Interiors: Let's get together

They spotted a derelict croft along the road, perched on a granite outcrop high above the water.

"It wasn't on the open market and lack of competition perhaps went in our favour," says Penny.

Work commitments caused a nine-year delay, but provided ample opportunity to get to know the site, its views and patterns of light.

"We talked endlessly about the possibilities," says Penny.

The couple's vision involved not just a home but also a studio for Penny, who originally trained as a cook but was then running a gift-wrap design business. The couple earmarked the farmhouse for the studio, and ideas were debated for an adjacent new-build house.

Today their home – with a zinc roof that sweeps over the building like a wave – is a successful manifestation of all they envisaged. However, by the time this building was under way, Penny had opened a home interiors shop in Aberfeldy.

"We started to think of ways of making more of a return on our investment here," says Penny, and the idea of holiday lets was born.

The derelict farmhouse, comprising two rooms and a stair leading to an attic, was salvageable, however, the crumbling barns next door had to go.

The couple commissioned Colin Smith of CASA Architects, Aberfeldy, after discovering his shared affinity with the work of Australian architect Glenn Murcutt, known for sustainable building design that creates a close relationship to the landscape.

"We were all speaking the same language," says Penny.

Colin's design envisaged Waterfall Cottage as a timber-clad extension west of the farmhouse, while Sky Cottage occupies the original farmhouse with an extension to the east. The attic was converted to provide Sky Cottage with a first floor and its new roof dormers are also timber-clad, while new timber porches break up the long, narrow line of the overall design.

Glass would be vital to buildings that seek to integrate inside and out. Glazing to the gable end of Waterfall Cottage overlooks a wraparound deck (set under a deep roof overhang) and a little burn that falls steeply to the loch. In Sky Cottage the end wall is glazed to absorb a wow-factor loch view.

In fact every window is strategically placed. The bedroom in Waterfall Cottage, dressed in linens from The White Company (which has used this location for a photographic shoot) looks on to the mountains. Upstairs in Sky Cottage you can watch the sunrise without getting out of bed.

Painting exterior timbers grey was a further move to integrate the building with surrounding trees, not to mention solid granite (through which the couple's son Rory, who owns his own construction business, cut to create foundations for the couple's home).

Inside, Penny was influenced by the simplicity of a house the couple had owned in the south of France.

"With so much going on outside it was important not to distract the eye," she says.

Using contacts made at her shop (now sold on) Penny sourced painted timber furniture and vintage textiles. It's a look the couple also have in their home.

"We wanted these cottages to feel just as personal," she says.

Penny has no qualms about introducing objects she and Roland have owned for years. The first table they bought as newlyweds now resides in Waterfall Cottage. Luxurious Victor Paris bathrooms feature under-floor heating. Sky Cottage has a walk-in steam room and shower and both bathrooms have The White Company's dressing gowns and slippers for guests to use.

At ground level, heated oak floors (fed by a ground source heat pump) are brightened with patterned rugs, and log-burning stoves are just the ticket for cosy evenings. The centrally placed stove in Sky Cottage revolves, so the fire is in sight wherever you sit, inside or out. Open-plan living areas maximise space, and kitchens, supplied by Ashley Ann in Perth, boast deep work surfaces and soft close drawers. It was important to Penny to equip the kitchens well and alongside slick Neff appliances, useful gadgets go the extra mile – an oyster knife is even tucked away in the drawer.

Penny was adamant too that on arrival guests should find enough ingredients to throw a basic meal together. Her welcome pack is more generous than most, including oils, herbs and free range eggs alongside homemade breads and wine. On request the couple will order treats of choice from nearby delis and florists.

Cottage guests even have the opportunity to dine with the couple in their home, often on a huge external deck under the roof eaves. Penny plans to further utilise her culinary training, with luxury pre-prepared meals on her agenda. And imminent delivery of hens and ducks means the cheerful prospect of fresh eggs for breakfast.

Guests also have 50 acres of ground to explore, while the shoreline, where a little bathing hut harbours deckchairs, offers a secluded haven. It seems the best things do come to those who wait.

Waterfall and Sky Cottages are available by the week or for three-night breaks, tel: 01887 830336, www.lochtay.co.uk