Kirnan Estate

Hello! We are Gemma and Rob. In February 2021, we moved our life from Cambridge to the west coast of Scotland after falling in love with Kirnan Estate. We both had a lifelong dream to live in Scotland and run our own holiday accommodation and upon finding Kirnan Estate during the pandemic of 2020, we knew it was the perfect place for us.

The Estate itself is located on over 400 acres in Kilmichael Glassary in the beautiful Argyll countryside. We were immediately overwhelmed by the beauty of the local area, the peacefulness, the connection to nature, the clean air, and the wonderful friendly neighbours that we’ve been lucky enough to meet, which made the decision to move here an easy one. 

The area is renowned for its ancient history. A building has been on this site since the 13th century, and in circa the 15th century, it is believed Kirnan was sadly abandoned and ruined. However, the main house as it stands today was rebuilt in the 19th century using much of the original stone, giving the house an atmosphere that belies its Victorian heritage. At that time, it was built as a shooting lodge for the Campbell family. One famous Campbell, Thomas, the poet, is buried in Westminster Abbey. Also located within the grounds are a medieval fort, cup rings, and an ancient medieval settlement.

At the turn of the last century, the gardens at Kirnan Estate attracted its best-known owner, the famous botanist, Robert Heber Macaulay. Mr. Macaulay bought the Estate and restored the gardens, bringing many plants from his trips abroad. He had a special interest in rock gardens which you will find in abundance uncovered in the gardens. 

Gemma and Rob