1999-2000
We first saw what was to become Longcarse Farm Cottage in December 1999. It was then two semi-derelict cottages, for sale with an undefined area of paddock. At the time, smallholding wasn't something that we had considered in any seriousness. We'd grown some vegetables in the garden of our previous house and we could see some potential in the property, but really we were just looking for a new home. We were, though, like many people, becoming increasingly concerned about the way food is commercially produced and we were buying more and more organic food, as it became available.
We closed the purchase in February 2000 and building work commenced in April. An architect friend did the plans and supervised the various contractors.
The building was originally three cottages, probably built about 1930, for Longcarse Farm, which is about 200 yards along the track from the Cottage. The farm at one time was part of the estate of the Earl of Mar and Kellie, but has been owned and farmed by the McLaren family since the early 1950s. The building had been converted into two two-bedroom cottages then into a three-bedroom cottage and a one-bedroom cottage, which was the layout when we bought it. Sometime, when I have time, I'll do some further research into the house and the area.
We moved in on 1st July 2000. During July, we got our first dog, Tess, a tricolour Working Sheepdog, and in November, she was joined by Meg, a second tricolour Working Sheepdog. Although both are from working parents, neither is trained to work sheep (although they think they can. And hens, pigs, horses, cats and footballs.) The land probably extends to about one acre. In 2000, it was mostly field. We started by fencing in the garden area, establishing paths, beds and the base for a garage.