Nestled between the hills and the sea close to Loch Linnhe in the quiet crofting community of Clovullin, Croft 11 Clovullin could not be in a more beautiful position. It is the rare mix of timeless and modern that makes this stylishly renovated historic house on a working croft so appealing.
Ardgour is the gateway to the Ardnamurchan peninsular, an area of outstanding natural beauty on the Scottish Highlands' beguiling West Coast. It is most easily reached by the charming drive-on Corran Ferry or you can make the entire journey by road.
From the house there are wide uninterrupted views up, down and across Loch Linnhe, one of the most spectacular sea lochs in the Highlands and the setting of Robert Louis Stevenson's 'Kidnapped'. From the road side there is the equally beautiful view across neighbouring croft land towards Glen Gour and Ben Keil. The views from every window are spectacular artworks in themselves. The wide open skies often turn vermillion at sunrise and sunset, and if you are into clouds, there are frequently huge hovering lenticulars. The tranquility, the dark skies which are perfect for stargazing and the proximity to nature make this the ideal place to relax and enjoy all the Highlands has to offer.
Inside the house has been renovated to a high standard to create a warm and inviting contemporary space with stylish architectural details and furnishings. It is bijou but beautiful. Downstairs there is an open plan living room, a bathroom and a kitchen/dining room. The open staircase leads to the first floor with two bedrooms, one at either end accessed by a landing bridge. There are cast iron radiators throughout, and woodburners at either end of the living room. The hearths are a nod to the original construction of the house; shuttered concrete with pebbles from the shore. The space has folding doors to create a snug at one end if so desired. The flooring is rustic band sawn oak apart from the bathroom which is tiled.
My story is that I am originally from New Zealand but have lived most of my working life in London. Every day I missed the sea, and I finally had the opportunity to come back to it. I've always been interested in doing up the houses I have lived in, and feel extremely lucky to have found this lovely Croft house and to be its second only owner since it was built in 1890. I have spent a year lovingly renovating it and started letting the house for holidays in 2023 after an extensive rebuild internally. What I have loved most is meeting the people, and seeing their appreciation of the renovation. The reviews have been rewarding and humbling in equal measure, and I look forward to meeting more fans of the West Coast Highlands.
Outside the house there are gardens front and back and from the kitchen you are really in the view, and its breathtaking, out over a private lawn sheltered by rhododendron hedging with sightline to the loch and mountains of Glen Coe.
Beyond is the kitchen garden enclosed within the deer fencing, and it really is important to always keep the gates closed otherwise the deer and sheep will come in to the garden and eat everything given half the chance. And beyond the deer fencing is the Croft on which I am creating a wild flower meadow.
There is parking for two cars and in the garage is a utility area, sink, hot and cold water, washing machine, rack and pulley for drying clothes, additional cupboard space and additional fridge. Like all sheds there are various items being stored. Please respect this and just use the cupboards, sink, laundry facilities and fridge. It's perfectly ok to hang wet coats on the coat stand.
Outside you will see an old Land Rover and a boat. These are definitely no-go areas so please ensure children know not to play on either.
Clovullin is a quiet crofting community separated from the Loch by a coast road. There's the Ardgour Inn serving pub food opposite the ferry slipway , the Nomad Caravan Cafe in the carpark of the Inn, and the fabulous Ardgour Ales near the fish farm serving excellent pizzas on Friday nights (booking in advance essential) and their own award-winning ales. A must.
Whether walking, climbing, skiing, cycling, wild swimming, paddle boarding, or sea-kayaking is your thing, or simply immersing yourself in the beauty of the immediate surroundings, I hope you'll realise you have made the right choice of holiday cottage from the moment you arrive.
Language spoken: English