Echoes of a farming past within steady walls

By Heather Rose
Posted: 2008/08/08

AT UNIVERSITY Peter Giacopazzi studied politics and business management. By the age of 21 he was working on his first new-build housing development.

Today, aged 28, he runs the Goodhouse Company and has just launched one of Scotland's most outstanding steading developments, Flockhouse Steadings at Blairadam in Kinross-shire, a project that could be described as being "hand-built".

The foundations for Peter's remarkable switch from student to innovative housebuilder were laid by his grandfather, who emigrated from Italy to Scotland to run the family's ice cream-making business.

Peter takes up the story: "Many y ears ago my grandfather bought land when it wasn't worth anything and he left me a piece in his will.

"When I finished university I built two semi-detached houses on it. I doubled my money, which encouraged me to do more."

Having had a taste of business success with his housebuilding venture, Peter, based in the small Kinross-shire village of Milnathort, then worked on single build projects. While working as a supermarket manager, he went on to build 3 and 4-bedroom houses in his spare time. Then Flockhouse Farm came on the market.

"I thought it was too nice a site to miss, " he said. "I am converting the old steading block into five houses. The show home is ready and the others are nearly there."

While all this may seem hectic enough, Peter had other ideas. He found time to train as a joiner, tutored in the craft by friend, and now colleague, Richard Sneddon.

He said: "I have always enjoyed doing things with my hands especially working with wood and I am fascinated by buildings." Of course he and Richard have not been alone in creating the Flockhouse Steadings homes.

Skilled tradesmen - brickies, a stonemason, plasterer and roughcaster - have been involved.

After buying Flockhouse in 2005, Peter and Richard set about doing preparatory work on site with planning granted in February of last year when the construction programme moved into full swing.

Paying heed to the steading's history, he has created new homes within the 200-year-old walls, making use of original sandstone as well as other materials. All timber used is from Forestry Standards Commission renewable sources.

A reed bed filtration system has been installed so that effluent can be treated naturally and without power. Even the water supply is local, fed directly into the house by means of their own boreholes.

All houses have been designed to take advantage of the picturesque rural setting with three of the homes looking onto Loch Leven.

Although seemingly miles from anywhere, the development is only minutes from the M90 motorway and within easy commuting distance for Edinburgh.

The names of each property pay tribute to the steading's farming history. They are known as Parlour House, Horsemill House, Byres, Stables and Bothy.

The Bothy is now completed and has opened as the development's fully furnished show home. It is selling at a fixed price of £360,000, with agents Savills handling marketing.

Completion of the development is expected near the end of the year but already Peter is looking to the future with plans to build four homes near the steadings, echoing the appearance and courtyard of the old steadings.

For info, ring 01738 477525 or 01577 862132; or visit the website www. thegoodhousecompany. co. uk