The House of Machrie

Why you'll love staying here

The House of Machrie is an impressive Victorian country house that stands in beautiful grounds at Dougarie, a traditional sporting estate on the Isle of Arran. Extending to around 25,000 acres and dating back to the 1860s, the estate encompasses field sports, a golf course, forestry, nature conservation, and organic farming, in a unique setting off Scotland’s west coast.

An exceptional base for extended families or groups of friends, the house is perfectly placed for exploring the Isle of Arran, often described as “Scotland in miniature”, as well as the wider west coast and Highlands.

Originally built as the main farmhouse on the estate, the House of Machrie reflects Scottish architectural heritage through the ages, with crow-stepped gables, and a circular tower that houses the main staircase. Thoughtfully modernised to an exacting standard, it combines contemporary comfort with timeless grandeur and elegance. Picture windows frame lovely views across the surrounding farmland, while open fires keep things warm on cooler days.

Outside, a converted stone barn serves as a games room, and an enclosed garden is a safe space for children and dogs, with plenty of room for picnics or barbecues.

The estate’s diverse habitats range from intertidal foreshore and farmland to woodland, moorland, and montane terrain. The farm comprises 1,500 acres of lowland pasture and upland grazing, home to a flock of North Country Cheviot sheep. With certified organic accreditation and a strong commitment to animal welfare, the estate balances tradition with sustainability. Its broadleaf woodland, including oak, birch and the rare Arran whitebeam, supports iconic Scottish wildlife such as the red squirrel.

A wide range of activities can be arranged for guests staying at The House of Machrie. Anglers can enjoy fly-fishing for salmon and sea trout on the River Iorsa, mackerel fishing, lobster potting trips, and private tuition. Shooting opportunities include clay pigeon shooting, small-bore rifle practice, and driven pheasant and partridge days. Red deer stalking, considered among the finest in Scotland, offers breathtaking panoramas stretching from Northern Ireland in the south to Ben Lomond and the southern Hebrides in the north.

Photography workshops can be arranged for all levels, while culinary enthusiasts may enjoy salami and sausage-making classes. For relaxation, local beauty therapists offer in-house treatments, including facials and manicures.

For a more active stay, guests can take advantage of the estate-run nine-hole links course, with golf passes arranged prior to arrival. An all-weather tennis court is available, with racquets for adults and children available to hire. Bespoke nature tours and whisky distillery visits can also be organised.

The Isle of Arran is reached by a short ferry crossing from Ardrossan on the Ayrshire coast, around an hour's sailing that feels like the holiday has already begun. Cars, bikes, and dogs are all welcome on board.