Unfortunately there is no standard size for 1-2 bedroom cottage and so giving you a firm price is pretty broad. So let’s make some assumptions; the floor area needs to be circa 800 ft² which could provide space for 2 double beds each with a bath/shower room. This would then leave open plan living for a kitchen, sitting and dining area and perhaps even a small boot/welly/utility room which might prove useful. If you engage a builder to build the whole thing for you then you ought to be budgeting for £110,000 to £120,000 plus the land costs and any exceptional infrastructure requirements.

You ask about previous buildings and the cost implications for demolition. More often than not there is little or no salvage in old houses being demolished and so, unless the stone and slates are worth reclamation, you ought to make an allowance for demolition and clearance; say £2,000 and £4,000 dependent on what is involved. Another potential issue from an existing building is the impact that its foundations may have on your new ones in terms of location and depth. My experience of building in off shore Scottish island locations is very positive. Generally Island folk seem to be very resourceful and look for solutions to problems rather than blame. Good luck.

Tim Doherty (Build It Expert)