Machrie Moor Stone Circles - 18 min drive - 11.4 km
Auchrannie Leisure Centre - 29 min drive - 28.6 km
Brodick Isle of Arran Ferry Terminal - 30 min drive - 29.5 km
Getting around
Glasgow (PIK-Prestwick) - 124 min drive
Restaurants
Cafe Thyme - 10 min drive
The Lighthouse - 7 min drive
Dunvalanree - 129 min drive
Drumfearne Guesthouse & Tearoom - 220 min drive
Machrie Bay Tea Room - 9 min drive
About this property
A beautiful & remote farmhouse on the Isle of Arran with outstanding sea views
Family-friendly farm stay by the sea
A beautiful & remote farmhouse on the Isle of Arran with outstanding sea views provides amenities like a garden and an arcade/game room. Stay connected with free in-room WiFi.
You'll also enjoy the following perks during your stay:
A video library, smoke-free premises, and outdoor furniture
Books, games, and table tennis
Room features
All guestrooms at A beautiful & remote farmhouse on the Isle of Arran with outstanding sea views boast thoughtful touches such as fireplaces, in addition to amenities like free WiFi and dining tables.
Other amenities include:
Highchairs, children's dinnerware, and children's books
2 bathrooms with showers and shower/tub combinations
You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions
Pets
Pets allowed
Service animals are welcome, and are exempt from fees
Welcoming dogs only
2 total (up to 20 lbs per pet)
Children and extra beds
Children are welcome
Important information
You need to know
Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card, or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited
This property is managed through our partner, Vrbo. You will receive an email from Vrbo with a link to a Vrbo account, where you can change or cancel your reservation
We should mention
A car is required for transportation to and from this property
Frequently asked questions
Is A beautiful & remote farmhouse on the Isle of Arran with outstanding sea views pet-friendly?
Yes, this property allows dogs (limit 2 total) with a maximum weight of up to 20 lbs per pet.
What time is check-in at A beautiful & remote farmhouse on the Isle of Arran with outstanding sea views?
Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.
What time is check-out at A beautiful & remote farmhouse on the Isle of Arran with outstanding sea views?
Check-out is at 10:00 AM.
Where is A beautiful & remote farmhouse on the Isle of Arran with outstanding sea views located?
Located by the sea, this family-friendly farm stay is within 12 mi (20 km) of Machrie Moor Stone Circles, King's Cave, and Shiskine Golf & Tennis Club. Secret Garden Gallery and Lochranza Castle are also within 12 mi (20 km).
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A beautiful & remote farmhouse on the Isle of Arran with outstanding sea views Reviews
Reviews
10
Exceptional
All reviews shown are from real guest experiences. Only travelers who have booked a stay with us can submit a review. We verify reviews according to our guidelines and publish all reviews, positive or negative.
Lovely stay in a gorgeous country house. Very tucked away with a off road driveway (which was perfect for us).
Cosy rooms, great group kitchen and everything we needed.
The natural water supply up the hill from the house needs a little looking after but not a problem with the amazing sunny week we had in April.
Thoroughly recommend Banlicken Farmhouse.
The Banlicken Farmhouse on Arran was a great location for our family vacation. Off the beaten path, it offers amazing views, serenity, and the space for an entire family to spread out for quiet time. We’d encourage families looking for the complete Arran experience to consider Banlicken!
We had a wonderful time during our stay at Banlicken. The area and views are superb. It's such a beautiful spot, with an outstanding large garden and even a private source running through it. The house meant a very warm en comfortable place to us, we spent hours in the cosy kitchen. Thanks a lot, we're looking forward to come back!
Banlicken was perfect for our multigenerational family holiday. The external Byre and play barn enable everyone to do things at their own pace and the big kitchen/dining room means catering for a big party is easy.
The location is spectacular with incredible views and completely isolated from the "main" road. The access road isn't that tricky - perhaps only a sports car would struggle with the ford. In summary a great place to stay.
Our group of 9 adults had a great time at the property. Amazing kitchen space for cooking and socialising as a group. Loved the remoteness of the property as it meant we didn’t have to worry about disturbing anyone else. The grounds and views were stunning. I would definitely recommend this place to other friends and families.
Had a lovely week at Banlicken. It really is remote and the track up can be a little hairy in a full car but the views are wonderful and the house is spacious and well equipped with a very handy separate cottage /barn for a family. One bathroom in the main house can make it busy in the mornings and we didn't use the playbarn in the end. Would recommend a trip to the Lagg Distillery with a nice cafe and very friendly staff.
