An accomplished chef, pâtissier and artisan baker, whose craft has taken her from Scotland, across Europe, to New Zealand, and back again, has set up both a new home, and a new business, in the same street in Crieff.
Sam Heeney-Governo, who is of Scottish and Portuguese parentage, will open Love to Cook, her new Cook School, Bakery & Pâtisserie, at 16 King Street, next month.
The new business, which will sell hand crafted sourdough bread, croissants, and classic French pastries available on daily basis, while offering hands on culinary classes and events. And it is just a stone’s throw away from Sam’s new home. She recently became the first resident at Drummond House, a sympathetic redevelopment of an historic former Police Station, into nine modern, energy efficient apartments which is close by.
The developer of Drummond House, William Frame, of Braemore Estates, is a lifelong acquaintance of Sam’s. He is thrilled that his talented friend has now found both a new home, and a new business location, where she can happily settle.
William said: “Sam and I go way back. When I heard Sam had returned to Scotland after 25 years in New Zealand, I suggested she take a look at my plans for Drummond House. I was pretty confident that these characterful apartments, which blend old and new, would be ideal for her. I knew she was keen on a central location in the town for both her home, and potential new business venture, so it very much seemed to tick all the boxes.”
Sam, who lists cooking with the late Clarissa Dickson Wright of the popular Two Fat Ladies TV programme, as one of the highlights of her culinary career, takes up the story.
She said: “William was spot on, and when I looked at his plans for Drummond House, I just loved what he was planning to do.
“The building is striking, it has so much history, and I knew that the apartment I had chosen, on the first floor would be completely unique.”
Reserving off plan, Sam moved in just before Christmas. She decided that she would use her apartment kitchen as a supplementary teaching space, and worked with William, his builders and kitchen design team to create a bespoke kitchen, complete with double ovens, large induction and a demonstration central Island.
She said: “It’s absolutely perfect for my needs. My living area is full of light, and the log burning stove adds a cosy touch.”
William added: “Sam’s new home really could not be more convenient for her. It was our pleasure to work with Sam, when she reserved off plan, to create a kitchen space that has the features she needed for both leisure and professional use.
“I know I speak for many Crieff residents, not to mention fellow business people, in wishing Sam every success with her new cook school.
“Drawing on her rich culinary heritage, with its strong Iberian influences, coupled with her skill and expertise in cooking and teaching, Love to Cook will be a real asset to the town, joining a vibrant, evolving food and drink scene which sees Glenturret two Michelin Star less than a mile away, and two Michelin Star Restaurant Andrew Fairlie at Gleneagles, also close by.”
With only two apartments left to sell at Drummond House, William is delighted to have secured Sam’s services to cater for the Open Day event at Drummond House on 20 February, which will showcase the final properties.
He said: “Not only will Sam happily talk about what appealed to her in making Drummond House her new forever home, but she will also provide our guests with delicious canapés during the Open Day.”
Of the nine apartments being created at Drummond House, four are now occupied, with three more reserved.
The final two apartments for sale at Drummond House include a one bedroom, second floor apartment, (Apartment 9) priced at £179,000, and a one bedroom ground floor apartment (Apartment 3) with private garden, £169,000.
Featuring an open plan living and dining area, with a bespoke Leicht German kitchen complete with fully fitted integral appliances, the second floor apartment offers a mix of classic and contemporary. A stylish log burner adds that indulgent touch – ideal for cold winter nights.
The properties are an investment opportunity or a starter home, and the one bedroom ground floor apartment has quality finishes throughout, offers the occupant low running costs, and additionally features an enclosed private garden, accessed from the living area. This property also benefits from secure basement storage.
