As your eyes fall on this intriguing, cube-like structure – with nothing separating it from the silvered shore of Loch Tay but a gentle slope and dusting of trees – a calm descends. The sort of calm that says: “Now…breathe.” For, at once, you feel as though you’re at the end of the earth. At Silva, clocks are discarded and the order of the day is manned by Mother Nature herself: wake when dawn rears her pretty pink head, adventure when a clearing appears in the clouds, and light the fire beneath the first stars of twilight.
“We had always dreamt of building a loch side home,” property owner Judith notes. “Paul and I were both born in Edinburgh. Our careers took us to London where we have lived and worked, but we were keen to re-establish a base in Scotland.” So, when they stumbled upon this idyllic remote plot on their home soil, it felt like the stars had aligned. For Judith, a former fashion designer, and Paul, a photographer, finding a space in which their creative juices could flow was essential. “We truly believe we have the best view of Loch Tay from any property,” they add. “Being a mile away from neighbours, you feel like you are in the most tranquil, peaceful location.”
A real family affair, Judith and Paul enlisted the help of Judith’s architect sister to help on the project. “We wanted the property to blend in well,” Judith notes. Opting to use stone from a local quarry means that the walls melt into the wild land with ease – “we feel the colour of the stone has achieved this perfectly.” The property’s construction took a year; residing on one level with large windows installed to frame the iconic Highland vistas that entice travellers from near and far. All soaring mountains and glassy water. The property’s functionality also pays respect to the environment; running off grid with heating via a ground source heat pump. “When we had finished the building work, we set about rewilding the garden,” she adds. Here, human neighbours are replaced with the animal kind: “We have regular visits from wildlife: deer, hares, red squirrels, and not to mention an abundance of partridges, pheasants and grouse."
Nature weaves its way into the home through the colour palette too. Neutrals, greys and whites – grounded with black accents in the form of window frames and light fixtures – make the space feel organic and serene. Personal touches abound, with Judith using her own skillset to inject warmth: “Since leaving the fashion industry, I’ve been fortunate to follow my love for interiors, ceramics and sewing, and have enjoyed creating the interior space as well as all the soft furnishings for the house.” Tactility is also core to the home, with exposed brick walls contrasting with silky plywood. “We were heavily influenced by our travels in Japan, as well as the calmness that simplicity brings,” they explain. “We’ve kept artwork to a minimum as every room has a floor-to-ceiling window with a breathtaking view that no piece of art could compete with.”
At the end of the earth, it seems the only right thing to do is sit and stare: “Much of our time at Silva is happily spent in the house looking out – you definitely feel at one with the surroundings. Even in inclement weather, just watching the sky changing from one end of the loch to the other can be enough," the pair enthuse. But, of course, it wouldn’t be an escape to the Highlands without an adventure or two. And, fortunately, here, you’re spoilt for choice. The Rob Roy Way proves a bucket list-worthy spot for hiking or cycling, whilst the fresh waters of Loch Tay invite wild swims or leisurely kayaks.
“Whether staying put to enjoy the seclusion, or venturing out into the hills, peace always ensues here.”
Feeling inspired? Explore the best places to stay in Scotland, or read more of our Owner Chronicles.
