Harbour Island, Crinan, Lochgilphead, Argyll and Bute, PA31

Exceptional private Scottish island extending to around 9.7 acres.

Description

Harbour Island (Eilean dá Mhéinn) is a captivating private Scottish island, discreetly positioned just off the coast near Lochgilphead and surrounded by the sheltered, unspoilt waters of the west coast. Extending to approximately 9.7 acres, the island offers a rare combination of natural beauty, privacy and carefully considered architecture, centred around a beautifully renovated principal house and a charming self contained cabin known as The Witch's Folly.

The island is defined by a rich and varied landscape, where gently sloping lawns give way to mature woodland, a rugged shoreline and a series of small, secluded beaches. This diverse environment supports abundant wildlife, with seals and otters to be seen along the shoreline, and sea eagles and a variety of seabirds observed overhead. These elements combine to create everchanging outlooks across the water towards the islands of Jura, Scarba and Mull, as well as the mainland and surrounding hills. To the southernmost valley lies an attractive arboretum alongside a pond with a picturesque timber boardwalk. Numerous rocky coves punctuate the shoreline, interspersed with dramatic cliff faces and sheltered inlets. Parts of the island are carpeted with bracken, heather, seasonal bluebells and flag irises, while a network of gravelled and natural paths allow exploration of the landscape. Mature fir trees line the eastern shoreline.
Access is by a short boat journey across from Crinan Harbour, with two pontoons offering practical and well positioned landing points.

The principal house is an award-winning, architect designed, two storey residence of striking presence. Occupying a sheltered position overlooking the shoreline, the house has been comprehensively renovated by the current owners. The result is a light-filled contemporary home that sits harmoniously within its natural surroundings, with glazing and internal layouts carefully arranged to maximise views, privacy and connection to the outdoors.

The ground floor accommodation is introduced via an impressive double height entrance hall, flooded with natural light and offering dual access from either side of the house. The majority of the double bedrooms are located on this level, including the Principal bedroom suite. The Principal bedroom benefits from a generous en suite shower room with double shower, alongside a dressing room and a light filled conservatory that creates a calm sitting area overlooking the garden. The remaining bedrooms are well proportioned and versatile, with one currently utilised as a study. Also on this floor is a cosy sitting room featuring a traditional stone fireplace and glass door opening directly to the garden, offering flexibility for a range of uses, including as an additional bedroom if required.

Complementing the ground floor accommodation is a generous utility room with a shower that works perfectly after wild swimming or a day spent enjoying all that Harbour Island has to offer, thoughtfully designed with island living in mind. The space offers substantial fitted cabinetry, Belfast sink, generous work surfaces, a dedicated pantry area and ample storage for outdoor clothing, equipment and provisions, with direct and easy access making it particularly well suited to day to day use. The ground floor is completed by a well appointed bathroom with shower and an additional WC conveniently positioned off the main hall.

The first floor is a spectacular open plan living room, sitting room and kitchen which forms the architectural heart of the home. Occupying the majority of the first floor and designed to make the most of its elevated position, the room is wonderfully light and airy, with vaulted ceilings, velux windows and a striking full height glazed gable end that draws the eye straight through to the water and surrounding landscape, with views across the Sound to Jura, Scarba & Mull. Symmetrical glazed doors open from the living space onto a spectacular raised timber deck, ideal for outdoor dining and entertaining, with direct access to a traditional woodfired hot tub.

The space is bright and thoughtfully arranged to accommodate relaxed seating around the wood burning stove, a well-defined dining area and uninterrupted enjoyment of the outstanding views. The kitchen is contemporary and well equipped, with bespoke cabinetry, integrated appliances and breakfast island.

Also located on the first floor is a comfortable double bedroom, served by a spacious bathroom with luxury three piece suite.

Location

Harbour Island is situated just off Crinan Harbour, accessible by a short and convenient boat journey. The island enjoys an idyllic and highly scenic setting, with open aspects across the Sound of Jura towards the Isles of Scarba, Jura and Mull, while to the north there are views to Duntrune Castle on the mainland.

Crinan is a charming west coast harbour village and marks the seaward end of the historic Crinan Canal, which opened in 1801 and extends for nine miles from Ardrishaig on Loch Fyne to Crinan on the Sound of Jura. Often described as “Britain’s most beautiful shortcut”, the canal provides an important link between the Firth of Clyde and the west coast, with fifteen locks along its length and regular use by leisure craft. Moorings are available along the canal, with the established boating centres of Crinan, Tayvallich, Ardfern and Craobh Haven all within easy reach.The village offers limited local amenities, supplemented by the well regarded Crinan Hotel, noted for its seafood and welcoming hospitality. The nearby Crinan Boatyard provides a valuable resource for both cruising and permanent vessels, offering a wide range of services to leisure, commercial and government users.

The principal town of Lochgilphead (7 miles) is the main centre for Mid Argyll and provides a comprehensive range of amenities including shops, schools, a hospital, sports and leisure facilities. Oban, regarded as the gateway to the Western Isles, lies approximately an hour’s drive to the north. The surrounding area is renowned for its outstanding natural beauty and recreational opportunities, including sailing in the testing local waters, excellent fishing, walking and climbing, as well as the celebrated prehistoric sites of Kilmartin Glen, making Harbour Island an exceptional base from which to enjoy the Argyll coastline.

Square Footage: 2,370 sq ft


Acreage: 9.7 Acres

Additional Info

Tucked away within the trees and offering a delightful sense of seclusion, The Witch's Folly is a self-contained cabin with its own shower and toilet set apart from the main house. Fondly named and full of character, it provides additional accommodation ideal for guests, staff or creative use, while enjoying its own woodland setting and outlook.

There are a range of additional outbuildings to include boat house, wood store, timber shed/workshop and potting shed with greenhouse.

Access via boat from Crinan Harbour.

SERVICES
Mains water supply- led underground below sea from the mainland and underground across the island.
Mains electric supply- laid below sea from mainland and run underground across the island.
Private drainage- sewage treatment plant.
Air source heat pump.
Fixed telephone line providing a reliable wired internet connection with typical speeds in the region of 30–50 Mbps.