Drimnin Estate covers some 7,000 acres on the shores of the Sound of Mull and Loch Sunart. To reach it , a little road meanders 11 miles from Lochaline (car ferry to Mull) to Drimnin, along the shores of the Sound.
It is a truly magical place, a peaceful haven amid dramatic scenery, and guests are welcome to walk along its 8 miles of coastline, across its moors and through its native woodlands.
The owners of the Estate have now completely refurbished the charming gate lodge, which occupies a secluded position in the ancient Caledonian oak woods on the private estate road, making it a delightful little holiday hideaway. Originally built around 1840, it is said once to have housed up to 10 people (one feels that no additional heating would have been necessary!) Nowadays, it's just designed to accommodate two, in cosiness and comfort, with all modern conveniences, in a well-insulated, double-glazed cottage and an efficient wood burning stove and backup electric heaters.
The layout is still that of the traditional but'n'ben. To one side, there is the snug, open-plan living area with wood burning stove and excellent modern kitchen. To the other, there is a double bedroom and en suite shower room. Just behind the cottage, where the ground rises to the woods, there is a summerhouse/utility room with washing machine and drying area, as well as space to sit out and admire the view to the Sound.
The surrounding woodlands teem with wildlife. Roe and red deer, some of which are quite tame, graze nearby with the Estate's gentle Highland cattle, while in the skies are buzzards, golden and sea eagles and, by the shoreline, otters.
The footpath behind the Lodge leads on to the open hill and you can walk round to the old inn at Diorlinn (the inn sadly has long gone though the house remains) six miles distant on the shores of Loch Sunart. But don't get a shock if you encounter a thoroughly non-native species on the way, it will probably be Lenny, the resident llama!
Car ferries run every day between Lochaline and Fishnish on Mull (no booking possible) which is a good central starting point for a visit to the south of the island and Iona and north to Tobermory.
To the north and west is the road to the isles, the silver sands of Arisaig and Morar and to the north east, Fort William, Ben Nevis and Glencoe.
Beef, lamb and wild venison reared on the Estate (subject to season) can be ordered for your arrival. Bed linen, towels and fuel are INCLUDED. One well-behaved pet is welcome by arrangement. Smoking is not permitted in the cottage.
Other cottages on the Drimnin Estate -
Ena's Cottage (slps 4)
Achleanan Farmhouse (slps 6)
