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We are thrilled to announce another exciting development in the restoration of Boleskine House — the contract for the heritage panelling works has now been officially awarded to a collaborative team made up of Simpson Builders and Distinctive Country Furniture (DCF).
Example work by Distinctive Country Furniture of a period house with bespoke wood panelling, customer flooring, and furniture.
This partnership brings together the expertise of two highly respected companies in the field of traditional craftsmanship. Together, they will be responsible for the recreation and installation of bespoke oak and timber panelling throughout the principal rooms of Boleskine House, ensuring the interiors reflect the elegance, warmth, and heritage appropriate to this remarkable estate.
The panelling will be produced using time-honoured methods and will be paralleled in oak, treated with a traditional stain that honours historic finishes while enhancing the natural beauty of the wood. In keeping with the craftsmanship that defines this project, the interiors will also feature unique hand-carved decorative elements, adding character and artistry to each space.
Example work by Distinctive Country Furniture of a period house with bespoke wood panelling, customer flooring, and furniture.
Based in Somerset, Distinctive Country Furniture is a family-run business with over 25 years of experience in the design and creation of high-quality, handcrafted panelling for heritage properties across the UK. Every panel they produce is made using traditional joinery techniques — carefully honed by hand, ensuring the integrity and historical authenticity of each piece. Their work has been featured in listed buildings, stately homes, and restoration projects where excellence and period accuracy are paramount.
Simpson Builders, already well known to our supporters as one of the lead contractors in the restoration of Boleskine, will manage the integration of DCF’s bespoke woodwork on-site. Their deep familiarity with the architecture and evolving restoration of Boleskine makes them the perfect partner to ensure this specialised work is seamlessly installed and beautifully presented.
Example work by Distinctive Country Furniture of a period house with bespoke wood panelling, customer flooring, and furniture.
The tradition of heritage wood panelling is a rich and storied one, dating back centuries. Once a staple of fine interior architecture, wood panelling provided not only visual splendour but practical insulation and warmth — key features in Highland homes. Today, the use of traditional panelling stands as a testament to our commitment to preserving these nearly lost skills, ensuring they live on for generations to come.
“This is more than interior decoration,” said Keith Readdy, chairman of the Boleskine House Foundation. “It’s about reviving the soul of the building. The work being done by Distinctive Country Furniture and Simpson Builders will set the tone for how Boleskine feels the moment you step inside — timeless, authentic, and full of history.”
Example work by Distinctive Country Furniture of a period house with bespoke wood panelling, customer flooring, and furniture.
We are proud to be engaging expert craftspeople who share our vision of conservation through traditional methods. The installation of the panelling will begin soon, and we’ll be sharing behind-the-scenes updates as the process unfolds.
Keep an eye on our News & Events sections and join us on site when possible to see the craftsmanship in action — another important chapter in the story of Boleskine’ rebirth.