We are currently converting what has been an abandoned site of barns, outbuildings and land into usable spaces for glamping and alpaca trekking. As we undertake these changes we are striving to return Balmichael's infamous traditional charm with contemporary style and sustainable choices. As various projects finish, we will add lots more photos.
THE COURTYARD
As you arrive on site from the car park, you will be welcomed into The Courtyard. Steeped in history, this area hosts a collection of beautiful farm buildings including an old mill (yet to be refurbished) and we have some traditional farm machinery on display. Arran Alpacas runs from The Courtyard and there are a couple of outbuilding WCs that are available for alpaca trekkers and those utilising The Courtyard for events. Check-in at the owner's residence in the far left corner (Old Byre Cottage). You will find we are always around or contactable to give help, advice or for a friendly chat.
THE BEN
The Ben is our multi-purpose room and is available to hire for a small fee for private use or functions. A large, converted barn with wooden floors, it can be used for exercise classes and retreats, club activities, social gatherings or corporate events. Please see our section Groups, Celebrations & Events or contact us for more information regarding your requirements. The Ben can be hired to groups not staying on site.
The Ben is currently being set up as a simple takeaway area for alpaca trekkers to purchase tea, coffees, refreshments and a small selection of home-baking.
Reusable beeswax food wraps, art cards, gift cards and locally sourced or fair-traded gifts will be on display and are available for purchase.
THE TREUD (Alpaca Barn)
When the weather does not allow our alpacas to be outside grazing in their fields, you will find them in their barn aka ‘Treud’ (Gaelic word for herd). This is located within The Courtyard and was once the farm stables as you will see from existing features. This area is also used for Arran Alpacas and we will have details of any treks happening on that day. Please be aware there may be alpaca trekkers passing your accommodation or communal areas.
As with all animals at Balmichael Glamping, we kindly ask that you refrain from feeding the alpacas any extra food during your stay. If you would like to help feed any of our animals, please let us know and we will happily arrange for you to help out.
THE STUDIO
The Studio is our little welcome hub and info centre. In The Studio you will find information about Arran and the local area. As social distance continues, we want to help you find outdoor options and walks - the Shiskine Valley and Machrie has amazing beauty on its doorstep!
We will keep this info up-to-date as phases progress and businesses re-open on the island.
The Studio another barn that has been set up from 100% re-cycled and re-used materials and furniture. The original farm bothy, this quaint barn showcases original features we uncovered when converting it.
THE BOTHY
**Due to COVID-19 The Bothy will not be available for use as it is a communal area. Instead we have provided outdoor kitchens next to each glamping pod**
The Bothy is our sustainable communal hub and open to all guests. It is complete with sofas, dining facilities and kitchen - ideal for barrel pod guests who wish to cook. All fittings and furniture have been re-used and up-cycled to save from landfill and give them another lease of life. Here you will find a selection of second-hand books and board games which you welcome to borrow and return. The Bothy overlooks the children’s playground so whilst the kids run off energy, Mum and Dad can sit peacefully with a cuppa.
PLAY PARK and DUCK POND
Children will have hours of fun playing at the wooden structure play area with trim trail and slide. It is positioned on a grass area next to a fenced-off duck pond.
Our resident ducks, Morecambe and Wise will no-doubt be around to say hello. We inherited them when we moved here.
We have also re-homed three beautiful Pekin ducks called Mr D, Iris and Sophia (as named by the local school children). Iris and Sophia lay eggs for eating - we will pop any eggs in the box by 'The Ben' to purchase.
Our own children have set up a little enterprise and duck food can be purchased for 50p a bag which will also ensure they aren’t over-fed. They can be a little greedy!
We ask that parents supervise their children at all times in this area.
THE HEN SHED
We have some resident hens (you’ll see their coup next to ‘The Ben’) and during your stay you are welcome to purchase any available fresh eggs for a small fee. If you would like to help collect the eggs or feed them during your stay then just let us know. The hens are a funny brood and bursting with character. They are called Peggy, Penny, Erica, Edith, Elsa and Mavis.
WASH HUTS and OUTDOOR KITCHENS
(under construction)
For your own convenience and to add to your outdoor getaway, each lodge and barrel is provided with an en-suite wash hut complete with shower, compost toilet and sink. These are located right next to each accommodation for the exclusive use of your group and will be cleaned at the end of your stay. Arran Aromatic hand-wash, hand towels and biodegradable loo roll are provided.
Please note bath towels are not provided but can be hired for £5 per person.
Due to COVID-19, we are building outdoor kitchens beside the wash huts, meaning you can be sure to maintain social distance and there are no communal glamping areas at this point in time. Although simple, they add some rustic charm to your experience.
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. We also have a friendly Robin that likes to come and say hello when we are working outside. As well as birds we also have some rabbits that like to explore the site.
You are also likely to meet Rosa, our super-friendly springer spaniel puppy who moved to Arran with us. If you ever want to win her over just rub her belly!
