A HOSTEL with an unusual attraction of an 18th-century water wheel next to it on a small Scottish island has hit the market after the owner decided to retire.
The Millhouse Hostel on the island of Tiree, which is the most westerly island in the Inner Hebrides, has gone up for sale with the inclusion of a Millhouse Farmhouse and an old water wheel.
A barn on the 0.7 acres of land was converted to a 16-bed hostel back in 2001 and has been a popular tourist attraction on the island since its refurbishment.
A water mill built around 1798 which used to grind cereal for the whole island’s population fed by water from the nearby Loch Bhasapol sits next to the hostel.
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Although the mill building itself is now just a ruin, the water wheel was “lovingly” restored in 2006 using traditional methods and materials.
The pond and associated mill-lades on the property's land are full of wildlife, with frequent sightings of otters, trout, eels, and many birds, including the elusive corncrake.
The owner of the mill complex, David Naylor, is a keen surfer and has been riding the Atlantic breakers for more than 30 years along with his guest at the hostel.
He has now made the decision to retire as he said: “Millhouse is a special place to me. Its secluded location, a quarter of a mile from the nearest habitation, together with the tranquillity of the millpond and waterwheel, give it a real sense of peace and history.”
He added: “As well as looking after guests, it is also a joy to help maintain a busy watery eco-system. There is also huge potential for renewable energy generation, and full off-grid living is a realistic possibility given the abundance of water, wind and solar resources on-site.”
Tiree lies around 25 miles from Ardnamurchan Peninsula and is famed for its white sands and crystal-clear ocean water, which makes it hugely popular for those who enjoy water sports.
The site is being brought to the market by DM Hall, one of Scotland’s largest independent firms of chartered surveyors, at a guide price of £550,000.
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