You know that feeling when you accidentally buy the wrong house? No, me neither. However, Cal Hunter does, and it turned out to be the most fortunate mistake of his life. In 2018, Cal, a 31-year-old carpenter, and his partner Claire Segeren, 29, found themselves the owners of a derelict Victorian villa in Dunoon, 35 miles from the Glasgow apartment they had intended to buy, all because of a mix-up with lot numbers at an auction.
Despite the property being described as “on the point of collapse,” Cal and Claire were undeterred. They saw it as an opportunity for a challenging restoration project. Over the next four and a half years, the couple restored the villa, named Jameswood, attracting global media attention and accumulating over 300,000 followers on Instagram. Their incredible journey was even documented in a four-part BBC series.
Sitting in the newly renovated open-plan living room/kitchen of one of the two holiday lets they created from the villa, Cal and Claire still seem amazed by what they have achieved. The paint is barely dry, and we are their first visitors. Even my young children are in awe, having watched our hosts on television and now meeting them in person.
Despite the immense challenges they faced throughout the restoration, Cal remains relaxed and content. He quickly realized that Jameswood was the perfect house for them. Their two-bedroom flat has a spacious living room with a bay window offering views of the water, and French doors leading to a garden. The neighboring flat is of similar size, and the home Cal and Claire created for themselves upstairs has its own separate entrance at the back.
All three flats seamlessly blend Victorian charm with contemporary decor. The living room door is painted a vibrant fire-engine red, and it inspires me to ask Claire about the paint manufacturer. The room also boasts a retractable projector screen, replacing the chair legs that once descended from the ceiling. The flats are not only beautifully designed but also durable, making them suitable for families. Claire proudly states, “Dogs, mud, sand, it’s all good!”
The most fortunate aspect of the accidental house purchase is the location. Jameswood is situated on the outskirts of Dunoon, a charming town on the southern fringes of the Highlands. Taking a ferry across the Firth of Clyde to reach Dunoon adds to the town’s appeal, giving it a unique island-like atmosphere. On one side of the water, there are city stresses, while on the other, there are peaceful lakes, mountains, streams, and valleys.
Claire and Cal have compiled a guidebook showcasing their favorite places to visit in the area. On our first day, we decide to follow their recommendation and take a half-hour drive along a winding forest road to the Kyles of Bute, a picturesque waterway that separates the Cowal peninsula from Bute Island. Just a few miles southwest from there lies Kilbride Bay, a stunning wild beach where couples have been known to get married. We park near a farm and take a 15-minute walk down to the windswept dunes, enjoying the waves crashing against the shore. The silhouette of the Isle of Arran in the distance adds an ethereal touch to the scenery.
Other noteworthy destinations are closer to Jameswood. Puck’s Glen, a five-minute drive away, offers Victorian walkways winding through moss-covered ravines and beautiful waterfalls. The glen is located near Loch Eck, a seven-mile-long lake perfect for family swimming trips, which we eagerly explore with our inflatable kayaks borrowed from Jameswood. As we paddle across the calm waters, Claire expresses her delight, noting that this is exactly what they had hoped for their guests to experience.
During our stay, we also discover that Dunoon is a town on the cusp of a renaissance. There’s a strong sense of community pride and dynamism, exemplified by the restoration of Dunoon Burgh Hall, a listed building that now serves as a gallery, theater, and cafe. The local support for Cal and Claire’s restoration project is evident, and everyone wishes them well.
It’s hard to see how they could fail. They have the perfect location, outstanding holiday lets, and a large and loyal following on social media. Claire expresses her gratitude for their followers, stating, “Their support has been amazing.” As I browse through the What Have We Dunoon Instagram account, I notice one comment that captures the general mood: “If I hadn’t been following you since the beginning, I wouldn’t be able to comprehend all that you’ve accomplished. I feel proud, even though we’ve never met.”
Well, now is our chance to meet. Jameswood offers two self-catering flats, each sleeping four people. A seven-night stay starts at £700, while a three-night weekend stay is available for £360.
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