Coillemore House Balmacara

The owners have done an exquisite job bringing Coillemore House back to life. It’s been completely renovated and awaits visitors to enjoy its wonderful interiors and extensive gardens, in a truly spectacular situation. The location really cannot be overstated. Coillemore House sits just above the village of Balmacara on National Trust for Scotland land and enjoys views of the sea and the Isle of Skye. Across the tidal waters of Loch Alsh lonely Sgurr na Coinnich stands tall on the island. The house is over 150 years old and it’s bursting with character. Attractive is one word to describe Coillemore, it’s pleasing on the eye, and the more time you spend at the house the more difficult it is to leave. You have the added benefit of a private, wood-fired hot tub during your stay- please note that this is heated via a stove and so takes longer to warm up than a conventional hot tub. It’s a charming place, and perfect to spend time away from the rigours of modern life. There are wonderful local walks straight from the doorstep . You’ll be surprised that even though some of Europe’s best sights are on your doorstep at Coillemore, once you’re at the house you’ll struggle to head off and explore - it’s that nice.
During your stay, when you do manage to get yourself in the car for some west coast adventures, the choice is overwhelming. There’s world-class hill walking in literally every direction, the Kintail Sisters are several miles to the east and are a highlight of any Munro-bagger. Also beyond Eilean Donan Castle at Dornie is the road to Glenelg, which is well worth a trip for the brilliant Inn, Arnisdale on Loch Hourn, more hillwalking and the jumping off point for wild Knoydart adventures. To the north of Coillemore, following the minor road through National Trust land, often passing the semi-wild Highland cattle that roam the Estate, you’ll reach wonderful Plockton on Loch Carron. Options open up beyond for even more exciting adventures of the rugged, romantic Highland interior, with the Bealach na Bà enticing many over to Applecross. Both Torridon and Shieldaig are spectacular but easily accessible and very popular with visitors.
The real draw though for many staying at Coillemore House is the Isle of Skye, that island out the window, you’ll be over the sea to Skye in a little over 5 minutes from the house and spoilt for choice once again. The south of Skye, the Sleat peninsula, is the quietest part and worth exploring for fine food and drink. The centre and west is brimming with peaks, many the finest in the UK. The legendary Cuillin Ridge awaits, after hiking hills there’s whisky to taste, why not try the world famous Talisker? Fairy Pools to see and lunar landscapes to gawk at up in the north of Skye. Your must sees are The Old Man of Storr, Quiraing and of course the lighthouse at Point Neist. There’s so, so much to see. A week won’t be nearly enough. Coillemore House is simply fantastic, there’s character, comfort and luxury at every corner. Beach 4½ miles.