15 Stunning Scottish Self Builds

When we look to parts of the UK that have embraced self build so easily, Scotland is certainly one of them. With a lower population density than the rest of the UK, and affordable land on offer, many Scots are finding plots to call their own.

This selection of self build homes built in Scotland showcase the range of styles and budgets which self builders achieve.

1. A Single-Storey Villa-Style Self Build

This spectacular light-filled modern villa – full of interesting curves and angles – set into a secluded former walled garden in Fife, features lots of floor-to-ceiling glazing.

• Build cost: £500,000
• Build time: 2 years
• Region: Fife

2. A DIY Self Build in the Highlands

This energy-efficient home was built for under £160,000 – thanks to lots of DIY input from its homeowners – in an area of outstanding natural beauty and sits just a stroll away from its own private shoreline.

• Build cost: £158,000
• Region: Argyll

3. A Self Build on a Sloping Site

This self build on a sloping site, atop a stream, was built for budget of just £100,000 — thanks to the homeowner’s hands-on approach.

• Build cost: £100,000
• Build time: 1 year 8 months
• Location: Argyll & Bute

 4. A Cutting-Edge Eco Home

A unpretentious design in a stunning location, this home is one of the most energy efficient in Scotland — yet was built to a budget of £123,000.

• Build Cost: £123,000
• Build time: 9 months
• Region: Argyll & Bute

5. A Loch-Side Self Build

The owners of this home created a Scandinavian-style property on a waterside plot in the Ross-shire.

• Build cost: £150,000
• Location: Ross-shire

6. A Small Self Build on a Tiny Budget

A young couple have managed to fit a well-designed home full of light into a 40m² footprint — all for only £59,000.

• Build cost: £59,000
• Build time: 2 months
• Location: East Ayrshire

7. Family Eco Home Under £200k

This modernist, single-storey self build takes advantage of passive solar gain and replaces a dated bungalow on site.

• Build cost: £185,882
• Build time: 10 months
• Location: Aberdeenshire

8. Timber-Clad Scottish Cabin

A timber frame cabin-style home, built for just £125,000, showcases how contemporary design can sit comfortably within a rural setting.

• Build cost: £125,000
• Build time: 4 years 1 month
• Location: Isle of Skye

9. Highland Home Built with Reclaimed Materials

This home was architect’s Stuart Archer’s first major self build project and is a contemporary take on a traditional croft; it’s clad in reclaimed granite and Scottish larch.

• Build Cost: Approx. £480,000
• Build Time: 13 months
• Location: Spey Valley

10. A Steel Frame and Stone Home

This home was built in steel frame, which supports plentiful glazing — designed to make the most of the views. Low energy living has also been embraced.

• Build cost: £500,000
• Build time: 8 months
• Region: Argyll & Bute

11. A SIPs Self Build

This well-insulated home was built in structural insulated panels and incorporates a wealth of renewable technologies. It was also designed to take in the stunning views thanks to its glazed gable.

• Build cost: £474,000
• Build time: 13 months
• Location: Stirling

12. A Sustainable Farmhouse

This truly sustainable home has been built using as many locally sourced materials as possible. The home, which is also off grid, in fact generates more energy then it uses and feeds the surplus electricity back into the National Grid.

• Build Cost: £700,000
• Build Time: 1 years 5 months
• Location: Dumfries & Galloway

13. A Characterful Kit Home

This package build was customised to the owners’ needs and specifically designed for the south-facing plot. The layout keeps service zones to the north and living spaces to the south to make the most of the sun and passive solar gain for warmth.

• Build cost: £225,600
• Build time: 6 months
• Location: Scottish Borders

14. A Traditional-Style Self Build

This Scottish Baronial-style mansion with a U-shaped, courtyard design in Perthshire, replaces a ruined farmstead.

• Build cost: £1,000,000
• Build time: 1 year 9 months
• Location: Perthshire

16. A Low Profile Self Build

With its low profile flat roof and use of natural materials, this self build blends into the landscape.

• Build cost: £260,000
• Build time: 11 months
• Region: Isle of Skye