Haunn Cottages

  The Detail...

Looking out to sea on the Isle of Mull, West is one of the four Haunn Cottages which will appeal to those who like things simple and secluded. A 2-mile farm-track drive from the main road rewards you with a romantic and peaceful setting with views of the Treshnish Isles.

Originally a crofter’s home, or ‘blackhouse’, West retains an air of simplicity which adds to its charm. On the island’s north-west coast, the cottage is just 10 minutes’ walk from the shore. Beautiful Calgary Beach is a well-loved place to walk and watch the wildlife and, at around 45 minutes’ drive from the island’s main town of Tobermory, is in a pretty remote location. 2 well behaved dogs are welcome, but please remember it is a working farm!

Set in a private corner of the large shared garden, complete with picnic table West can accommodate up to 3 guests. On entering, you’ll see the cosy living room has a sofa and wood-burning stove, as well as a comfortable daybed in an alcove with wonderful views out to sea (to sleep +1).. while the kitchen area is equipped with an electric cooker and fridge freezer. There’s a dining table in this room too. Note the absence of a TV – instead, a CD player, books and games are provided to keep you entertained.

The bedroom has a king-size bed, and itself looks out towards the sea – as does the alcove next to the living area which has a day-bed for a third guest if needed. The bathroom with shower is accessed directly from the bedroom, with underfloor heating and wall-mounted heaters keeping the whole cottage warm. Homely décor gives this wooden-floored cottage a relaxed ambience – it feels like you have escaped the busy world.

Three other similarly restored cottages are close by: Middle, East and the larger Toechtamhor – a more recent addition to the island dating from the 1940s – which can sleep up to 5. None of the cottages have Wi-Fi access, but you are welcome to stroll down to the farmhouse (around 1 mile away) and make use of theirs in the phone room and library.

Much of the Isle of Mull’s attraction is down to its incredible natural beauty and abundant wildlife, which it shares with neighbouring islands Iona and Ulva. Duart Castle is one of Mull’s own must-sees, even for the location alone. Tobermory (which you or your children may recognise from the TV show Balamory), has an aquarium, theatre and arts centre, and it’s home to a number of highly recommended restaurants and cafés. Definitely worth a visit. Even closer, the village of Dervaig has more places to eat and a handy village store.

Iona is a long but rewarding day trip from Haunn, the Abbey is beautiful and they have a good little museum there, as well as white sandy beaches right next to the pier and gorgeous turquoise sea. Trips to the Treshnish Isles are also fantastic (take a boat trip with Turus Mara from Ulva Ferry to the Treshnish Isles to get some ‘puffin therapy’!

With the owners able to impart plenty of local knowledge, begin your Hebridean exploration at Haunn Cottages and you’ll be making the most of your time on Mull.