Ballyhaugh, Isle of Coll, PA78

A rare opportunity to acquire a well-established, versatile property with scope for mixed-use, including commercial, residential, and holiday-let accommodation

Established in 1990, Ballyhaugh, also known as The Hebridean Centre, operates as both the administrative base and residential facility for Project Trust, an international charity dedicated to youth volunteering overseas.

Set within a striking south-facing location, Ballyhaugh enjoys expansive views across Loch Ballyhaugh towards Ben Hogh. The property began life as a traditional farmhouse, with a collection of outbuildings arranged in a distinctive horseshoe layout. Since the late 1980s, the buildings have been thoughtfully reconfigured and upgraded, transforming the original stone structures beneath slate roofs into a well-equipped and capacious residential centre.

The centre can accommodate up to 46 residents and balances its historic character with modern functionality. Environmental considerations are an integral feature of the property, which includes two 18-metre wind turbines (5kW each) to reduce reliance on grid electricity, alongside an electric vehicle charging point. Ballyhaugh is also supported by a private water supply and private septic system, and is largely double-glazed throughout.

Accommodation is primarily arranged on the ground floor and includes ten shared sleeping rooms, each equipped with two sets of bunk beds, along with three double bedrooms, two of which are located on the first floor. Facilities also include a commercial scale kitchen and dining area with an adjoining dry store, a large utility room, several meeting and activity rooms, and extensive storage throughout the building.

The centre offers generous communal and social spaces, including a comfortable living area, a traditional ceilidh hall, and a spacious residents’ lounge featuring a licensed bar and open fireplace. Additional practical amenities comprise a large boot room, five bath and shower rooms, and separate male and female toilet facilities. Enhancement works carried out in 2012 further modernised the property, creating a bright open plan office environment with breakout and meeting rooms, a dedicated staff kitchen, and a clearly defined main office entrance, supporting both residential use and day to day operations.

The building is set within generous garden grounds and enjoys a convenient position within easy walking distance of Hogh Bay, an ideal spot for refreshing sea swimming. Looking beyond the bay, the horizon stretches uninterrupted towards Barra.

The grounds extend to approximately 0.40 hectares (around 1 acre) of grassland and are enclosed by a stock fenced boundary, offering privacy along with expansive, open views. These outdoor areas provide excellent space for outdoor dining, gatherings, and social use. At the heart of the site lies a distinctive courtyard, linking to the original farmhouse that forms the focal point of the building.

A shed positioned on the north side of the property offers useful storage for gardening tools or outdoor equipment. In addition, there is substantial hardstanding within the grounds, allowing for parking of multiple vehicles.

Extending to approximately 71.71 acres, the land offers a productive landscape with wide areas of grazing suitable for livestock or ponies.

Around Totamore, the land includes enclosed inbye ground and gathering pens, all clearly defined by a combination of stock proof fencing and traditional stone dykes.

At its heart lies Ballyhaugh Loch, a scenic freshwater body extending to around 20 acres. The loch is framed by a rich mosaic of woodland and wetland, supporting a thriving natural environment. Reed beds, rushes, and water lilies flourish within the surrounding marshes, while the loch attracts a wide variety of birdlife. Ducks, geese, swans, and herons are regularly seen, and seasonal migrations bring additional species, making the area particularly appealing to wildlife enthusiasts.

Ballyhaugh (The Hebridean Centre) is situated around 20 minutes’ drive from the coastal village of Arinagour. The village hosts a wide range of facilities including a church, post office, doctor’s surgery, general store, hotel, café, fuel station, fire station and gift shop. There is also a well-established primary school, award-winning hotel and a vibrant community centre with a sports hall and theatre facilities.
The Isle of Coll enjoys a rugged beauty and an enviable wildlife population including corncrakes, geese, waders, seals and otters. There are frequent sightings of basking sharks, minke whales, dolphins and seals in the surrounding waters.

The island enjoys official ‘Dark Sky’ status with no light pollution to speak of and is renowned for its tranquillity. The Island is connected to the mainland via either a regular Caledonian MacBrayne vehicular ferry which takes approximately 160 minutes from Oban or by a regular scheduled air service from Oban which takes approximately 30 minutes.

Directions
The Isle of Coll is accessible via a regular ferry service from Oban, as well as a scheduled air service from Connel Airport. Upon disembarking the ferry, follow the B8070 through the village of Arinagour, then bear right and continue along the island road for approximately 2 miles. At the T-junction, turn left and proceed for a further 2.8 miles, where Ballyhaugh will be found on the right-hand side. Parking is available at the property.

Specifications for the property include mains electric, electric storage heating, open fires, private drainage, BT broadband.

Fixtures and Fittings to be included in this sale by express agreement