Balach Oir Sleeps 6 | £895.00 to £1550.00 per week

Pennyghael Explore the area, things to do and more

Escape it all at Balach Oir on the peaceful shores of Loch Scridain, the gateway to the dramatic coastal cliffs, pink granite rocks and white sand beaches that beckon on the Ross of Mull. This purpose-built, single storey cottage is tucked in the heart of Pennyghael, with only the single-track road between the cottage and the shoreline, making it an excellent base to switch off and soak up the scenery and perhaps spot an otter or two.

Arriving at the cottage, there is ample parking for several cars to the side, so as not to interrupt the panoramic sea views to the front of the property. Inside, a convenient boot room provides a handy space to hang coats and binoculars ready to grab and go for each day’s explorations.

The focal point of Balach Oir is the wonderfully welcoming open-plan living, cooking and dining space, where a vaulted, double height ceiling lends a real sense of occasion. This large and inviting space is triple aspect, framing views to both the sea and hills, with two sets of French doors tempting you out onto the gravel patio in the garden to watch the tides and enjoy the gentle sea breeze.

The kitchen is contemporary and excellently equipped with a large, American-style fridge freezer, plenty of preparation space and an island that invites you to cook while making the most of the sea view. Just across lies the dining table to seat six with feature lighting above, again perfectly positioned to capture the coastal beauty of the cottage’s surroundings.

Once dinner has been served, guests will naturally migrate to the sumptuous corner sofa beside the electric fire with a wall-mounted television above. Watch the tides roll in and the sunset frame Ben More, the island’s highest mountain, in its amber glow before retiring to bed.

The cottage’s sleeping quarters occupy the other side of the cottage, creating a nice sense of separation and privacy from the sociable living space. The master en-suite promises a true sense of luxury with a king-sized bed, built-in wardrobe and sea views. A few strides lead to the modern and highly appointed en-suite, with a large walk-in shower, W.C., basin and heated towel rail.

Across the hallway lie two further comfortable bedrooms, as well as the family bathroom, also with a walk-in shower, W.C., basin and heated towel rail. The second double (with king-sized bed) again enjoys a glimpse of the sea, with a chest of drawers to unpack and make yourself at home for your stay. Next door, the twin bedroom is a light and bright space with two standard sized single beds.

Balach Oir is set in gardens mainly laid to lawn, with some well-established shrubs adding seasonal interest too. Gravel patio areas surround the cottage, affording easy access, and the perfectly placed picnic bench extends the living space outdoors – ideal for dining alfresco on a long Hebridean summer’s night, or for otter spotting over morning coffee. And for those who enjoy active pursuits, an outdoor shower makes a useful addition after paddle boarding or wild swimming in the loch or nearby beaches.

Ben More can be seen from the cottage and makes an appealing climb for walkers visiting the island, with phenomenal views back across Mull’s mountainous interior and out to sea and surrounding islands on a clear day from the summit. Gentler walks into the hills also await, which promise an ever-changing landscape of woodland and waterfalls, open moorland and coastal cliffs, and the abundance of wildlife that resides there.

A short drive will deliver you to breath-taking white sand beaches that the Ross of Mull is famous for. The sheltered waters of Uisken and Fidden are popular choices, but pulling on your walking boots delivers yet more coastal gems like Kilvickeon beach and Market Bay. Mull’s most south westerly village, Fionnphort, is within a 25-minute drive, from where you can sail for Iona to experience this little island’s many charms and historic abbey, or depart on a boat tour to the island of Staffa, home to Fingal’s Cave and puffins in season.