* Freehold
The information we have been provided estimates build costs for this home to
be in the region of £475, 000 – £570, 000 (excluding the outbuilding/boathouse).
More information is available on request.
Occupying a truly magical position in the western Scottish Highlands, in the
Dunmore Estate, and with views overlooking West Loch toward the beautiful
island of Gigha, this superb plot of land has planning permission to build a
wonderful contemporary house set in around 2. 36 acres. With far - reaching
vistas of the surrounding rugged countryside, the proposed scheme spans over
2000 sq ft, with a contextually conceived design by the award - winning
architect Mary Arnold - Forster. The house will hark to the local rural
vernacular, emulating the feel and warmth of a traditional West Highland
blackhouse; striking larch cladding will merge seamlessly with wonderfully
light Scandinavian - inspired modernist interiors. The house has been cleverly
orientated to capture open views across calming water and will share a short
access track to the beach shore at Ruhba Mhein, where a slipway will allow
small boat access to the loch. Full details of the planning documents can be
found here.
The Architect
Having qualified as an architect in 1992, Mary Arnold - Forster has spent the
last two decades working on projects on remote and wild sites across the
highlands and islands of the west coast of Scotland.
Working independently and in conjunction with Dualchas Architects, hers is an
architecture based on the rigorous study of site, context, and landscape,
where the focus is on creating quiet, restrained and beautifully crafted
structures. She seeks inspiration from authentic local vernacular, often the
blackhouse, and has spearheaded cultural confidence and a contemporary
renaissance in the architecture of the Highlands.
Inspired by a specific location and working in harmony with the surrounding
environment and landscape, Arnold - Forster’s practice is grounded in a belief
that architecture should not only be fit for purpose but should also lift the
spirits.
The Tour
Occupying a secluded location, just eight miles south of the shores of Tarbert
and Loch Fyne, gateways to the beautiful Kintyre Peninsula, this bucolic plot
shares a private road leading to ‘Nether Auchans’, a scattering of four new
homes. Nestled on the north side of West Loch Tarbert, the site has a
mesmerising position with panoramic views from every vantage.
The house will be set back from the road, accessed via a short track leading
to a generous parking area to the rear. The house will perch centrally within
the plot, where a levelled plateau gradiates gently south - west towards the
loch shore and is enclosed to the west by woodland.
The proposed house will be guided by an understanding of local vernacular
forms and materials. A simple piece of design, it will blend into the
surrounding area, sympathetically echoing the traditional local architecture.
The result will be a handsome, contemporary home in a beautiful rural setting,
with a plan layout maximising sweeping surrounding views. The minimal material
palette and barn - like profiles will nod to the raw and straightforward West
Highland building tradition. Aluminium - clad timber windows will punctuate the
Scottish larch - clad façades, counterpointed by a shiny stainless steel flue
and several roof lights. An exacting approach to the key principles of light,
space and direct visual contextuality has been adopted.
Internally, the planning allows for thoughtfully considered design and
material decisions to be made throughout. Ceilings will soar with the dramatic
pitch of the roofline, and an abundance of large glazed screens and carefully
positioned windows and roof lights will bathe the house with natural light and
frame enticing near and distant views.
The main entrance will be via a recessed porch carved out of the rear north -
facing elevation. This will give way to a welcoming hall with ample space for
hanging coats and storing boots. Beyond, the sociable open - plan kitchen,
living and dining space, perfectly tuned for the practicalities of family life
and relaxed entertaining, will unfold. Attuned to easy living, this expansive
room will have exceptional quality of ever - changing light. Swathes of floor -
to - ceiling glazing and aptly positioned windows will give way to breathtaking
views of the sloping topography towards the loch shores, rough grassland and
distant hills. There will be a fireplace at one end, with lofty ceilings
above. These spaces will have wide sliding doors, capitalising on the
compelling surrounding vistas and allowing a seamless connection to the
outside. Just beyond, a large terrace will beckon for entertaining alfresco.
A family room or snug will lie directly off the hall, providing a lovely
retreat for watching movies or reading.
Three bedrooms and two bathrooms will occupy the flanking wings of the house,
where cleverly positioned windows will illuminate the spaces and frame
fantastic landscape scenes. A utility space and cloakroom will complete the
ground - floor plan, where throughout the architect’s trademark, considered use
of nooks and crannies will be exploited with built - in storage and shelving. A
neatly tucked staircase will ascend to a small study and work area set in the
eaves above the snug and the hall. This will connect to the lofty living
spaces care of an internal opening and have compelling external views care of
its roof lights.
The planning permission allows for a large outbuilding/boathouse. Wrapped in
corrugated metal cladding, this handy building will sit at the plot’s northern
edge and provide excellent storage for everyday gardening equipment, boats,
canoes and wet suits.
Outdoor Space
The plot extends across 2. 36 acres of rough grass and is bound by existing
woodland on its western fringe. The ecological value and range of inherent
biodiversity of the site will be enhanced through a gentle approach, without
too much intervention, to support the area’s rich wildlife and encourage local
species of birds and insects. A further native tree and hedge planting to
establish an eastern boundary has also been proposed.
In warmer months, sliding glass doors open the entire living area onto a
projecting deck, which will wrap the southern façade of the house, giving the
perfect spot for a morning coffee or barbeque lunch. Beyond will lie an
enclosed garden space, conceived to draw parallels with traditional walled
gardens. With vernacular links to the area, it will sensitively reflect the
rugged Scottish terrain.
The house will sit on a slightly elevated level, with gently inclined grassy
slopes falling towards the loch shores, where it has rights of access to
launch small boats. Overhead sea eagles and red - and - black - throated divers are
frequent visitors. The adjacent shores, where afternoons can be spent walking
or foraging, offer invigorating wild swimming and paddle boarding year - round.
Gather around a fire pit on chillier evenings.
The Area
Surrounded by miles of beautiful coastline, The Dunmore Estate is set in 900
acres of magnificent woods and hills on the north side of West Loch Tarbert.
The moody backdrop of the loch is perfect for wild swimming, kayaking and
fishing. The extraordinary landscape is protected by Scottish Natural
Heritage. Home to remarkable sea life, such as humpback whales, killer whales,
sea otters and seals. The untamed area is also a habitat for wild deer plus
138 species of bird. Rare sightings include the Barolo - type - shearwater and the
Marsh Warbler. Superb views from the top of Cnoc a Bharra Hill span across to
the Isle of Gigha and Jura. The gateway to the breathtaking Kintyre Peninsula
has many walking and cycling routes for watching wildlife.
Tarbert, a pretty fishing village, is seven miles away. It has a range of
shops, cafes and restaurants and hosts an annual seafood festival, music
festival and a sailing regatta. Tarbert Academy provides schooling for
3–18 - year - olds. Lochgilphead, 2o miles away, has a greater selection of
amenities, including a community hospital.
For island hopping, regular ferries run from Kennacraig, a 20 - minute drive
away, with routes to the Isles of Islay, Jura and Colonsay. A ferry from
Tarbert to Portavadie on the Cowal peninsula also offers an alternative route
to Glasgow via Dunoon.
Campbeltown Airport, with daily flights to Glasgow, can be reached in 50
minutes by car. Glasgow city centre is under a three - hour drive. The city’s
history is deeply rooted in creativity, with the world - renowned architect
Charles Rennie Mackintosh shaping its landscape, a vibrant music scene and
many museums and galleries. The city also has an exciting and ambitious food
scene, with Gloriosa, Julie’s Kopitiam, two. eight. seven and The Gannett among
the highlights.

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