On the Edge of the Atlantic, meet Nicola and Jim of Stormhouse

How would you describe Stormhouse to someone discovering it for the first time?

Stormhouse is a modern sanctuary on the edge of the Atlantic, designed to allow guests to immerse themselves in nature and experience the raw beauty of Scotland’s rugged west coast without giving up an inch of comfort.  Its simple design contrasts with the breathtaking views when you step into the house, and you feel part of the landscape.  On a calm day it feels expansive and peaceful, and in rough weather it feels dramatic and alive.

Could you tell us a little about yourselves and how Stormhouse first came about?

I grew up in the village of Benderloch, around 10 miles south of Appin, and went to school in Oban.  Jim is originally from Campbeltown and we met whilst living in Glasgow.  Both being from rural backgrounds we were keen to move to the country and set up life together.

We first moved up in 2004 as skint twenty-somethings to open a cafe and gift shop overlooking Castle Stalker which was the centre of our lives for 18 years!  It was really hard work as it’s such a busy tourist spot and we put all our energy into it for a long time. We finally decided to let it go in 2022, but it wasn’t without a bit of sadness.

During that time we managed to buy the land where Stormhouse is now.  It was a long process as the site is classed as a National Scenic Area and it was absolutely choked with Rhododendron, still an ongoing battle!  However we managed to see its potential when we crawled through the dense rhodie forests and came across the phenomenal views.

What first drew you to this part of the west coast of Scotland?

We were familiar with Appin as I had grown up close-by, and we also had family here.  My dad was a keen mountaineer and he loved this part of the world too so there was always a draw to the mountains with Glencoe being so close.

Stormhouse feels very connected to the surrounding landscape. How important was it for the houses to feel part of the environment rather than separate from it?

Connecting to the landscape is really at the centre of our vision with Stormhouse. Being lucky enough to discover this site, we wanted to do everything to ensure our guests felt completely immersed in nature, and of course maximising the view.

Despite the fact that Stormhouse is only visible from the sea we had to be very sympathetic with the design which is simple and unobtrusive in the landscape.

What were some of the biggest challenges in creating Stormhouse?

The biggest challenge was definitely the planning process.  We battled for years with the local planning office despite having the support of many of the local councillors.

Stormhouse sits in a beautiful part of Argyll with views across the water and surrounding hills. What do you enjoy most about the setting?

It has to be the ever-changing light and weather.  It shifts so fast, and creates so much drama it’s mesmerising.  It’s so calming.

For someone visiting this part of the west coast for the first time, what do you think makes the area so special?

Scotland’s west coast is so beautiful and diverse in its landscapes, it really takes your breath away.  From the dramatic mountains of Glencoe to the scattered islands of the Inner Hebrides, the broken geography makes for some breathtaking scenery.

The rapidly-changing weather and fast-moving clouds create dynamic lighting conditions, a dream for photographers and Instagrammers.  Not to mention the endless twilight in summer and extended Golden Hour before an epic west coast sunset.

The west coast and Scotland in general is fairly sparsely populated, so you can find yourself alone on a white sand beach or in a remote glen, not another soul in sight,  even in Summer.

If guests ask for recommendations, which walks or places nearby do you usually suggest they explore?

Close-by: from Stormhouse guests can walk down to the cycle path which runs alongside Castle Stalker.  It’s stunning at sunset but also at any time of day.   When the tide is out you can actually walk over to the island - just to be careful not to stay too long! Guests are often surprised to discover the castle featured in “Monty Python and the Holy Grail”.

A short drive: Glencoe is a must, and if guests aren’t really keen to tackle a Munro then the Glencoe Lochan is a beautiful little walk, with optional extra hilly trails  If they are feeling a bit more energetic we suggest Beinn a”Chrulaiste in Glencoe which is a Corbett rather than a Munro.  It’s an unassuming little hill, but has the best views of the iconic Buachaille Etive Mor and is a fantastic vantage point for the rest of the glen.

A day out: visiting the picturesque island of Kerrera just off the coast from Oban. A 5-minute ferry takes you across and there is a great circular walk around the south of the island which takes in Gylen Castle,  beautiful views over to Mull and the quirky Kerrera Tea Garden for a half-way stop.

Being ideally located between Oban and Fort William, there are endless daytrips we could recommend from Stormhouse, including Mull itself, the Ardnamurchan peninsula and Glenfinnan & Morar.

Where do you tend to send guests when they ask for somewhere good to eat or drink locally?

We are lucky to have some great eateries nearby.  Within walking distance is the Old Inn, a rustic, atmospheric pub restaurant specialising in steak.  Housed in a building which dates back to the 1670’s, it is steeped in history and you can really feel it when you step through the door, like going back in time.  With its roaring fire, fairy lights, old stone walls and candlelit tables it is a real authentic experience, and it has built up a terrific reputation over the years.  Very popular with locals.

Also nearby is the Pierhouse which is located in the picturesque little village of Port Appin, just 3 miles from Stormhouse.  It’s lovely to sit on the deck with a glass of wine on a nice evening watching the sunset over Lismore and Ardnamurchan, and watching the little ferry go back and forth.

If you were spending a perfect day staying at Stormhouse, how would you spend it?

Freshly ground coffee & breakfast on the deck, a drive up to Glencoe with a quick stop at Stiff Peaks patisserie for picnic provisions (a home-made focaccia sandwich and strawberry tart) followed by a walk in Glencoe with the dog.  Back to Stormhouse for a glass of Cremant in the hot tub, then a stagger down to the Old Inn for a steak and a pint.

What do guests most often say they remember about their stay? 

The view and the sense of seclusion and peace.