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Farm Facilities

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We have been transforming Balmichael back to a small farm holding with animals and glamping accommodation. 

We live on site with our three children and aim to provide a relaxing, happy site. The alpacas and farm animals (meet our growing gang below) make all our guests smile

 

 

ARRIVAL & THE COURTYARD

eagle eye view of the site

Please park first at the sign-posted car park, follow the path to The Courtyard to check in.

We keep cars off the main site for the safety of our own and visiting children. 

 

Finding us from the String Road - you'll see this sign as you arrive from Brodick
Sign for the car park
Ample parking for everyone
Follow the path from the car park to the farm courtyard
Pathway from the car park where the alpacas sometimes graze
Entering The Courtyard from the car park
Check in at our home (Old Byre Cottage) in The Courtyard when you arrive

 

The Courtyard is steeped in history and hosts a collection of farm buildings including an old mill (now a large games room) and some traditional farm machinery. There are also two WCs (in addition to compost toilets at al accommodations).

Check in at our home (Old Byre Cottage) in the far left corner as you enter the courtyard from the car park. We do ask for an approximate arrival time so we can be around to welcome you and check you in.

 

ANIMALS

alpacas by the pods

Our animals have become a much-loved part of stays at Balmichael. Alpacas are gorgeous, quiet animals and in drier weather can be found in the big middle paddock. If you'd like to learn more about alpacas and take them for a little walk we advise pre-booking via our Arran Alpacas website. In summer alpaca treks book out weeks in advance.

 

Learn about our alpacas when you join a trek (pre-booking advised)
Arran Alpacas offers different activities for different groups and ages - check out the Arran Alpacas website for more information!
Wallace is a friendly little alpaca
Glen is the little brown alpaca, our youngest
Nevis & Lomond have been training to trek Spring 2021
Just arrived, our Valais Blacknose lambs give each other a cuddle
The cutest sheep in the world - super friendly too!!
Beautiful sunset and our lovely ducks
Morcambe & Wise - they always look on the bright side of life!
The ducks taking a waddle to see the alpacas in the hope they have dropped some feed
Enjoying some shade by the pond on a sunny day
The hen hoose is situated between the courtyard and field if you are looking for fresh eggs!
Feeding time is a favourite for all the animals, including the hens
Dust bath and play time for the hens in their chicken gym

 

Our Valais Blacknose Sheep have been with us since they were lambs, they are totally petted and it's easy to see why they are known as "the cutest sheep in the world!"

Say hello to the ducks by the pond (or sometimes having a waddle about). Two wild ducks lived in the pond originally but we have since added (and bred) more ducks who are all proving to be quite the cute little characters. We even have ducks randomly turning up who like the idea of a pampered life here! All made welcome of course!!

The Hens love a bit of attention! They roam free and although many are past egg-laying, they live their best life (and know it)!

 

THE NOOK (HONESTY SHOP)

The Nook by The Courtyard
An ever-evolving little honesty shop
Collect your pizza night necessities!
A selection of delicious Arran Cheeses available
Oatcakes, nibbles and treats
Arran Ice Cream to make it really feel like a holiday
A selection of extra utensils, plates for children etc available if required
Milk bottles can be borrowed to fill up with Arran milk around the island
Borrow games and books during your stay
We sell wood bags with a mix of wood, kindling and fire lighters

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

Wooden trim trail
Slide at the play area
The view from the top of the slide is to be recommended!
Plenty of green space
Football pitch by the duck pond
Picnic by the park - a popular option for alpaca trekkers

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 

Balmichael boasts many charming barns and outbuildings that are one by one getting the attention and much needed re-vamp they deserve. 

The impressive Old Mill
Old Mill Games Room
Games for All!
Information Station
The Courtyard
Some of our local and fairly-traded gifts
Inside The Ben

The Old Mill Games Room is open from morning to night. Once the old farm mill, we have set it up as a giant games room with pool table, table tennis, family games & sofas. Perfect for all ages! We also have an information centre here where you can find out about local walks and things to see and do on Arran!

The Ben is where our alpaca visitors can enjoy refreshments after their experiences and treks. There is also a small alpaca-themed shop should you wish to return home with a token memory. 

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