Our Guest Reviews

Great farmhouse in picturesque location. 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.

Fantastic spot. 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.

Google Reviews - Just returned from a little under 2 weeks at Banlicken and what a place it is in itself and what a location as a base from which to explore all the beauty that Arran has to offer. The property is perfect for families with plenty of room in the main house for the 4 of us (we didn't use the box room). There is also the additional property that we didn't use but would easily house another 4, probably more! We use cottages and houses throughout the UK and beyond and Banlicken was right up there with the best we have ever stayed at. So much so I am 100% confident we will be back to visit our favourite places on Arran and those spots we didn't get chance to experience this time around.

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 was also wonderful for the kids!

Idyllic!

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 is 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 the 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 18 months 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 were well used cliche - a home form 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 hills aren’t your thing. The views at the checkpoint are worth it thought as you get widescreen views of Banlicken and the Kilbrannan Sounds 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.

We had a great holiday lots to see and do!

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

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.

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.

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!!

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.

Wonderful week in Banlicken, which is a remote haven on the remote haven of Arran. Perfection. The property is approached along a long track with 2 gates and a ford to cross. This only seemed to improve the sense of occasion on each arrival and adds to its special location overlooking Kintyre. The property itself was perfect for a large family wanting space to enjoy themselves, seek quiet corners to study or read and not be on top of each other. The kitchen/dining room is a super social place for cooking, dining and debating. Bedrooms are stylish and all with super views of the sea. Highly recommended. Arran itself is a great place for uncrowded and scenic walks on the coast, or in the mountains, where we also enjoyed climbing on Cir Mhor. Some of the best easy,to mid-grade granite climbing in the UK - South Ridge Direct, Souwester Slabs, Labyrinth...all fantastic.

The rather bumpy track on the way up to the cottage is very much worth the trip! Banlicken cottage is wonderful in its own right, large and well furnished with all the utensils needed for a holiday. It is beautifully set, with wonderful views of the sea, notably to the west which has the advantage of some of the most stunning sunsets I have seen. We made good use of the sea, both on it, and on walks alongside it. I would certainly advise barbeques on the beaches! A nearby village store is available for further supplies. Banlicken was everything we could have hoped for!

I don´t want to come back- I want to stay the rest of my life... We (two families including 5 children and one grandmother) had the chance to spend a week at Banlicken. It was perfect-Thank you very much!