KEYS TO KNOW
Kirsty Mcluckie discovers the ultimate spot for peace and quiet on the West Coast
There can’t be many properties that offer an option of small, medium and large but that is exactly the choice presented by a trio of houses on the Ardnamurchan peninsula on the West Coast.
Aspen Lodge, which sleeps six, Brightwater Lodge, which sleeps four and the studio-style roundhouse built for two, Seashell Lodge, were constructed as holiday cottages.
They were built by Karen and Michael Macgregor who live in the area.
Karen says: “We moved here around 35 years ago and bought a couple of traditional holiday cottages for letting but six years ago we decided to build two more, Aspen and Brightwater.
“We knew the design that we wanted and as well as using local timber we wanted to include features such as cathedral windows to really make the most of the views over Loch Sunart.”
The timber, which features in the form of honed tree trunks, provides a stunning frame for the vast windows.
Aspen and Brightwater have handcrafted staircases in timber and Aspen has a minstrel gallery, with an external balcony. The gallery has a bird’s eye view of the living area with its raised open fire and antler chandelier.
All three properties have high standards of insulation, ground source heat pumps, solar panels, underfloor heating and wood-burning stoves.
Karen says: “The houses also benefit from a huge amount of solar gain as they have such large south-facing windows. We were awarded agold Award from the Green Tourism Business Scheme and are really proud of that.”
Such warmth means that the holiday season has been extended, according to Karen. “We get visitors well into November and some who come with family in the summer come back to have a more peaceful holiday in a quieter time.
“There is still plenty to do with walking, fishing and kayaking being really popular among guests but some visitors tell me that what they really like to do is just sit by the fire, in front of this amazing view and watch the tide come in and out.”
Eighteen months after the couple completed Aspen and Brightwater, they took the eco-build principles one step further with the construction of Seashell Lodge.
Designed by the Kearney Donald Partnership in Fort William, the turfroofed cottage is in the spiral shape of a shell and has beautiful features such as handmade curved doors. There is also an elevated double spa bath, a wet room, separate shower and a raised, circular open fireplace, making it what must be one of the most romantic hideaways in Scotland.
All three house designs, have nods to the vernacular. Karen says: “The croft houses built in the 1700s had rounded corners and the bases were always wider than their tops. Brightwater Lodge’s walls slope inwards and the Seashell’s curves are reminiscent of the style.”
Their guests come from far and wide. A popular option is an extended family party with all three houses used.
“Aspen has a huge floor space so everyone can eat together there but have their own space.”
Each property has a decent sized garden, planted for low maintenance so while the homes could continue to be a thriving holiday business, they would also be ideal as a private holiday home, without much responsibility when not in use.
For Michael and Karen, having brought up their own three children alongside the holiday business, it is time to do other things.
Karen says she will miss the visible effects the properties have on holidaymakers.“you see people arrive and they are a bit stressed, it is a single track road and that can make them nervous, they have maybe had a domestic on the way and the kids are restless in the back.
“And then you encounter them a couple of days later and everything has changed. You can see that the stress has just drained out of them.”
The location has much to do with it but the three homes also play their part.
They would certainly work together as a holiday business, or individually as a family’s private holiday home.
But imagine how relaxed you would feel if you lived there permanently. Aspen Lodge, Brightwater Lodge and The Seashell, Ardnamurchan. The three properties offer three bedrooms, two bedrooms and a studio. Architect-designed using local timber and high-spec finishes.
Five-star holiday business.