Which property to choose?
Are you looking for somewhere remote? Or would you rather be closer to the farmhouse? We hope that this page will help you decide which property to choose!
Whilst all our properties are located on the farm, there are subtle differences between the ones near the farmhouse and the ones at Haunn. The extra mile from the farmhouse at Treshnish down the uneven farm track to Haunn can seem a long long way. For some, it can be a mile too far – but for others it might not be far enough. The comforts and amenities provided in all the cottages are of a similar high standard, irrespective of which one you choose. The shepherd’s hut is a different choice altogether!
Treshnish
The Treshnish Cottages are traditional farm cottages and converted farm buildings, just under a mile from the main road, and our Shepherd’s Hut is in the same vicinity.
Situated beside and near the farmhouse, Shian, Duill, Shieling and Studio make up the four Treshnish Cottages. Each enjoys a sea view over towards Coll and beyond. They are heated via the wood-chip District Heating Scheme and Studio gets its electricity directly from one of our wind turbines. The Treshnish Shepherd’s Hut has a lovely sea view too and is heated by a small wood burning stove. The contemporary working farmyard is at a discreet distance from the cottages and the hut.
Access from the main road is along an uneven farm track. Guests staying in the Shepherd’s Hut park behind the Treshnish Steading and walk the last 350 yards to the Hut.
Shian and Duill are former farm workers cottages. Shieling was returned to its original use as a dwelling in 1999 having spent decades as the ‘stallion box’ and ‘generating shed’.
The previous owner of the Treshnish Estate was a ’Lady of the Bedchamber’ to the Queen Mother, when the Studio was a dairy and a byre. Reputedly Treshnish butter was sent to Clarence House in London!
Each cottage now has unlimited Wi-Fi via mobile 4G from the Isle of Coll. The Shepherd’s Hut picks up good 4G Vodafone and EE signal but doesn’t have Wi-Fi.
Looking for something more remote?
Searching for unique and peaceful Isle of Mull cottages? The Haunn Cottages are just that. A two mile drive along the farm track delivers you to another world where three historic blackhouses, West, Middle and East nestle into the landscape, and a whitewashed bungalow, Toechtamhor sits alone in open landscape with wonderful sea views – Haunn is tranquil, beautiful and remote – a very special place.
Haunn
Haunn is a Norse word meaning ‘harbour’ and refers to the natural harbour cut into the shoreline half a mile beyond the present settlement. There is a ruin of a small ‘byre’, behind Middle. There is a small stone ‘fank’ which would have been used for penning sheep or perhaps a house cow. By 1945 the last family to live here had moved to Dervaig. Some of their descendants still live on the island.
The families who lived here survived by working on both the land and the sea. Their children walked to school from here, latterly to Mornish beyond Calgary, once the Treshnish school had closed.
It takes about 15 minutes to drive to the Haunn Cottages from the farm, along the uneven farm track through fields. The sense of quiet and timelessness grows as you approach Haunn so that, on arrival, it can feel as if you have stepped ‘out of time’. This remoteness may not suit everyone but if you are looking for an exceptionally peaceful and remote setting in which to escape from the busy world, or perhaps a simple romantic retreat, one of the Haunn Cottages may provide that haven.
Toechtamhor has unlimited Wi-Fi from the 4G mast on the Isle of Coll. There is no Wi-Fi provided in West, East and Middle – however there is 3/4G EE and Vodafone signal.
Water
Because of our remote location, we do not have mains water. A borehole supply serves the farmhouse and the 4 Treshnish Cottages and Shepherd’s Hut. Water for East, Middle and West is sourced from the same shared spring. Toechtamhor has its own spring supply. Each water supply is carefully maintained and regularly tested according to current regulations.
Peace and quiet
The peace and quiet at Treshnish and Haunn attracts wildlife such as Red deer, which come and graze on the hill above the Haunn cottages. Look out for Otters along the shore. You can sometimes spot a Hen harrier or a Golden eagle from a cottage window. In early summer, Orchids (Common, Butterfly, Fragrant, Early purple, Northern marsh and Small white) are a sight to behold. They are part of a rich diversity of flowers present and thriving in the carefully managed fields around the cottages.
Connecting back
There is 3G/4G mobile reception on the farm (EE, Vodafone). In the Hub at the Farm, there is a Wi-Fi connection. The Shepherd’s Hut, East, Middle and West guests are welcome to use – along with the washing machine. We sometimes have our own meat for sale from the freezer. Please free to borrow a book from the shelves of local and Scottish interest books.
Please get in touch with us if you have any queries about which of our properties might suit your requirements best. It is important to us that you feel you have made the right choice.
