Hideaway at the edge of Europe

Why would you travel all the way to the windswept Knockvologan? To explore the islands' extreme geological diversity, its rugged landscape with weather-beaten rock and wind-sculpted forests. Here, you can immerse yourself in a secluded haven, far removed from the rest of the world. This is the unparalleled edge of Europe, perched on the vast, churning waters of the Atlantic Ocean. While we can't guarantee dry spells, the landscape never fails to captivate, regardless of the time of year.

KNOCKvologan Prism

For our guests, we have meticulously designed and crafted the Knockvologan Prism. This heptagonal space embodies the essence of intelligent simplicity required in a remote location exposed to the elements. Its 4.5-meter-wide panoramic window offers sweeping views of the Tireragan estate to the south, framing the iconic Burg and Ben More peaks to the east. The minimalist building is designed to accommodate a single occupant, providing an opportunity for rest, rejuvenation, and reconnection with nature.

The Prism's open-plan layout ensures ample natural light, and its warmth is maintained by a wood-burning stove and sheep's wool insulation. Inside, you'll find a simple workspace, a chair, a stool, and a comfortable bed.

The Barn

Gradually, we've transformed one of the adjacent barns to our house. Once a neglected space functioning as a storage area and on the verge of collapse, it has now been revitalized. Rather than replacing it with a new barn, we chose to preserve its heritage and prevent further decay by constructing an inner structure. This ‘barn within a barn’ serves a dual purpose: one-third of the barn is a guest studio with picturesque hillside views, and the front of the barn has been transformed into a versatile workshop for various projects, exhibitions, lectures, workshops, music gigs and all sorts of experimentations.

The garden and beyond

Nestled on a substantial pink granite rock bed, the garden surrounding the observatory is among the most exposed gardens on the Ross of Mull. Several 30-year-old ash and willow trees provide some shelter from the wind. Since our arrival, we've planted over 1500 trees and perennials. The granite rock foundation imparts the garden with unexpected levels and a meandering structure. The garden showcases a variety of colors, textures, and scents. A ribbon-like path leads over the rocks to the top of the garden, where, beside the observatory, you'll discover a large hand-dug pond. It's a haven for frogs, newts, and dragonflies, with swallows gracefully skimming the water's surface.

Practical information

A private composting toilet is located in the garden near the prism, along with a warm outdoor shower.
Upon arrival, the prism and studio will be stocked with a starter pack of logs, kindling, and firelighters for the wood stove.

Knockvologan is a remote location with limited dining options, but we offer straightforward cooking facilities. In Fionnphort, you'll find the Keel Row Pub & Restaurant and The Creel Fresh Seafood Bar, although they are closed during the autumn and winter seasons. The local shops in Fionnphort and Bunessan carry essential supplies.