The island of Eilean Shona is described as Neverland Found, being much-loved by the author and playwright, J.M.Barrie. Seven recently refurbished holiday cottages and the former hunting lodge in which J.M. Barrie stayed in the 1920s have been made newly available to rent and I can't think of a more enchanting and intriguing, rustic-luxe locale.
All photos courtesy of Eilean Shona
It was here that the author created the screenplay for Peter Pan. During Barrie’s visit, he wrote of Eilean Shona, "We have mountains and lochs and boats and tennis and billiards and most of the Western islands of Scotland lying at our feet."
Now co-owned by luxury hotelier and art collector Vanessa Branson and Robert Devereux, the island is a magical place for a family holiday or for those in search of peace and quiet. It comes with enchanted moss-covered woods, wild open hills, and a beautiful white sandy beach on the south western tip of the island. Visitors can walk for hours without seeing another person.
The island is a natural haven for wildlife, plants and many rare trees brought from distant shores over a hundred years ago. It abounds with wildlife: an array of seabirds, deer, nesting sea eagles, red squirrels and rare pine marten. Criss-crossing the island is a network of secluded paths that wind through acres of woodland and over the heather-covered hills. Along its shores are numerous tiny inlets, coves and at every point there are breath-taking views forever changing with the tides and the season. Seals, families of otters, dolphin, minke whales and basking sharks can all be seen in the waters around Shona.
Though only a short boat ride from the mainland, this haven of peace and tranquillity offers guests a completely different world, away from the hustle and bustle of daily life. There are no cars, no televisions and no flight path. - just a small shop open during select hours for basic provisions and home-cooked meals. The former village hall is available for all to use should visitors be feeling social. It has a table tennis table, a dart board, some books and games and free access to the internet.
In Eilean Shona House, which sleeps up to 20, fires blaze in every (living) room. This is comfortable, relaxed living on a grand scale. There is a billiards room, a grand piano in the drawing room and board games galore. And, unlike many Scottish country houses, there’s lashings of hot water for five vast baths, thanks to an eco-boiler fed with naturally fallen trees.
Each of the seven rental cottages that are dotted around the island has something special about it – a couple of them are off-grid. The Old Schoolhouse, (around $1,700 per week, sleeping 4) launched two years ago, is a luxurious conversion of the long-gone island community’s school. Wonderfully isolated, this two bedroom idyll is situated over a mile along the North Channel coast path and a 45-minute walk from the jetty where guests disembark.
One of the prettiest available is Tioram Cottage (pictured right, also from around $1,700 per week). Sleeping eight people, Tioram is set right on the shorefront of Loch Moidart and has recently been extensively modernised. Expect a flat screen TV, DVD player, white Egyptian cotton bed linen and towels, and large, sea facing windows with stunning views of the Loch and Tioram Castle. Tioram Cottage, a 5-minute walk away from the island pontoon, has its own private bay area, with a camp fire pit and picnic table.
PRICES
Main House: Six nights’ rental of Eilean Shona House with 11 bedrooms, based on 20 people sharing, £10,000 (around $13,000) regardless of season, including wi-fi and four return RIB transfers to the mainland. Prices are lower for reduced occupancy. A three night short break for 8+ bedrooms in low season costs £4,500 (around $5,800) Chefs are available on request.
The Cottages: There are eight rental cottages on Eilean Shona, sleeping between 2 -8 people. Lead-in prices for one week’s rental of a cottage range from £680 (around $900) - £1,300 (around $1,700) including ferry crossings, as above, and use of the village hall with wi-fi.
The island is reached either by air or rail from Glasgow which is a three hour drive through the Highlands to Dorlin Pier where the island boat picks guests up for the five minute crossing. Alternatively take the Caledonian sleeper train from Euston to Fort William which is an hour's drive away, or make a dramatic entrance and arrive by helicopter.
For Eilean Shona bookings visit eileanshona.com, +44 (0)1967 431249.
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