Dougarie Estate - The House of Machrie
North Ayrshire
View on Google MapsThe Isle of Arran lives up to its reputation within a compact area: ferry views of Goat Fell and Brodick Castle, walking trails, and lochs all within reach. The House of Machrie stands on the Dougarie Estate, a working farm and sporting property where guests can arrange fly-fishing for salmon and sea trout on the River Iorsa, boat trips for mackerel and lobster potting, or clay pigeon and rifle shooting. Photography workshops and salami-making classes are also available on the estate. Beauty therapists based locally offer home visits for treatments.
Built over a century ago as the principal farmhouse, this detached Victorian house has been renovated to a high standard while retaining its character—crow-stepped roof gables, a circular tower housing the main staircase, and mature trees surrounding the property. The House of Machrie sleeps 14 across seven bedrooms and six bathrooms. A conservatory overlooks the sea towards the Mull of Kintyre, and a converted stone barn serves as a games room with pool and table tennis, useful for rainy days. An enclosed garden and views across the Kilbrannan Sound complete the setting. Essentials including electricity, wifi, bed linen and towels are covered; one pet stays free. No smoking inside.
Sleeps & rooms
What's on offer
Check-in & check-out
Arrive after 15:00 Depart before 10:00
🚭 No smoking, please
What guests say
Arran itself is a magical place and well worth a visit. Unfortunately the Towers Bothy is not that great. Areas immediately around the Bothy resemble a building site. A £200 breakage deposit is requested by the Dougarie Estate before the stay. Without any correspondence they deducted £50 of this from the refund, for a stain “probably nail varnish, a lot of glitter as well”. Since neither my wife or I wear nail varnish, glittery or otherwise, we questioned this, but have been ignored. The microwave had rust inside, although scales for cooking were provided on request. There was no manual how to work the oven, one had to work it out by trial and error. No visitors book, usually a good source of best places to see.
2 months ago · via Google
Beautiful castle and grounds
3 years ago · via Google
Amazing estate on the quieter side of the island. We stayed in the Bothy which was very quiet, cosy and clean. My one complaint would be that the Velux windows don't allow for a view of the amazing surrounding scenary, but there really isn't much that can be done about that. The estate is teaming with wildlife, with pheasant and deer being regular visitors while we were there. Lost of nearby walks and beaches where we had multiple sightings of seals enjoying the sunshine on the rocks.
3 years ago · via Google
We stayed in the Tower Bothy. A lovely wee 2 bedroom bothy in the Estate yard. Surrounded by amazing scenery. Wonderful and quiet. The bothy itself was cosy and warm with everything thing you need. Just a few miles away from all villages for foodstuff or cafes ,restaurants or pubs. Surrounded by amazing walks for us and our dog. Definitely wouldn't hesitate in going back again.
3 years ago · via Google