Testimonial from Mrs Williams, Sun Porch in Orphir
As far as we are concerned this was an excellent project. The
quality of the work was first class, the work force were professional and
considerate, time scales were met and there were no nasty additional costs at
the end. I don’t think we could have asked for a better result. Williams ,
Orphir
Testimonial from Sue Griffiths, Sunroom in Stenness
Westrow Lodge and Buxa
Farm Chalets and Croft House
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Website for Buxa
Stan Pyke built Westrow Lodge 18 years ago. We were the first owners to move in and thought it was a perfect set-up for a Bed and Breakfast; which it has been ever since. A big draw to the business is the wood construction. It has a warm homely feel to it that guests absolutely love. They marvel at the "newness" of it which is a credit to the quality of materials used. Everyone thinks that we must spend an awful lot of time in keeping it up but it is no trouble at all. We paint the exterior once every three years.
Because of our satisfaction with Westrow Lodge we decided to have Stan Pyke build self-catering chalets for us in the same wood construction. Because there was no kit available that would suit, we designed a special construction. The guests there have been equally delighted. One guest described in the guest book "the weather outside was horrible, but we were snug as a bug in the chalet." Considering that Buxa is in a very exposed place with a lot of wind, that is quite a compliment to the sturdy construction of the chalets.
An old croft house stood on the property that was begging for renovation. Stan assured us that even though he was known for his FJOGSTAD Norwegian house kits; he could easy manage to renovate the old Victorian stone house and add a wood extension. The project was successfully completed this year and the property has been occupied by satisfied guests all summer. Quite different than the B & B and the chalets, the croft house boasts original slate floors with underfloor heating, multi-fuel stoves, exposed wood ceiling beams and a solar panel for hot water.
Perhaps people would find it strange that we used the same builder for all these projects; we don't at all. We have a good working relationship with him and those that work for him. Stan is enthusiastic about what he does but never promises what he can't deliver. Stan takes pride in his work and if anything need "fixed" he is quick to sort it out. He stands by his product. We would highly recommend him for any and all types of joinerwork, extensions, renovations etc.
Kathy Bichan
Quoy of Houton
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Website
for Quoy
Testimonial regarding Stan Pyke Ltd.
You certainly need to know who to trust when you are about to invest your life savings in a renovation project of a listed building!!! Notoriously difficult to negotiate with planners and to price accurately...
The Quoy of Houton was my third renovation project on a listed building, but my first on the island of Orkney. As an incomer you do not have the advantage of knowing where to source supplies, how to transport them cost effectively up here, and most importantly which trades men to trust.
We had a very tight time frame in which we needed to demolish existing barns, renovate the existing stone structure and build new extensions in order to open for business as a five star holiday cottage business in May, work commencing in October.
We required a builder with extensive expertise, someone who could work to a deadline and creatively solve difficult build issues, not just a kit build champion!!
Stan’s firm was brilliant, exactly what we were looking for, from the excellent liaison and communication from the office (assisting us with sourcing high quality materials at the right prices) to communication with the lads on sight. Stan Pyke Ltd also had the expertise to advise on what bits that were liable to VAT with the property being in the curtledge of a listed building. We had the privilege of project managing the build ourselves so were able to see firsthand how hard working and skilled the team were.
It was not a straightforward build. There were numerous problems, which needed to be surmounted from getting the services on site for a dead line, to using new and innovative materials in a sensitive way enhancing the present heritage buildings, not to mention getting the cottages up and running for our guests already booked in!
Stan’s team did us proud, the deadlines were met, Kevin and I have been complimented on numerous occasions by our guest on the quality and finish of the work, and have been recommended to apply for The Laura Grimmond award this year. We were also awarded the accolade of 5 star by the Scottish Tourist Board.
I have no hesitation in recommending Stan Pyke Ltd, infact I wouldn’t consider any body else!
Caroline Critchlow (The Quoy of Houton, The Old Granary Quoy and The Puffin Quoy)