A fine farmhouse in a heartbreakingly pretty spot on the Isle of Arran has come up for sale
Porta Leacach House is a fine family home that boasts arguably the most breathtaking location on the Isle of Arran.

Some days are so cold, gloomy and damp that it's hard to remember a time when you ever felt that delicious, warm tang of sunshine on your skin.
Other days are so deeply blue and irrepressibly sunny that the very idea it'll ever rain again seems ludicrous. And we'll admit that these images of Porta Leacach House, on the Isle of Arran, were taken on one of these latter days; and we'll also admit that this dot on the map in the Firth of Clyde doesn't always enjoy tropical conditions.
Yet since when does anyone buy a house thinking about how it'll be at its worst? Instead, let's focus on the joys of this five-bedroom family home, set in 32 acres of land, and for sale via Savills at a price which will make city dwellers weep: £650,000.
The house sites on the southern tip of Arran on the edge of a village named Kildonan, a tiny place which has a sandy beach, a castle, shop, post office and a hotel, as well as views back to the mainland and to the striking Pladda lighthouse.
Porta Leacach House itself dates to 1896, a traditional Scottish farmhouse that has been very nicely refurbished. The kitchen in particular is exactly what you'd hope to see in this sort of property, with dark blue Aga, island and plenty of space for a dining table.
The living rooms are arranged at the front of the house to make the most of the splendid views out to sea, while off to one side of the dining room is a study.
The land that comes with the house is a mixture of well-kept lawn and wilder areas, as well as a fruit and vegetable patch. And, of course, your own private stretch of coastline.
Exquisite houses, the beauty of Nature, and how to get the most from your life, straight to your inbox.
There's a West-facing patio too, plus a number of outbuildings — one of which, a crumbling old steading, might potentially be restored an used as a holiday let.
We'd imagine that such a place could do very well indeed; after all, one look at the picture above and pretty much anyone would be convinced of the charms of this spot as a place for a holiday.
Porta Leacach House is for sale via Savills at £650,000 — see more details and pictures.
Toby Keel is Country Life's Digital Director, and has been running the website and social media channels since 2016. A former sports journalist, he writes about property, cars, lifestyle, travel, nature.
-
Neil Armstrong and Sir Edmund Hillary’s joint adventure to the Arctic that you've never heard about and what its re-creation can tell us about the state of Earth
In 1985, Neil Armstrong and Sir Edmund Hillary adventured to the North Pole; 40 years later, their children re-created the expedition.
By Ben Lerwill Published
-
Nuthall Temple: The Palladian masterpiece that was blown up to make way for the M1
Every Monday, Melanie Bryan, delves into the hidden depths of Country Life's extraordinary archive to bring you a long-forgotten story, photograph or advert.
By Melanie Bryan Published
-
What everyone is talking about this week: Where are the new Cotswolds?
The appearance of American Vice President J. D. Vance in the Cotswolds is a sure sign that they're saturated, but where else can you escape to that has the same charm?
By Will Hosie Published
-
19 outstanding country homes, from £450,000 to £20 million, as seen in Country Life
A spectacular country house in Yorkshire and an enormously impressive Channel Islands retreat are among the stand-out homes on the market this week.
By Toby Keel Published
-
Three homes down by the Thames, perfect for those who love messing about on boats
This summer’s scorching temperatures will no doubt have endorsed the perennial appeal of Thames-side houses with frontage and private access to the river. Penny Churchill and Toby Keel pick out some prime examples.
By Toby Keel Published
-
A pavilion, pool and pleasure gardens at this Devon country house 'with not another building in sight'
Ebberly House is a majestic country house in Devon built by one of John Soane's pupils — and as it comes to the market, it's a place Penny Churchill knows well.
By Penny Churchill Published
-
Take over the world or throw a great big party on this private fort for sale in Pembroke
Thorne Island, dubbed the British Alcatraz, has been a £2 million labour of love. Now it could be yours.
By James Fisher Published
-
The perfect summer house? A country home, beach house and rural escape rolled into one in a prime spot in Sussex
If there's a finer house than Grangewood House in which to enjoy the summer, we'd love to see it. Penny Churchill takes a look.
By Penny Churchill Published
-
A six-bedroom modern masterpiece mere minutes from Europe's best golf course
Villa Stern catches the eye with its distinctive design, and is imbued with luxury inside and out.
By James Fisher Published
-
Everything the light touches… The London penthouse for sale that will make you feel like a king
The Observatory in London’s Fulham boasts 360-degree views of the capital.
By Rosie Paterson Published