Borrodale House

About this listing

This handsome Highland house near Arisaig is steeped in history dating back to the Jacobites and set back from the shores of Loch nam Uamh with Borrodale beach just a short walk through the pastures.

Guests can enjoy wide open spaces (plenty of hiding places to keep everyone entertained), privacy and the freedom of a large well-maintained garden with a burn running alongside which flows down to the sea. The house comfortably sleeps sixteen people over three floors. There are eight bedrooms, four bathrooms, a separate WC downstairs, three reception rooms and a kitchen. The principle reception room has a cosy fire side area one end and a dining space the other end that can sit 16 people.

Very much a family house it works perfectly for big family gatherings and equally good for friends wanting to meet up and spend quality time together. Beautifully furnished throughout with all the equipment and facilities to keep all ages entertained from morning to night whatever the weather!

5 Star Location

The surrounding area boasts a multitude of things to do and see from the white sandy beaches of Morar to skiing on Ben Nevis with everything in between including the steam railway, fantastic walking, fishing and boating.  Whether you want to visit for sunny days on the beach or a snowy Christmas by the fire, Borrodale is the perfect place to come and stay.

Just a short walk along a sweeping pasture to the shores of Loch nan Uamh in the Sound of Arisaig affords the visitor some of the finest west coast views, sweeping down from the Isle of Eigg to Ardnamurchan Point and beyond.

Visiting yachts can moor in Arisaig Marine which is a fully equipped boatyard where you can catch the MV Sheerwater for wildlife sightseeing or to visit the small isles.

Bonnie Prince Charlie 1745

Few parts of the western Highlands have a closer association with the Jacobite cause than Borrodale. It was at Borrodale Bay that Charles Edward Stuart, ‘Bonnie Prince Charlie’ first set foot on the Scottish mainland on 25 July 1745. Borrodale House, then owned by Clanranald and let to Angus MacDonald of Borrodale, served both as his headquarters and his living accommodation whilst he was canvassing the support of local clansmen. It was from here that he left for Moidart and the Raising of the Standard at Glenfinnan on 19 August 1745. A year later the Prince, fleeing from the forces of King George, returned briefly to Borrodale. Lady Catriona MacDonald of Borrodale gave him one of her tartans as he escaped the mainland in an eight oared boat. Having being soaked in a storm he left the tartan in Scalpay off Harris when he received a change of clothes. This garment was subsequently divided into pieces as mementos of the Stuart cause; one such piece is now displayed in the Highland Museum in Fort William. Another piece is at Stoneyhurst College and from these fragments the Borrodale tartan has been reconstructed.

Arts and Crafts Movement influences – Philip Webb 1845

Borrodale House was remodeled by the architect, Philip Webb.  In 1845 Francis Astley commissioned Webb to build nearby Arisaig House. At that time Borrodale was part of the Arisaig Estate. In addition to remodelling the house, Webb designed and built the substantial farm steading to the rear of the house. Philip Webb was ‘the father of the Arts and Craft movement’ and this influence is clear, particularly in the steading.

SOE Training 1940’s

During WWII Arisaig House and its surrounding buildings, including Borrodale House were requisitioned by the Special Operations Executive (SOE) and became a SOE Special Training School, designated STS21.It functioned as a finishing school, and specialised in commando skills, providing the final stage of training for agents destined to serve in the field. They were trained to use explosives, silent killing methods and how to sabotage railways. Once their training had been completed, they would be parachuted behind enemy lines to carry out a secret war against Nazi Germany. A memorial to Czechoslovakians who were trained as SOE agents in the area stands in Arisaig. The memorial was created in the Czech Republic by sculptor Josef Vajce, the foundation stone for the memorial was blessed by Pope Benedict XVI during a visit to the Czech Republic. Evidence of SOE training is apparent in the area. A visit to the Land Sea and Islands Centre in Arisaig is recommended to anyone who is interested in this history.

Getting Here :

Borrodale is located on the Road to the Isles from Fort William to Mallaig. The nearby village of Arisaig (3 min drive) has a village shop, post office and boatyard. The town of Mallaig (12 min drive) has more comprehensive facilities including local supermarket, banks, pharmacy, doctor’s surgery and petrol station.

Drive time: Inverness airport – 2h 40mins Glasgow airport – 3 hours; Edinburgh airport – 3h 30mins

Rates : 

Low season pricing from £2250 High season £2700 with nightly rates for short stays and low season special offers. Weekly lets high season and 4 night minimum stays low season. Check-in is from 4pm and check-out is at 10am.Please note there is a refundable good housekeeping deposit of £250 required on all bookings.

Guests Comments :

“We had a great holiday,  stunning location, house was wonderful for 16 (us, children, grandchildren), with so much space inside and out. Kids enjoyed riding their bikes around, going to the beach, using the games room. They also put on a play about Bonnie Prince Charlie visiting the house! The house is great, so full of character.”

“What a lovely house. We had a great time. It was my 80th birthday and my three daughters with families were all there, plus a couple of friends our own age. They were very active, climbing mountains, bicycling along the track into Arisaig, kayaking (8 of them) from Arisaig, using the ferries to Skye and to Knoydart as well as plenty of ball games at the house. Table tennis is such a good idea for a rainy day but we only had one and we were able to sit outside a bit and had lovely lunch on the gravel patio on the Thursday after the kayaking. Views across to Eigg and Rhum were glorious and some went to the sandy beaches, with wet suits. Some explored Charlie’s cave. Thank you for leaving such a varied collection of books and stories in the library. We learned a lot about the £45. The fishing was not successful. It always seemed to be low tide! The keen fisherman tried from the beach at the mouth of the Borrodale burn and also from a jetty in Arisaig but no luck. On my birthday we walked up to Arisaig House for lunch, we had arranged it with Sarah earlier and she did a lovely buffet. We shall recommend Borrodale to our friends.”

“Beautiful house in a wonderful setting with an amazing history. Very spacious and lovely comfortable chairs and sofas. Great fun in the games room”.

“A fantastic house – the children all enjoyed putting on a play about Bonnie Prince Charlie, a real Jacobite holiday! Weather has been amazing, but even if it wasn’t, this house is great for our large family!”

“What an amazing time we have had, despite the mixed weather. So cosy and comfortable and plenty of room for everyone. Some great meals around the huge dining table. Just perfect, definitely hope to be back!”

“Fantastic house for a big family get together. The kids loved all the nooks and crannies – perfect for hide and seek. The garden and facilities are excellent, we had lots of fun playing pool and table tennis. Lots of great walks, we found the cave!!”

“A wonderful space to welcome my family to help celebrate my 60th year, space enough for children and grandchildren, Spacious rooms with comfortable beds and what a bonus of the games room during some wet weather. The house is well equipped and very welcoming. Everyone commented on what a “find” it was. If I ever need so much space again I would happily return and would recommend to anyone looking for such a property” .