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Time to Cosy on Down

Autumn is definitely starting to take hold. A few weeks back we thought summer had left us then we got another couple of weeks of fabulous weather. Now, however, it’s getting dark earlier, the leaves are turning, the stags will be roaring soon and the weather is, well, just more.

The Art of Coorie

I learnt a new word this week – “Coorie”.
Depending on who you read it is either the latest lifestyle trend based on the traditional Scottish word to get cosy and snuggle down and set to replace the Scandinavian “Hygge” as the trend of the moment OR a made up corruption of an old Gaelic word reflecting the need for a cosy warm retreat from the rigours of a hard outdoor life.

Whichever you go for the overall sense remains the same. It suggests a simplicity of decor and a warm cosy home to get back to after a day out in the wilds. This is where Mull excels for the autumn / winter months.

Places do close out of season, there aren’t the same number of eateries to choose from and it’s a bit harder to find organised trips and tours and activities. But that sort of misses the point. It is a favourite time for many who live here. There is a quietness and yes “cosiness” in the winter months. Getting out and about in the wilds and experiencing the weathers holds a different set of thrills. With weather as mixed and varied as we get on the island you never know when the sun will put in a surprise appearance either. The simplicity of being out in nature and embracing the elements is much sought after for those seeking some time away from it all. Overall, the opportunity to recharge and rebalance.

what to do and see

The stunning views and landscapes of Mull are so varied all around the island, we never tire of getting out and exploring. We had been coming on holiday for 20 years before moving here and there are still so many spots we haven’t visited. Even the most familiar haunts are so different from one season to the next. Whether you love your forest walks or coastal headlands, blow the cobwebs away on a windy beach or just driving round the fantastic roads and being wowed by the unfolding drama. For the more adventurous we have plenty hills to explore and the island’s munro Ben More, unique in being climbable from sea level. The wild swimmers out there won’t be disappointed if icy lochs, waterfall pools or steely seas are your thing!

Mull’s wildlife show continues through all seasons whatever the weather. In fact you may have more successful sightings without the summer crowds (everything’s relative!). There are always plenty of animals to spot – some more wild than others. The bird life follows it’s annual pattern with summer visitors leaving, being replaced by wintering guests joining our resident population. The mixed weather brings a new sense of drama and atmospheric scenes. It’s my son’s favourite kind of weather – not as “boring” as the bright sunshine!

We’ve already started seeing some amazing sunsets, and as the nights draw in you don’t have to stay up as late to watch the sun going down! The nights are getting properly dark now. An opportunity to experience stunning starry skies – the milky way, satellites and if you’re really lucky, maybe even the Northern Lights.

cosy on down

Willowbank offers a cosy retreat to return to. Enjoy a wallow in the bath or a nice hot shower. Cook up a storm in the well equipped kitchen and gather round the farmhouse table. Curl up in front of the wood burning stove in the lounge and enjoy a book. Or if you prefer turn on the box and watch your favourite programs.

So if you are looking for a simple break, some time for you – have a look and see what we have to offer. In other words, the perfect place to indulge in some mindfulness. Come and experience the art of Coorie and cosy on down on Mull.
From end of October we offer short breaks and are bookable for anything from 3 nights upwards. Availability and pricing all online.

  • Aros Falls… just outside Tobermory
  • Eas Fors – Waterfall making weather
  • and whisky making weather!
  • the lights of Tobermory!
  • Rubha Nan Gall lighthouse walk from Tobermory
  • Tobermory – beautiful and colourful whatever the season
  • Tobermory pier
  • Sound of Mull looking moody
  • A walk on the beach is good for the soul
  • Long shadows
  • Windy Calgary
  • Sun over Treshnish
  • Views of the Treshnish Isles
  • Messing around on the beach
  • Misty Glen
  • Can’t get enough beaches!
  • One of our favourites .. Langamull
  • Croggan
  • Reflections
  • Ferry coming in

Summer Holidays and beyond

We’re well into the summer holidays now .. over half way through the Scottish school holidays. We’ve had some glorious sunny weather as well as some typically Scottish summer weather too. Mull continues to delight her visitors and we are happy to help with any queries guests have as they plan their break.

I’d no idea before doing Willowbank how invested I’d feel in helping guests have the best holidays. We’re so lucky to live where we do & so happy to hear when our guests appreciate our efforts & the beauty of Mull. We’ve had some lovely reviews and comments – thank you! Thank you as well to any feedback for things we could do better, helps us to keep on improving.