Beautiful position looking over the water. We had amazing weather all week which meant not much time spent in the house during the day. Cottage was great to give extra privacy. Real traditional farmhouse, only comment is an extra bathroom would be good oh and a trampoline would be perfect! Requested by my son. 4/4 is better for the track but no big deal. Saw a deer and red squirrels in the garden, seals on the beach, peacocks and pheasants too.
The property was beautiful, and in a fantastic position above the coast with complete privacy and amazing views. It was very easy to get around the island with lots of different activities available. Kayaking and wild swimming were particular highlights for us.
We had a lovely week at Banlicken. Stunning location and beautiful property. Loved the view, great for walking and seeing wildlife- golden eagles, red squirrels and seals.
We had a lovely time at Banlicken. It has a peaceful, remote and special feel to it.
The accommodation adds to this and the rooms have a feeling of being lived in and special. The kitchen in particular is a great space for a group meal and we spent most evenings there. A lovely stay .
We had a great week at the property. Weather was up and down. We liked the secluded nature of the property. The drive up the track was always an adventure. Great size of kitchen and dinning area. Amazing views over to the west. We had a three year old with us and you have to be watching out, and following him around. As Jenny mentioned, the garden is on fairly uneven ground and you have to watch the smallest children around the burn .
We all enjoyed playing table tennis and the play barn area. We all felt the week went very fast and would love to return in the future .
We stayed at the property for 3 nights over a September weekend. My husband, daughter and I were visiting from the states with my sister and family who are from Edinburgh and booked the property for a long weekend. It was located in a gorgeous setting and the atmosphere was relaxing, magical and private. We made great memories and truly enjoyed the unique opportunity to see a more remote area of Scotland. The play barn was also wonderful for the kids.
This is a lovely property which is comfortably furnished and feels like a proper well-loved home. It really is remote; it takes a long time to drive along the track and depending on the weather/your car, you might not find you can always get down it. The nearest shop really is a long way away and you absolutely have to check the water supply regularly. In return, you get spectacular views and real space. Sadly, you won’t enjoy sitting outside most evenings because the midges will drive you in. You will also not get silence-the stream and the wind are noisy- but you will get peace. If you are of a nervous disposition do not come here! We had a storm one evening and the following day three of the four roads across the island were closed, some ferries were cancelled and the ford was running very high, all in August, but we thought it was worth it.
We have just got back from 2 weeks at Banlicken and had a wonderful time at the house and also across all that Arran has to offer.
The house itself it perfect as a base from which you can explore the island and also get across to Skipness on Kintyre which is recommended if nothing else because of Skipness Seafood Cabin serving delicious fresh seafood with Skipness Castle as a stunning backdrop on one side and views across to Arran the other.
With 2 small children (aged 18months and 5yrs) we hoped the house would satisfy them as well as ourselves and we weren't disappointed. The House is well stocked with games, toys and DVD/videos which were appreciated when we needed some down time to recharge the kids batteries.
For us adults all the key essentials (and more) were provided to make life as easy as possible and to make the house feel like that very well used cliche - a home from home.
It is worth noting that the drive way up to the cottage off the main road isn't for the timid but perfectly passable none the less. The water for the house coming direct from the mountain side needs checking and that is a short hike up the side of the hill so again not ideal if 10min walks up hill aren't your thing. The views at the check point are worth it though as you get widescreen views of Banlicken and the Kilbrannan Sound beyond and Kintyre beyond that.
As for Arran itself, there is so much to see and do that 12 days wasn't enough which means we'll have to return soon!
I have just returned from a marvellous holiday in Banlicken. There were 3 families of four and a spaniel. The house was very remote, well equipped and just what we were looking for. There were plenty of games for the evening.
The route to the house was fun but I am glad we arrived in the light. The ramble to the beach down the shortest route was slippy in the rain and sturdy boots were required. Sausages on an open fire were the reward. What more could you want!!
Seals and porpoise, we saw them too. Great week, great island, fantastic property with lots of helpful information.
Zoe M.
Stayed 7 nights in Oct 2018
10/10 Excellent
Sue R.
20 August 2018
Peaceful,picturesque, near perfect.
The house and bothy were comfortable, beautifully furnished , with the arrangement of the accommodation ideally suited for extended family. The big kitchen diner was a great space to congregate, and was very well equipped. Loads of crockery and big pans. We really enjoyed the views over the water to Kintyre. The farm track to the property had had some work done to it, and was easily passable with a heavily loaded family hatchback. Finally, both owner and housekeeper could not have been more helpful and friendly throughout our entire dealings.
