Kiltarlity couple appearing on hit BBC show say ‘If you want it, you can do it’
A couple from Kiltarlity have told a BBC show how the task of creating their dream home is “almost like the Forth Road Bridge”.
We reported last week how Gordon and Sandra from Kiltarlity are set to feature in the Highlands and Islands episode of BBC show Scotland’s Home of the Year - going up against two homes from Skye in a bid to be chosen as regional winner by judges Anna Campbell Jones, Banjo Beale and Danny Campbell and so make their way to the grand final.
As part of the episode set to be broadcast on BBC Scotland next week Gordon explains what a task creating their bespoke family home was.
He details how it began with a rusty roof, roof trusses that were “falling apart” and no electricity or water.
“So I built it from the ground up, maybe 70 or 80 per cent of the house I’ve done myself,” he says.
“It’s almost like the Forth Road Bridge…it’s almost like an endless task. And then friends and family chipping in and helping along the way.”
Naming the house La Hacienda it is a mixture of Scottish and Spanish influences, the latter coming from Sandra, according to her husband.
And Sandra adds: “Basically, because I love cooking, the kitchen was very important as well and also the bathrooms because it’s like a place to stay, having a bath and relaxing.”
Gordon says: “We entered the competition to try to motivate other self-builders, to say ‘look you can do it’. I’m a landscaper, I’m not a builder.”
Taking a similarly motivational line Sandra says: “I feel like if you want it, you can do it. With the motivation and passion you can build your own house - why not?”
The episode of Scotland’s Home of the Year in which Gordon and Sandra’s home features - episode five of the current series - is due to be broadcast on Monday, on BBC One Scotland, from 8.30-9pm.
Gordon and Sandra will be in competition with Lena and Thor’s Tiny Skye Cabin and An Cala Cottage, home to Caroline, Lee and their dog, Nuala.
