We’re a couple who are determined to make life an adventure. We met in the French Alps while on ski season, and over the past two years, we’ve road tripped and camped across Europe, found the freshest powder on breathtaking mountains during a second season together, and spent a summer living, camping and canoeing in Canada. Now we’re ready for our next adventure…taking on Jameswood Villa! When Claire decided not to accept her offer to Glasgow’s Medical School this fall, we decided we wanted a project. We went to Auction and, quite accidentally, ended up buying Jameswood Villa, a stone building from 1900, located in Sandbank, Dunoon. This small loch-side village is about an hour and a half west of Glasgow, nestled adjacent to the gorgeous Trossachs National Park. To say we’ve taken on an enormous task is not an understatement. Jameswood Villa has been left empty for 20 years. Our roof has gaping holes that have left our timbers exposed and rotten after years of West-Scotland rain, and drainage issues left our land waterlogged, leading to serious structural problems caused by subsidence. The councillors and locals have advised us to knock it down and start over. What Have We Dunoon? The good news is, we’ve landed up in an absolutely beautiful location, Cal is a skilled carpenter with experience restoring period properties, and with our positive attitudes, and a lot of time and hard work, we’re excited to take on this project! We would like to welcome you to join us on our adventure, as we take on Jameswood Villa.
 What Have We Dunoon Blog by Claire Segeren is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License. Based on a work at whathavewedunoon.weebly.com.
28 Comments
Ross
12/15/2018 02:40:14 am
Well done. I can imagine my daughter and their partners taking something like this!! (Similar ages).
Claire
12/17/2018 07:30:28 am
Thanks Ross! 3/17/2019 02:11:10 pm
That looks like a spledid old house, but it's obviously in need of a lot of work, you both look so "up for it" and enthusiastic. We have both spent most of our married life doing up old houses. It's hard at times but sheer effort will win out in the end. Sincerest best wishes to you both. Keep us posted ok..
Tracey from Australia
3/18/2019 05:14:39 am
How thrilled I am after reading your challenge.. My beautiful husband and I have rebuilt/renovated our home so much so that our daughter has decided she would only purchase a turnkey home. My amazing mum would always recite someone to love, something to do and something to hope for which I believe fits your situation. Go for it Kids and enjoy and lean from every moment.
Paul DiNardo
3/18/2019 05:57:52 pm
Great attitude. This is the first blog I will have ever followed - if I can figure out how to follow a blog.
Paul DiNardo
3/18/2019 06:01:44 pm
Forgot to mention we are from the US but our daughter's boyfriend is studying at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland and she just spent a week in Glasgow visiting him.
Mara
3/20/2019 09:59:56 am
Hello, I have seen an article on yahoo.com.mx where he relates his adventure, and I have followed every link that takes me to know more about his project. I risk using the google translator to congratulate them, move on! Cheer up! I will continue to pay attention to your project.
Cesar
3/20/2019 06:50:14 pm
Hi !! I was happily shocked by your story. I desire the best for you both. I Hope everything goes well and personally i will follow your progress througth this blog. Receive all my love and mentally help. Remember that the big challenge is for big people.
Jesus
3/21/2019 06:14:45 pm
Excelente proyecto. cosas del primer mundo. Saludos y exito en su proyecto.
JC
3/28/2019 02:11:53 am
Love Dunoon, spent my 18th birthday there in 1987 at the famous cowal highlight games which is an amazing gathering, enjoy JC from Sydney Australia
Tracy-Lynn Jutras
4/17/2019 06:22:08 am
“And, when you want something, all the universe conspires in helping you to achieve it.” Paulo Coelho, The Alchemist
Lisa Tucker-Clemens
4/20/2019 01:03:36 am
Saw your story on FB and had to find your blog! I think it's brilliant and brave of you both! Wish you both all the luck in the world. I'll be following your story.
Kelly ann Mcmullen
4/21/2019 02:40:05 am
This is such a great story!! I'm excited to see how you guys progress and will definitely share your blog. I live in Scotland and orginally come from Glasgow. Dunoon is a beautiful place. I wish you both all the luck in the world. Xx
Stephie
6/9/2019 12:37:32 pm
Stumbled across an article on FB. I have always dreamed of rebuilding an old place. I have never followed a blog before but I am so excited for you two and can’t wait to see your reward when it’s done. Good luck to you.
guillermo
6/21/2019 08:54:34 am
I bought an old house in 2017 with the same troubles. I am 32 years old. I am still working in my house. It´s been a real adventure.
Magali Castro Gyr
6/22/2019 12:39:40 am
How extraordinary to stumble across your story in kiwireport.... I also went immediately to your blog to see the latest updates! It is great to see that young people as yourselves, with your wonderful "just do it" attitude, are so willing to face this challenge. Another Canadian following your progress from France as my husband and I have been renovating a 60 year old house..... So much less daunting then your that's for sure! . Love how this has brought people together! ' There are excellent groups out there you could tap into for construction help, support, extra hands if ever....kind of like Woofers. Wishing you the best!
Judith Chirch
6/24/2019 10:42:16 am
I am impressed at what you are doing and excited to see the progress as the villa comes together. I live in Arizona outside of Phoenix..Lots of prayers headed your way. Have fun and good luck.
Katie
6/24/2019 11:15:22 am
Is there a 2019 update? Super interested in seeing this project through to the end!
Carole Novak-Lewis
6/27/2019 03:43:10 am
Excited for your project, hope that you are still enjoying the adventure.
camille august
6/29/2019 08:35:33 am
attracted to your story on Facebook,,,,,my first time visiting a blog,,,,love your story and the magnetic bonding of strangers coming to help you. I truly hope you can tap into some of the "big companies" that could certainly help you out,,,,maybe a t.v. series???? Bless you both. 7/24/2019 08:08:07 am
Please send me info when you add to your blog. I really don't know how I will get to see your progress and see you guys again. You two are amazing and want to see how you are doing..
doug
8/2/2019 10:13:05 am
Would love to see how this is coming along are there any updates
Elizabeth Gray
8/11/2019 04:18:23 am
would love to see how you are doing with the renovations
Gloribel Roura
9/27/2019 01:40:16 pm
Both are an example of what a goal warrior is. Congratulations from Puerto Rico island. Step by step you will made it! Rome wasn't made in one day.
Donna Farren
10/1/2019 02:44:26 pm
I would like some more photos of your progress.
Georgianna Lund
10/9/2019 09:29:18 am
I read your story in the Kiwi report. Your story is comparable to that of a much older English couple who bought a chateau in France. Their chateau was not nearly as shabby. They had a roof & could live inside. Their story is being told on PBS. 9/2/2020 12:22:49 am
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