Sue R.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2018
10/10 Excellent
Margaret C., Glasgow
12 August 2018
A gem of a place, isolated and a long farm track with views making it all worth while
Although remote as described, this house offered seclusion,a sense of peace and views which were quite outstanding. It offered our children and grandchildren a sense of freedom. The road has been described fully and can be a bit tricky for those not used to farm tracks. It was well maintained though and was passible by our 2 saloon cars, though there is a ford which was full flow after a stormy night. Would be impossible if two cars met! The house was one of the best stocked holiday homes I’ve been to, regarding kitchen equipment, games, dvds and videos. Reading material really interesting too. Play barn was used but we were reasonably lucky with weather so out and about a lot. After a long spell of drought water flow to tank really a trickle but luckily the rain came just at right time and with quick clean of input pipe and clearing of airlock no issues over the course of week. Full instruction were given and we were well warned that this is one of the quirks of this isolated farm house... it’s a gem of a place and we left with every intention of returning. Thank you for allowing us to share the experience of living in your home. Many lovely memories made.
Margaret C.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2018
10/10 Excellent
Susie H.
20 February 2018
Fantastic rural setting for a big family get together
We ranged from 4 to 70 years old and very much enjoyed our stay at Banlicken. The beautiful big farmhouse kitchen is the perfect place for a large group to gather round the table and the kitchen is very well equipped. We stayed during a cold spell in February but the heating was efficient enough plus the fire in the cosy living room to keep us warm. The kids had a great time all sleeping in the annex together. It is certainly remote and the track up to the house not for the faint hearted (or low slung car!) but we found it all part of the adventure! There is only one bathroom in the main house but not a major issue for relaxed holiday mornings. Book your ferry early!!
Susie H.
Stayed 4 nights in Feb 2018
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.
10/10 Excellent
Isobel B.
4 August 2016
Wonderful remote farmhouse
Loved this house. We were 2 grannys' with 9 children, aged between 16 and 18 months and 2 dogs.
Weather wasn't very good but the children didn't care as they had plenty of room to play both inside and out.
The play barn was great and the children put on a talent show. (We laughed but the judges took it very seriously)
The house and the cottage were well equipped and comfortable. We all loved the kitchen as we could all gather round the table.
Initially we were taken aback by the instructions for the water source but once the children knew where it was and what to do it wasn't so much of a chore. Although it wasn't great walking up the hill when it had been raining and the midges were out.
The midges were no problem in the house but loved to nibble at bodies playing in the garden.
The road up to the house should be treated with great care but you shouldn't let it put you off.
Isobel B.
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.
10/10 Excellent
Tim W.
2 September 2015
Very, comfortable and remote house for 3 families
We are three families (6 adults, 6 kids now aged 8-14) who take holidays together every other year - previously Crete, Brittany (twice) and Wales. We had a great week on Banlicken and Arran generally. Banlicken is very quiet, with lovely views across to Kintyre. The house is very comfortable. We appreciated the well-appointed kitchen (we like preparing big meals) and table we could all sit around. The bedrooms are very nice with comfortable beds. Some lovely pictures and ornaments give Banlicken a nice homely feel. The kids spent a lot of time playing table-tennis. Another loo in the main house would have been the icing on the cake!
The track is memorable and not for the faint-hearted. It fords a small river and was at the limit of our low-slung skoda - so mostly the passengers had to walk.
One of the reviews here says there isn't a restaurant nearby, but since that was written the Cafe Thyme has opened a couple of miles down the road - good food, big portions, children's playground, rabbits. Worth a visit. There are lots of nice walks for youngish children, including a particularly nice one around Lochranza (buy lunch at the Sandwich Shack). Bring your own frying pan for making bacon rolls on the beach - an adventuresome and steep walk down from the house.
Tim W.
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.
10/10 Excellent
tracey l.
21 February 2015
Family fun in Arran
Just had a super long weekend at Banlicken, 3 families, 3 nights. Banlicken was perfect. What an adventure the children had from the start, opening the gates and through the ford. Such excitement. The house was super, we all had our own little area to sleep and retreat to if needed. We cooked up some great meals in the large well equipped kitchen, sat around the cosy fire in the living room, reading, board games, and rugby for the men!! The children had the playbarn to work off some energy. A walk down to the shore with fantastic views and a very pretty sunset. Perfect.