Take a peek inside Sound of Mull ‘paradise home’ featured in new Alan Cumming TV show

Eagle Rock on the Sound of Mull is a "uniquely designed masterpiece".

By Bailey Moreton

February 26 2024, 6:40 pm

Eagle Rock will feature on a new HGTV show called 'Paradise Homes. Image: Mark Nicholson/Roderick James Architects

A picturesque property on the Sound of Mull will be featured in a TV show hosted by Scottish actor Alan Cumming.

The actor is fronting a new programme on HGTV called ‘Paradise Homes’, which features properties from all over the world reaching from the Sound of Mull on the west coast to Sicily.

Scottish actor Alan Cumming during filming of new HGTV show "Paradise Homes". — Scottish actor Alan Cumming reconnected with his roots for episode three of his new HGTV show “Paradise Homes”. Image: UK Discovery PR Team

The property on Mull is particularly special, being the home of architect Roderick James and his wife Amanda.

Eagle Rock has been described as a “uniquely designed masterpiece”.

Its mossy roof and low-lying aspect almost embeds itself in the hilltop, a modern take on the traditional Scottish broch.

Scenic views over the Sound of Mull from Eagle Rock. — Architect Roderick James said he wanted to make the most of the views over the Sound of Mull. Image: Mark Nicholson/Roderick James Architects

Architect Roderick said: “The outstanding location needed a design that maximised the 360-degree views and dramatic vistas in all directions along the Sound of Mull.

The rounded design of the house is distinct. Image: Mark Nicholson/Roderick James Architects

“Not one of the rooms has a right angle in them, which softens all the areas and rooms within the house.”

Roderick James also designed and owns a string of holiday lets in the surrounding area.

Paradise Home on Sound of Mull caught Alan Cumming’s eye

The house also caught the eye of its famous host Alan Cumming.

“It was so fun to meet the homeowners, to find out how they turned their dreams into reality and to be invited to experience their idea of paradise with them,” he said.

Atrium inside Eagle Rock, the Sound of Mull property featured on Paradise Homes. — Architect Roderick James and his wife Amanda designed Eagle Rock. Image: Mark Nicholson/Roderick James Architects

“What this programme revealed to me is that what makes a new build or renovation truly successful is not actually about the house at all, it’s about how happy the people who made it are living in it.

“That’s the real definition of a home.”

Famed thespian Alan has renovated properties himself in the past.

The Sound of Mull house's living area with Velux roof windows and plenty of natural light. — The house has large Velux roof windows, giving the space plenty of natural light. Image: Mark Nicholson/Roderick James Architects

He said: “I myself have renovated complete shells into homes a couple of times and know the feeling of satisfaction of living somewhere that is exactly the way I wanted it in every way.

“But it’s never an easy process and I really admire people who take the plunge and build their own dream home, either from scratch or as a renovation – especially when they’re in remote places, and that’s why I have loved being involved with this new series.”