Within Pennyghael estate, Beach is a converted farmhouse with eight acres of grounds, offering all that's needed for a relaxing holiday. The small porch on the front of the house is perfect for an evening drink without venturing outside but still taking in the stunning views and beautiful scenery as the sun sets at sea. In the past, the old gardens supplied fresh flowers to Iona Abbey, with seven monks tending the grounds and, although not reinstated to their former glory, many colourful flowers and plants can still be found in the enclosed garden, which is deer-fenced.

The immediate area offers lots of walks to ruined villages, shoreline and waterfalls. With sandy beaches just a short drive away, excellent loch fishing (by permit) or just fishing off the rocks, and Loch Scridain for canoeing, there is plenty to do for young or old.

THE ISLAND

The rest of the Isle of Mull has much to offer. The largest town on Mull is Tobermory, more recently made famous by the children’s programme “Balamory”. Here you will find restaurants, deli/bakery, pottery, chocolate shop, distillery, supermarket and much more. Across Mull are other enjoyable eateries offering a range of food choices. Nearby in Bunessan there are two shops as well as a hotel and high street restaurant. Fionnphort is where you can catch a ferry on frequent crossings to the Island of Iona and the Keel Row pub back on Mull has a good choice of bar or restaurant service. Iona also sports a number of good eateries. As well as a number of places to eat, Craignure now offers a swimming pool, the first on the Island and a great resource for letting kids expend some energy whilst the parents get pampered.

The ferry for day trips to the Isle of Iona, with its famous restored Abbey, white beaches and historic marble quarry, is just a 20-minute drive away. In spring, the island is covered in flowers and, in summer, a late ferry will bring you back, perhaps after eating in the wonderful island restaurant having spent the day walking all round the island and enjoying the beautiful sea views.