serving as a museum dedicated to the renowned poet Michael Bruce from the 1700s. And then, there was the tired and worn two-story stone cottage, previously used for storage, left abandoned for 50 years. This was the one that caught George’s attention the most.
Transforming a Neglected Space
Every time George passed by the cottage, he imagined the possibilities of converting it into a cozy and inviting home. His decision to purchase the rundown structure marked the beginning of an incredible journey of restoration and transformation.
Restoring the Foundations
Upon taking ownership of the cottage, George encountered vast structural challenges. The previous owner had stripped the interior, leaving behind rough walls, broken floors, and unusable fixtures. The first order of business was laying out new walls and restoring the original fireplaces with brick and cement. George also raised the ceiling to create more space, resulting in a more comfortable and welcoming interior.
A Warm and Cozy Retreat
As George repaired the ground and mud floor downstairs, he noticed an immediate difference in the building’s coziness. The installation of insulation further enhanced its appeal, providing respite from the cold January weather. Even though there were obstacles to overcome, such as the neglected roof that required extensive repairs, George’s determination remained unyielding.
Unveiling the Beauty Within
With each passing day, the stone cottage gradually began to resemble a natural home. The installation of plasterboard gave the interior a finished appearance, allowing George to envision the rooms’ future functions. A sashing window casing in the bedroom transformed the space from feeling like a prison cell to a tranquil retreat.
George and his mother painted the walls and trim in white, creating a bright and cheery atmosphere. To add a touch of intrigue, they chose blue-gray accent walls in the bathroom and bedroom. The addition of oak flooring enhanced the cottage’s aesthetic appeal, while a metal stair railing crafted by a local blacksmith added a unique and charming element.
The Finishing Touches
George’s father contributed to the transformation by laying the final cobblestones in front of the stone cottage, giving it a picture-perfect exterior. Inside, old photos of the cottage hang in frames near the bedroom door, serving as a reminder of its rich history. George’s minimalist bedroom features a low-down bed, making the space feel elegant and uncluttered. The utilization of under-window space for storage and closets adds functionality to the room.
The spacious bathroom, despite its minimal design, includes all the necessary fixtures such as a full shower, toilet, basin, mirror, and a frosted window. The second story of the cottage houses the kitchen, furnished with ample counter space, a sink, stove, and storage. The living room’s cozy ambiance is complete with a big-screen TV, a comfortable couch, and a gorgeous tempered glass coffee table. A beautiful window offers a charming view of the hill in front of the house and the neighboring garden.
A Remarkable Achievement
George funded the purchase of the stone cottage and the entire restoration process through his savings from his career as a video editor and his YouTube channels, with the exception of a loan. The restoration project, though more time-consuming and expensive than initially anticipated, was a labour of love that surpassed all expectations. In total, George estimates that he spent £157,844 ($196,278), including the property’s cost.
Continuing the Journey
Inspired by his successful renovation, George and his brother are already exploring the possibility of acquiring another neighboring fixer-upper. This time around, George plans to take on the remodeling project himself. The neighboring stone cottage, though requiring work, is not as arduous as the previous restoration. George is excited to try his hand at joinery work and see how much he can accomplish independently.
Watch George Dunnett’s incredible journey as he transforms an old and dilapidated stone cottage into his dream home
