Lunga Estates

Come and stay among a vista of sea and islands in the comfortable cottages and cabins to enjoy the many charms of this special part of Argyll.

This beautiful 4000 acre Estate is the middle part of the Craignish peninsular, projecting into the Atlantic in that magic sheltered area between the Firth of Lorne and the Sound of Jura.

The area, previously Dalriada, now mid-Argyll is one of the most beautiful and least discovered parts of Scotland, yet it is not remote. Only 99 miles north of Glasgow and 22 miles south of Oban, it lies at the heart of west coast yachting. On the west of the peninsular and overlooked by much of our holiday accommodation is Craobh Haven Marina. On the east side, in sheltered Loch Craignish, is Ardfern Yacht Centre. To the south is Crinan, with the Crinan Canal, Crinan Boats and the famous Crinan Hotel. To the north is Kilmelford Yacht Haven with Loch Melford Hotel and the National Trust Arduaine Gardens. Boat trips from these harbours go out to the islands, the sounds, tidal passages and to the world famous Gulf of Corrievreckan where, in comfort, it is possible to see a huge range of seabirds including the recently re-introduced sea eagles as well as red deer, fallow, wild goats, seals, otters, basking sharks and whales. There are several more gardens open to the public, especially in May June when under Gardens of Scotland, some lovely private gardens open in aid of charity. Kilmartin Museum, 6 miles south, points out and enlightens the many archaeological and historic sites in the area. The Forestry Commission and the Dalriada Project have some especially beautiful wildlife and woodland walks as well as the beaver re-introduction project. Check out, too, the many quality restaurants and cafes in the area most serving the finest local seafood, beef, venison, lamb and seasonal vegetables.

The MacDougall family have looked after this land for over 300 years, previously living just a few miles north. Now, as the generations change the Estate mansion, Lunga House, is being looked after by Meg & Les MacLeod, who run it as a separate business, along with their Pub/Restaurant, "The Lord of the Isles" at Croabh Haven and their self catering flats, rooms and restaurant at Inveraray and Tobermory. Lunga House is specially marketed for weddings, conferences and groups under the motto "Little Castle, Big Heart" and some memorable parties of all sizes have been held here for over 30 years.

Now more Estate property is let long and medium term to satisfy a strong local demand. Holiday accommodation is limited to 2 cottages and 2 cabins while we are in the process of renovating and constructing further housing of higher environmental standards and better facilities. Please contact us for up to date details of all types of accommodation. We even have some fine sites with services and planning consent available for sale on other parts of the Estate.

Lunga Riding Stables is leased to a team who have been working on the Estate or in the county for several years and continue the traditions of the Stables, working partly with the Appaloosa horses, originally imported from South America. The stables offer both European and Western riding and have a range of quality tack. They offer both teaching in the chopped rubber arena and rides out over the endless tracks, through woodland, over hills with breathtaking views and along the shores, sometimes even swimming the horses across sheltered bays. The Stables cater especially well for beginners and children, while those who want to improve their skills can work in the manage or exercise in the Great Park, especially in high season when Show Jumps go up or there is a bit of barrel racing.

Our cottages and cabins overlook the sea, watching the boats go out from the marina and the dinghies from the sailing school on one side, while horses from the stables look over the fence from the park on the other side.

In the sheltered bay below the cottages we have a pier and slipway, handy for guests with their own boats. There is a boathouse, toilets, showers and a summer kitchen used for parties. Camping can be arranged while summer parties and BBQ often take place.

At Craobh Haven the village and marina offer boat trips, yacht charter and an extensive chandlery. Duncan Phillips takes day and half day trips in Farsain among the Inner Hebrides and sometimes ferries walkers to the remote and inaccessible islands. There is a small craft shop and the Lord of the Isles pub and restaurant which also has a small grocery shop. A causeway out to Eileen Buidhe leads to the beautifully appointed holiday cottages at Loch Shuna Lodges and Craobh Haven Watersports where dinghy sailing canoeing and motorboat handling are taught.

At Ardfern, 2 miles over the forestry track or 6 miles by public road, Ardfern Yacht Centre has charter yachts and an extensive chandlery. From here Lindsay Johnston sails in Sea Leopard, capable of taking up to 50 passengers, taking trips around the loch and the sound of Jura. The Galley of Lorne Inn has bar meals and restaurant and the Crafty Kitchen serves local food amidst a varied collection of crafts both local and ethnic. With a Kirk a School and the Craignish Village Hall this is the main local community and the Ardfern Village Store is well stocked to provide for it. Any groceries ordered from here 48 hours before your arrival can be delivered to your holiday cottage. The Craignish Community has an active programme of events and a summer Arts festival for which it is worth checking the web although some better gossip can be found on facebook.

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