Client: Mr & Mrs Hess
Site: Heathcliff, Brough, Caithness
Year(s): 2017/2018
Main Contractor: Green and Cameron Ltd
Total Floor Area: 98m2
Total Build Costs (excluding land & VAT): £124,852.00
Cost per m2: £1,274.00
Retired Philadelphian police captain, Fred Hess and his wife first visited Caithness back in 1989 and fell in love with the beautiful, picturesque countryside the county has to offer.
After numerous further visits they bought their plot near Dunnet Head in 1993. Their first thoughts were to rehabilitate the derelict cottage on the plot but after speaking to a local architect and then coming to Norscot, they decided self-build was their best option.
Their plot extends to just over 15 acres and was purchased for £24,000. Fred explained, “The reasons for choosing this plot were the fantastic views and the location, right next to the coastline.”
Two years ago Fred and his wife began their self-build process. They chose to go for Norscot’s Braemore kit and modified it slightly by taking out two of the walls to create a bigger master bedroom and a combined kitchen/lounge area. They also added full height, glazed screens at the end of the house to maximise the wonderful views.
Fred says, “We may one day move over for good, but for now the build will be used as our holiday home for four or five months of the year.”
When asked why he chose to go with Norscot, he replied, “They offered a good selection, are a local company and have a co-operative nature. I have had a positive experience with Norscot and I have already recommended them to others.”
Since building their own house, two further building plots have been created on the land they originally purchased. One couple who purchased a plot from Fred, have also become customers of Norscot and the planning for their new kit home is well underway.
