Our Story

Arcadia noun [ S ] literary uk / ɑːˈkeɪ.di.ə / us / ɑːrˈkeɪ.di.ə / an image or idea of life in the countryside that is believed to be perfect

In November 2018, Rob and I purchased Arcadia, fulfilling a long-held dream to find the perfect rural location for our studio. Rob is a sculptor and environmental artist, and I work alongside him, as well as managing the cabins.

We had been searching for over 3 years when we heard about a property that had just come onto the market. Fortunately, it wasn’t far from where we lived, so we jumped in the car to take a look.

It was perfect!

A former livery stable with outbuildings, set within 21 acres of woodland and pasture close to the picturesque village of Drymen, in the Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park.

It offered us everything and more that we could have hoped for. 

Despite its state of disrepair, Arcadia cast its spell over us, and we were hooked.

Some may call it blissful ignorance, others eternal optimism. Regardless, donning our rose-tinted spectacles, this hardy team of two set to work on the start of the renovation in the depths of winter.

Our first task was to transform the large barn from stables to studio, and by early spring we began the long process of restoring the neglected woodlands and surrounding fields to improve their biodiversity and enhance this peaceful haven for the flora and fauna.

It is amazing what two people can achieve with the right mind set, copious cups of coffee and a fair few chocolate biscuits, but I was never happier than when young Jamie came on board in the spring of 2020 to assist us in the studio, and with the general maintenance of Arcadia. 

We have always strongly felt that Arcadia was a place that we wanted to share with others and so we decided in early 2020 to create two unique and quirky cabins to rent out throughout the year to welcome people to this beautiful neck of the woods, and to enjoy a truly remarkable and memorable experience.

We really can say that our cabins are ‘unique’ as they were handmade with love - and a few tears and tantrums along the way - right here in our sculpture studio at Arcadia.

Fast forward to today, we are still a small team but we now have an established studio, two beautiful glamping cabins, a custom built cabin for our visiting artists, and the makings of Arcadia Sculpture Trail. We have created three ponds (because one is never enough) laid paths, installed three hand-built bridges, started work to repurpose the outbuildings (albeit slowly) transformed the woodland and fields, and planted 500 native trees for future generations to enjoy.

Our long-term ambition is to create a centre of excellence for Sculpture and Environmental Arts.

To that end, we have established an Artist Residency programme inviting both British and International artists to participate in week long residencies at our Sculpture Centre. The residencies offer professional artists and recent graduates a unique creative environment in which to develop their practise, experiment with new ideas, and work with new materials. Our aim is to create a place of learning and creative inspiration to share with others. You can learn more about Arcadia Sculpture Centre here

Our minds are always willing, our bodies sometimes less so, but it is our love for Arcadia that drives us forward.

There is still much to do but every morning before I start work, I take a wander through Arcadia, and I am filled with gratitude that our dream has become reality. 

Sue & Rob