Garden Progress

The garden is taking shape a bit more now too. If you could see what it was like when we were in the middle of renovations it’s hard to believe we’ve got a garden back. From bare ground piled high with rubble sacks and the ripped out fittings the grass seed has taken and we have a lawn and somewhere to sit and enjoy the birdsong. The wildflowers have come up a treat at the bottom of the garden where previously we had a rubble heap overshadowed by huge leylandii. Now we have wild flowers and a new standing stone for Dervaig. The stone came out of the house during renovation and we’ve named it the Lintel Stone! Great to see the locally made picnic table in use over the sunny evenings we’ve had too.

Future Bookings

If you’ve planned your summer, or even managed to get away for a summer break and are now looking ahead, we’ve still got some limited autumn availability and then we’re offering short breaks too over the winter period.
The cottage offers central heating, newly insulated everything and a cosy wood burning stove. All of which should make for a cosy retreat after brisk winter walking. The wildlife is stunning in the winter and with the well equipped kitchen cooking up a treat in the evening’s no problem. Maybe you’re already thinking about next year – don’t leave it too late to book. We had a number of disappointments this year with people not realising how quickly things would book up. All the rates for 2022 are up on the booking system too.

Reopening!

Willowbank

Open for business from 26th April!

Fantastic news yesterday .. our First Minister has finally released a statement on plans for travel to and from the islands. On 26th April when the mainland is anticipated to move to level 3 – the islands will also remain in level 3. This means travel will finally be allowed to and from the mainland. It is expected that travel to Scotland from England and Wales will also open on 26th April.

From 26th April only single households can stay in a self-catering cottage.
If everything continues to go to plan the next significant milestone will be from 17th May. This is when both the mainland and island group would be expected to move to Level 2. This would mean 2 households are then able to stay in the same self-catering accommodation.

About Willowbank

We’ve chosen a heck of a time to try and get a self-catering cottage onto the market. It would be so good to finally be able to share recently renovated Willowbank with more guests. With one double and one twin and well equipped throughout, it’s ideal for single households or for two couples sharing. Willowbank is pet free and situated in lovely Dervaig in the north of the island. The village has a convenient well stocked local store and the oldest Inn on the island the Bellachroy. Handy for those nights you don’t feel like cooking, they also serve food (takeway or sit outside or eat in as the restrictions allow!).
There are some of the best beaches nearby and so many lovely spots to discover.

We are getting busy over summer but still plenty availability before the school summer holidays and from mid August. Bookings run from Saturday to Saturday – just enter the dates and click on “Check Availability” for rates and latest availability.

With such fantastic weather and blue skies recently there really is nowhere better to be than Mull! It’s lovely to see everywhere sharing their plans to open up from restaurants, pubs and coffee shops to boat trips and wildlife tours.
We can offer advice on how to make the most of your holiday here.
However, don’t leave it too late to book, ferries are still restricted due to social distancing, so give yourself plenty time.

Get in touch!

Open for bookings

We have had some amazing weather recently – the autumn has arrived.

Colours are turning but we still have some beautiful blue skies and great walking weather. Aurora alerts are coming in thick and fast, the night skies are so SO starry and the Milky Way looks fabulous and folks are hearing the stags roaring.

Had to get out for a walk yesterday to enjoy the sun – one of our favourite beaches. Just a ten minute drive from Willowbank, park up then a nice twenty minute walk through the community owned forestry land and farmland down to the beach. Enough of a walk to keep it quiet even in the busiest months. Yesterday it was just us, the sheep and the geese.

Willowbank is ready for bookings.
Hope to have the booking functionality up and running in the next few days online but in the meantime just get in touch if you want to come and stay.

CONTACT US

Nearly there!

It has been a long process but we are finally close to Willowbank being ready for holiday rental. The final few bits of admin and we are good to go.

Willowbank has been a labour of love with a full renovation needed to bring it up to modern standards. We’ve maintained the character of the cottage while bringing a few twists to it. It has taken us longer than anticipated but if you’re going to do a job you need to do it properly!

We’ve made sure we’ve added all those home comforts and practicalities that make such a difference, whether it’s the cosy wood burning stove in the lounge or all the appliances in the kitchen.

We hope you love the cottage as much as we do!