An island dream house where you'll need a 4x4 just to get to the front door
Any property that can only be accessed via 4x4 or quad bikes is guaranteed to be a show stopper, and Arinthluic, on the Isle of Coll’s south coast, does not disappoint.

With 49 acres of decrofted land and one kilometre of foreshore included in its sale, Arinthluic arrives onto the market via Knight Frank with offers over £525,000.
Framed by a sheltered seafoam green cove and white sandy beach on one side, and rugged, wild landscape the other, the three bedroom home occupies ‘a dramatic and idyllic’ location on the south side of the Isle of Coll, which forms part of the Inner Hebrides.
Located about six miles from the Isle of Mull, the Isle of Coll is reported to have some of the longest sunshine hours recorded in the UK, according to the agents.
With approximately 160 residents, measuring 13 miles in length and no street lights, the Isle of Coll is Scotland’s first official ‘Dark Sky Island’, making it only one of two in the UK.
This is the place to be if you’re looking to unwind, escape from the stressors of daily life, and tap back into the magic of nature.
The property itself emulates a touch of New England charm with weatherboarded interiors, mixed with cosy, traditional touches of exposed stone walls and log burners in many of the rooms. The views are obviously incredible, overlooking the beach towards the Treshnish Isles and the Isle of Mull.
The current owners purchased the house in 2017 and have undertaken a series of restoration works, including re-roofing, adding double-glazing, installing a new porch and updating the conservatory to the rear, as well as installing new multi-fuel stores and a water treatment plant.
Exquisite houses, the beauty of Nature, and how to get the most from your life, straight to your inbox.
About two miles north of the property is the Tolkienesque sounding village of Arinagour, which, although small, boasts a remarkable list of shops and amenities, including — and perhaps most importantly — a gin distillery. There’s also Tesco’s click and collect service that’s brought over by ferry from Oban, a medical practice, primary school and a hotel/pub.
Access to the island is easy attainable year round, with a car ferry running from Oban five days a week during the winter, and seven days a week in the summer. Flights also run from Connel Airport to Coll with Hebridean Airlines, or if you’d prefer, you can charter a private boat and moor it in Arinagour Bay, or a private plane (with prior consent from the airport).
What is there not to love? The island itself is a haven for wildlife, with whales, dolphins, basking sharks and all manner of bird life easily sighted (the west coast is an RSPB reserve).
Seafood is plentiful — even better if you can catch it yourself from the comfort of your own beach. And then there’s every possible outdoor activity imaginable, from sailing, open water swimming and kayaking, to mountain biking, walking and scuba diving…the list is endless.
Arinthluic is currently on the market via Knight Frank for offers in excess of £525,000 — see more pictures or enquire with the agent for further details.
Credit: Strutt and Parker
Best country houses for sale this week
An irresistible West Country cottage and a magnificent Cumbrian country house make our pick of the finest country houses for
-
‘City gents in bowler hats beat on our shop windows shouting “immoral!” and “disgusting!”’: The rise (and rise) of the mini skirt
What the mini skirt lacked in length it more than made up for in meaning.
By Amie Elizabeth White Published
-
Five years, 10,400 miles and a boatload of stories: Mark Ashley-Miller on the Country Life Podcast
Mark Ashley-Miller, the man who sailed to every harbour in Britain and Ireland, joins the Country Life Podcast.
By Toby Keel Published
-
A 500-year-old cottage in West Sussex that's as beautiful as you could ever hope to see, with a pool ringed by flowers, stables and a croquet lawn
James Fisher was in need of some balm for the soul when he came across Woodshill House.
By James Fisher Published
-
A Clarkson's Farm of one's own: Five properties with just enough farmland for you and your family, from under £1 million
Moving to the country is one thing; moving to the country and being able to grow and rear all your own food is another level entirely, and all these properties offer exactly that.
By Arabella Youens Published
-
Six superb homes, from chocolate box cottages to grand Tudor mansions, as seen in Country Life
Our regular round-up includes charming home counties houses and superb grand country house in Ireland.
By Toby Keel Published
-
A billionaire's thatched cottage is for sale in Surrey, once owned by the oil magnate J. Paul Getty
Chestnut Cottage is a joyous little home — albeit one with the most unusual bedrooms to acreage to price balances we've ever seen. Toby Keel takes a look inside.
By Toby Keel Published
-
Medieval Italian? 19th century French? 16th century German? You're spoilt for choice if you're looking to buy a gorgeous continental castle
From hills of Italy to a Bavarian palace, Toby Keel takes a look at three of the finest castles for sale across Europe today.
By Toby Keel Published
-
How to buy a house at auction
Buying at auction can mean you secure your dream property for a bargain price, but preparation is the key
By Annabel Dixon Last updated
-
The homes of two 1980s TV icons are both up for sale at the same time
The houses where Bob Monkhouse and Sir Terry Wogan spent decades of their lives are currently on the market. Annabel Dixon takes a look.
By Annabel Dixon Published
-
Living on the edge? A lighthouse for sale on a clifftop on one of the most remote islands in Britain
Bressay Lighthouse was built by the father and uncle of the 'Treasure Island' author.
By Rosie Paterson Published