The Best Dove Hotel in the World – Dry Stone Wall Building

We spend 39 days building a dovecote or “Doocot” (a house for doves or pigeons). The stone construction is entirely in “dry stone” (built without any mortar). This video shows the complete build from start to finish, including a dry stone arch, pop-up holes, stone carving installation, cheek ends and corners, and all woodworking. The roof was constructed in my workshop and was made from reclaimed timber and slate before being lifted in one piece.

Working with natural stone is a wonderful and cathartic process. I really hope you enjoy watching and that our own enjoyment and pride in the project is evident.

Everyone involved in the project is extremely grateful to Sir Fraser and Lady Morrison who commissioned the Dovecote and without whom projects that we all enjoy, like this one, could not come to fruition.

A dovecot/dovecot or doocot (Scottish) is a building for housing doves or pigeons. Dovecotes can be built in different shapes; they can be freestanding or built into the end of a house or barn. They usually contain holes for birds to nest.

Traditionally, dovecotes were often placed in prominent locations on large estates, with lords asserting their right to keep doves to those passing by (ordinary citizens were not allowed to keep birds).

Early examples of purpose-built dovecotes in Scotland are often circular in shape, ending in a domed roof, similar to the style of a 'beehive'. The design evolved towards a “lectern” style – rectangular with a sloping roof – and then towards more decorative structures.

COMMISSIONS
I am available for public, private and corporate orders. I ship my work worldwide and, if necessary, work on site to construct my sculpture in situ.

MORE ABOUT MY WORK….
Find me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/james_parker_sculpture/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jamesparkersculpture/
Website: http://www.jamesparkersculpture.co.uk

CONTACT
To discuss an order or find out what works I am currently available for purchase, please use the contact details listed on my website above.

CONTACT INFORMATION FOR ALL PARTIES INVOLVED…
Visitors are welcome to tour the Teasses estate and gardens where they can view the Doocot. Before visiting, please visit the Teasses website for opening hours and entry prices. This is a link to their website… https://teasses.com

Other dry stone masons who were of great assistance in this ambitious project were Martin Tyler, Findlay Reade and Stevie Gordon. They can all be found here… https://www.instagram.com/drystone_perthshire/

The stone carving with the coat of arms was beautifully carved by local stone carver Gardner Molloy. You can find Gardner's work and contact details here… http://www.gardnermolloy.co.uk

The stone used in this project was supplied by Alston Natural Stone, a quarry located in the north of England (around 100 miles as the crow flies). You can find more information on their website… https://alstonnaturalstone.com

The wood was locally grown larch which will turn silver to become more muted in color over time. When it reaches this point it will be oiled to protect it, although it does have some natural protection from the elements. Steven Laing from the sawmill who was very helpful can be contacted here… https://www.instagram.com/logsnstuff/?hlen

DISCLAIMER
This video is intended to be viewed for entertainment purposes and is not a tutorial. I am completely self-taught and my goal is only to provide an overview of the process involved.

#construction #dry stone #stone masonry