Ena's Cottage, Appin, Argyll - self catering rental Scotland

Ena's Cottage
Near Lochaline
Argyll

Sleeping 4

At the end of the single track road which winds along the shores of the Sound of Mull, a private road continues on to the Drimnin Estate and Ena's Cottage.

Ena MacDonald was the last live-in housekeeper of Drimmin House in the middle of the last century and this was her cottage. It is attached to the Estate house which was first built in the 18th century and later underwent extensive modifications at the behest of its new owner, Sir Charles Gordon, in the 1830s. After his sudden death and a destructive fire his widow had the house rebuilt, in 1850, on a more impressive scale. The Gordon family sold the estate in 1943 to Miss Alice Horsman, one of the first women QCs. Miss Horsman was Ena's employer and she lived alone in the house until she died in 1978.

The House and the cottage have been totally refurbished in the past few years and Ena's Cottage is now a very comfortable holiday home for up to four people, having one double and one twin bedroom . It looks out over the Victorian knot garden (tenants are allowed complete access) towards Mull and the Atlantic beyond. The ground floor houses the kitchen, bathroom and a very snug sitting room complete with wood-burning stove. Central heating and double glazing ensure total comfort.

You can completely unwind in the peace and tranquillity of this charming setting. The house stands within the 7,000 acre Drimnin Estate, about half a mile from the sea and in the midst of extensive woodland of beech, oak, pine, birch and elm. Scottish Blackface sheep and Galloway and Highland cattle graze on the Estate as well as roe and red deer. Guests can explore all eight miles of the Estate's coastline, its moors, valleys and native woodland. There is also a Victorian chapel to see (though it is currently being renovated). The Stone Age fort is a reminder of distant times and, of the old village ruins, one of which is notably walled, which bear a poignant reminder of the tragic events of the Highland Clearances.

The Estate is home to golden eagles, sea eagles, pine martens and otters. Active visitors will enjoy the abundance of walks within the Estate – across the hills, down the private road to the old ferry inn (sadly not in business today) on Loch Sunart and along the coast. A ferry sails, daily, between Lochaline (11m, hotel, restaurant) and Fishnish on Mull (no booking required).

Beef, lamb and wild venison reared on the Drimnin Estate (subject to season) can be ordered for your arrival. Bed linen and towels, oil fired central heating and electricity are all included. Pets are usually welcome by arrangement.

Accommodation (sleeps 4):

Downstairs:

Sitting/Dining room with wood burning stove + TV/DVD.
Kitchen with electric hob and oven + dishwasher + washing machine + microwave + fridge freezer, etc.
Bathroom with bath + shower over + WC and basin.