The Epoch Times shares with us the beautiful story of Stuart Grant, aged 90, who has shared his life between the United Kingdom and Australia since 1959. In 1984, he acquired an old country house in Tomich, near Inverness, Scotland.
This residence, which had existed for two centuries, was in a deplorable state, without a roof or door. His intention was to settle there temporarily while working on renovating a more spacious house.
After starting work on his house, Mr Grant took a year-long trip to Australia, which slowed his progress.
His priority was to put a roof on and install doors, as he wanted to be able to reside comfortably in this small country house while he renovated the main house.
However, Mr. Grant enjoyed renovating the outbuilding so much that he eventually decided to make it his primary residence. This rustic three-bedroom house has become a real home for him.
Mr. Grant said that before he moved there, this house had been both a shoemaker's house and a farm housing cows, calves, chickens and even a donkey.
It was not a luxurious home. He cut wood from fallen trees himself, collected stones from the river for masonry, and collected surplus building materials from others.
“It took several years, but I never took the time to count. I really loved every moment of this project,” he said, not even knowing what the cost was. “I let myself be carried away by passion. »
Mr. Grant admits he has never watched The Lord of the Ringsbut, by a curious coincidence, its front door is round and made of oak, thus recalling that of Frodo Baggins.
“There are stained glass windows on each side of the door,” he says. He has resided in his country home for almost 40 years, and has recently attracted the attention of fans of the Lord of the Rings after his home was featured on a website suggesting destinations to explore in the north of Scotland.
He doesn't have a cell phone, doesn't browse the Internet and no longer drives due to his age, but Mr. Grant enjoys getting out and meeting people.
For him, engaging in creative and original projects like this allows him to maintain a certain youthfulness.
“There is a real excitement in getting involved in enriching activities. I have always had an inventive and creative spirit,” he confides.
From his childhood, Mr. Grant remembers his mother telling him that he would always continue to doodle.
“People perceive me as intelligent because of my original creations, but they have never attempted to do the same,” he shared. As he approaches 90, he says he still feels as young as a teenager.
“People are often surprised to learn that I am 90 years old. I've traveled the world, and it's all been a great adventure. »
For him, work is wonderful therapy. This is a great story!
