Hazelbank Cottage Sleeps 4 | £595.00 to £750.00 per week

Lochdon Explore the area, things to do and more

Hazelbank Cottage sits in a beautiful position overlooking the upper Lochdon estuary, beside a river that flows through the garden from the mountains behind the cottage. Scenic and secluded, this stone-built, traditional cottage is the perfect rural retreat.

As you head south from Lochdon village, Hazelbank is the very last property you pass and is in a quiet, private position. This is a quaint, rustic, self-catering cottage with lovely views of the surrounding country and is in an area rich in birdlife. In fact, the cottage was the former RSPB headquarters on the Isle of Mull! Hen harriers, owls, eagles and more frequent the surrounding moorland and estuary, and combing the shore of the loch at an opportune moment may even turn up an otter or two.

Guests can park at the top of the driveway, directly outside the cottage. Entering the cottage, there is a hall and long corridor leading throughout the cottage, which is all at ground level. The living room has two windows with a view across to the Lochdon estuary and hills beyond, and has a brick fireplace with an in-set stove and plenty of logs stored in the shed outside for guests to use. There is a television with freeview channels and a selection of books, creating a really cosy feel and a restful retreat after a day in the wild.

Hazelbank feels like a real home from home with lots of character, and the kitchen diner is no different, with plenty of natural light and pretty windows, combined with the convenience of a modern fitted kitchen and appliances.

Guests can take their pick between a double bedroom and twin bedroom, which are both served by a bathroom with a basin, w.c. and bath with shower. Hazelbank has plenty of character and guests often return to stay in this cosy little holiday cottage again and again. Both bedrooms offer ample storage space for your belongings, and a cottage feel.

Venturing down the step from the front door and into the large garden, roll out a picnic rug on the lawn and bury your head in a book or scan the skies for local wildlife. Adventurous visitors will also enjoy the woodland path leading from the back garden that runs alongside the burn behind the cottage, through mature deciduous trees to a beautiful waterfall and pool, before the ground rises to the majestic Dun da Ghaoithe, standing at 2,512ft.

Nestled on the furthest reaches of the village with rugged views in all directions, Hazelbank is a great holiday cottage to explore the Isle of Mull from. Situated only a 10-minute drive from Craignure, where there is a tourist information office, cafe, village shop, pub and golf course, it is a convenient place to stay, too and only a quick journey from the ferry on your arrival. Duart Castle, one of the island's main attractions, lies a similar distance away, but allow more time than that to make the drive to soak up the abundant wildlife you will inevitably pass by.

A 45-minute drive will take you to Tobermory, the capital of the island, with its famous harbour and colourful houses. In the opposite direction, you can also head to Fionnphort, from where you can catch boats to Iona, Staffa and the Treshnish Islands, encountering puffins in season. Whether you go waterfall spotting, walking or out by boat, you’re certain to have a memorable stay at Hazelbank. A characterful cottage in beautiful surroundings, you can enjoy a taste of the wild while having all amenities close to hand.