The Back House, 11 The Apostles - UK39112
ID: S1311087
- Bedrooms 1
- ・ Sleeps 2
- ・ Pets 2
Guests say
The Back House is a charming, cosy cottage in a tranquil setting, ideal for those seeking peace, nature, and scenic walks on Arran. Guests consistently praise its cleanliness, tasteful decor, and well-equipped kitchen. Wildlife sightings, including red squirrels and deer, add to the appeal. While the cottage is compact and some found the seating and mattress less comfortable, most found it a relaxing base for exploring the island. The remote location means amenities are a drive away, so advance planning is recommended. Overall, it offers a delightful and peaceful retreat for couples or solo travellers.
Multiple reviews highlight the cottage as spotlessly clean and well maintained, with only positive remarks regarding cleanliness.
The peaceful, scenic location near the beach and surrounded by wildlife is highly praised. The remoteness is a positive for most, though some note the lack of nearby shops.
Guests generally find the cottage cosy and comfortable, with a warm atmosphere and good beds. However, a few mention the seating and mattress could be improved, and the bedroom is compact.
The cottage is well equipped with kitchen essentials and guidebooks, though some minor maintenance issues (shower, kitchen utensils) and lack of storage are noted. Facilities are otherwise praised.
Guests appreciate thoughtful touches such as extra blankets, local artwork, and guidebooks. Please note that gifts or extras are not guaranteed with every stay.
About this property
Beautifully furnished, with the stunning backdrop of mountains, a tiny stretch from the beach, a light-filled perfect island escape for couples..
Ground Floor:
Open plan living space.
Living area: Smart TV, Woodburner
Dining area.
Kitchen area: Electric Oven, Electric Hob, Microwave, Fridge/Freezer, Dishwasher, Washer Dryer
Shower Room: Cubicle Shower, Heated Towel Rail, Toilet
First Floor:
Bedroom: Double (4ft 6in) Bed.
Electric radiators, electricity, bed linen, towels and Wi-Fi included.. Enclosed rear garden with sitting-out area and garden furniture. On road parking. No smoking.. The Back House 11 The Apostles is situated on the north west coast of the island in the charming village of Catacol. The cottage, with some attractive outlooks itself, sits immediately behind one of The Twelve Apostles, a famous row of pretty and characterful cottages. The cottage includes an enclosed rear garden. The Back House 11 The Apostles is just a few yards from the beach around the corner and lies at the foot of Glen Catacol.
Abundant mountain and coastal walks start from the cottage doorstep including alongside the burn towards Loch Tanna, or to Lochranza Distillery past Loch na Davie through Gleann Easan Biorach, returning either on the coast road, over the hill on the Postman’s Walk with its glorious views, or by the bus which stops literally a tiny walk away.
Wildlife abounds all around with regular sightings of red deer, golden eagles, red squirrels, seals, otters, dolphins and gannets. Located in the National Scenic Area of North Arran, ADD and since 2025 a unesco Global Geopark this much photographed and iconic island area offers walks, stunning sea and mountain views and wildlife.
The cottage is ideal for walkers, golfers and wildlife enthusiasts, or for those who simply wish to relax in front of the wood burner and nod off in such peaceful surroundings.
The Back House 11 The Apostles is a wonderful base from which to explore both the spectacular coastal and mountainous location, in the immediate area, together with the rest of Arran. Lochranza with the Arran Distillery, pitch and putt golf course, places to eat and drink, plus the Claonaig ferry to hop across to the Kintyre Peninsula, is just 2 miles away. A useful shop with food essentials is merely 3 miles south at Pirnmill.
Free WiFi
Electric vehicle charging is not permitted at the property.
There are low ceilings, doors and/or beams within the property.
We highly recommend that you book your ferry as soon as possible as ferries get very busy. You can call Calmac on 0800 066 5000. For ferries that travel to Orkney are Northlink Ferries 08001114422 and Pentland Ferries 0800 688 8998.
Scottish Letting Licence No: NA00285F
Suitable for up to 2 pets
Reviews (26)
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Tracy O’Neill
This was an amazing little find, perfect for our trip. The back house had everything we needed , a fantastic location with great views and things to explore within easy reach. I hope to return again soon. Thank you ☺️
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Margaret Cook
Pleasantly surprised with this small cottage , lay out was good with all you need for your stay . Clean and comfortable in the quiet location of Catacol which was what we wanted . Lochranza with its ferry port and Castle an easy walk . There is also a hotel and sandwich shop there. We like the drive ,approx 4 miles , to Pirnmill Post Office if we run out of something and a good restaurant (The Lighthouse) is next door to post office. Comfortable bed , which we knew was a double but for a week was fine. We also knew that being at the back of the Apostles we wouldn’t have a sea view but still had beautiful views. Beach is just across the road from the property , added bonus of seeing the deer in the evening there. My husband and I , along with our dog had a lovely time there . Well kept enclosed garden with wooden bench , wooden table and benches also.
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Confirmed Guest
If you want to be near / in Lochranza then, frankly, rental opportunities are scarce. Catacol is a good mile from Lochranza village, in theory you can walk along the top of the cliff on the coastal path, but in practice this isn’t the easiest walk, so you’re on the road - admittedly not too many cars pass, but it’s not ideal.Other downside - midgies and lots of ‘em (usually warm for late August this year that may not have helped); nearest shop a few miles away in Pirnmill (there is a regular bus service, but really you need a car to get around).The Back House is charming & generally well-equipped (however…wot no corkscrew or pint pots for beer??), the main problem is the awful shower, both water pressure and the shower ‘cage’.But…upsides….lochranza is home to the best pub on the island (quality of beer and price of it. The fish & chips weren’t half bad either); the **** of Arran and Fairy Glen walks, as well as the walks at ‘nearby’ Sannox are wonderful; the wildlife (saw deer every day, red squirrels a couple of times…..sadly, I missed the humpback whale on one day and the seals); the Back House sits in a very quiet spot with dark skies and very near to the beach, which has space to walk dogs, even when the tide is in (and the deer are elsewhere)Well that’s a long review - if you want peace & quiet, don’t mind doing cooking for yourself, have a car & like walking, have wine bottles with screw tops, then Back House is for you. For me, I’ll be back to Arran next year, but probably back to Whiting Bay, where there’s a bit more within walking distance. I’ll miss the Lochranza community pub though….