DRYSDALE & Company, a commercial property agency for the hospitality sector, has brought Kilchoman House & Islay Cottages on the west coast of Islay to market.
With a freehold asking price of offers over £1.9 million, Kilchoman is set over 37 acres of ground. It has been described as offering the option of living in a large family home whilst operating the self-catering cottages as a business.
Alternatively, the entire estate could be run on a 100% commercial basis, with guests also staying in the B-listed Georgian House, which was built in 1825. Accommodation includes a recently refurbished kitchen, formal dining room which can seat 18, main sitting room, and family room.
Next to the main house is a separate annexe building beneath a double pitched roof which includes a one-bedroom flat with lounge. The sitting room overlooks a walled garden with views over Creag Mhor.
“Owned and operated by the present owner for the past eight years, Kilchoman is a thriving business with plenty of potential for further redevelopment, subject to planning,” explained Stuart Drysdale, director at Drysdale & Company. “Along with all the other buildings making up Kilchoman is a large single-storey agricultural garage which is to the south of the main house.
“The extensive acreage available here provides significant potential for the addition of further development or lodges subject to appropriate planning permission being granted. It’s another box ticked on what makes this entire estate so attractive. We are delighted to bring it to the market at this time.
“Kilchoman’s safe and attractive setting makes it an ideal place in which to bring up a family. Older children, as they turn into adults, could easily get involved in running the business too – there is a great deal of scope for a whole new lifestyle. We expect this listing to be very popular indeed.”
Current owners of Kilchoman House & Islay Cottages, David and Caroline Thompson, commented, “It has been great fun building the business, we have many friends from the regular guests who visit, some coming for over 20 years. A great deal has been invested in building the business, particularly in maintenance and improvements to the product. Trip Advisor results and guest comments are very gratifying and Kilchoman and Islay cottages is something we are both very proud of.”
David added, “Having been involved in the hospitality industry all our working lives, we think that the time is right to move on. We have another very successful business on Islay, the ‘Peatzeria’ which keeps us involved.
“We now have three grandchildren and counting who require our attention, also the chance to spend a lot more time travelling is very appealing. Kilchoman is a very special place, and we will miss it and the buzz very much. There is a lot more that could be done, but it is time to leave it to someone younger to take Kilchoman and Islay Cottages to the next stage.”
