We have been transforming Balmichael back to a small farm holding with animals and glamping accommodation.
From what was an abandoned site of barns and land, we are striving to return Balmichael's traditional farm charm with sustainable choices and homely feel. As various projects finish, we will add lots more photos!
We live on site with our three children and love providing a relaxing, happy site. The alpacas and farm animals (meet our growing gang below) make all our guests smile.
Children are always welcome to help feed the animals their dinner and tuck them away for the night!
ARRIVAL & THE COURTYARD
Please park at the sign-posted car park and wander down the path to The Courtyard where we will welcome you. We keep cars off the main site for peace of mind when it comes to the safety of our own and visiting children. Not to mention it keeps our site as natural and green as possible.
The Courtyard is steeped in history and hosts a collection of beautiful farm buildings including an old mill (yet to be refurbished) and we have some traditional farm machinery on display.
Check in at our home (Old Byre Cottage) in the far left corner as you enter the courtyard from the car park. You will find we are always around or contactable to give help, advice on where to go for days out or for a friendly chat.
Alpaca trekkers also meet here and a couple of outbuilding WCs are available.
OUR ANIMALS
Our little farm has become a much-loved and enjoyed part of stays at Balmichael. From joining in alpaca treks, to collecting (and eating) fresh eggs to helping feed the animals at night, you can be as involved as you wish in life at Balmichael! A sure winner for any little animal lover. Click through the photo gallery for cuteness overload!
Alpacas are gorgeous, quiet animals which through the drier months are mostly found munching grass in their paddock opposite the pods. They bring so much joy to people as the sit and relax with a morning cuppa. If you'd like to learn more about them and take them for a little walk we advise pre-booking via our Arran Alpacas website.
Our Valais Blacknose Sheep (Hamish & Innis) moved to us in January 2021 as cute little bottle-fed lambs. It's easy to see why they are known as "the cutest sheep in the world!"
Say hello to the ducks down by the pond (or sometimes having a waddle about). Sometimes you may be lucky enough to get one of their eggs! Two wild ducks lived in the pond originally but we have since added more ducks who are all proving to be quite the cute little characters.
The Hen Hoose is where you'll find our resident hens! They love a bit of attention! You can help collect the eggs and we also sell the eggs by their coop on a take-as-you need basis.
THE NOOK (HONESTY SHOP)
The Nook is our honesty shop which we will show you on arrival. Here you can collect & exchange cool packs, make some purchases of Arran ice cream, Arran Cheese, oatcakes and chutneys, treats, refreshments, small boxes of cereal and wood bags for the BBQ fire pits. This is also where you will collect your pizza doughs and all you will need if you are hiring the pizza oven. The Nook keeps growing - we are always happy to add to it if you have any suggestions!
PLAY AREA & DUCK POND
The play area with its wooden trim trail and slide will keep the kids entertained for hours. It is positioned on a grass area next to a duck pond. There is a small football area with goals - you might even get our own kids joining in a game or two. All we ask is that you please supervise your children for their safety, especially by the pond and animals.
BARNS & OUTBUILDINGS
Balmichael boasts many charming barns and outbuildings that are one by one getting the attention and much needed re-vamp they deserve. We have grand plans - so watch this space!
The Ben is where our alpaca visitors can enjoy refreshments after their experiences and treks. There is also a small selection of local and fairly traded gifts (mostly alpaca themed of course!) should you wish to return home with a token memory. If you'd like to make use of the space in The Ben, please just ask. We appreciate it can be nice to have a little bit extra space on the more dreich days!
The Alpaca Barn is where our alpacas reside in wetter days and over winter. This is located within The Courtyard and was once the farm stables as you will see from existing features which ooze rustic charm.
BALMICHAEL WILDLIFE
As well as our resident animals we are lucky enough to have many visitors to our site which you may be able to spot during your stay.
In the evening you may hear Barn Owls as there are two nesting in the vicinity. They are a spectacular sight to behold, gliding white through the night sky.
We have a heron who is forever looking for fish in the duck pond (don’t tell him but there aren’t any)!
Frequent visitors include: Buzzards, Fieldfare, Cuckoos, Sparrow Hawks, Kestrels and if you are lucky then you can see the Hen Harrier. As well as birds we also have some rabbits that like to explore the site.
You are also likely to meet Rosa, our super-springy springer spaniel. If you ever want to win her over just rub her belly!
