The ideal family holiday home
Winburg was purpose-built around 1920 in the growing village of Mallaig as the house of the local GP, a small surgery being added on in around 1960. Though its last incumbent, Dr Donald Duck, retired in 1995, the house continued as the local surgery till a new Health Centre was built in the village. Dad lived on here till 2006, since when we have been delighted to share Winburg with a succession of visitors, who have relished the combination of peace, tranquillity and amazing views.
Winburg is now a Holiday House that sits off the old road into Mallaig in its own private 2 acre garden. There are glorious views over the Sound of Sleat, south to Ardnamurchan, west over Muck, Eigg and Rhum, with Skye and the Cuillins to the north-west, and you can watch the steam train from Fort William complete one of the world’s great rail journeys, just below the house.
Mallaig village, 5minutes’ walk from Winburg, is busy with fishing boats, yachts, and ferries, as well as many and varied boat trips up Loch Nevis or to the Small Isles. There are plenty cafes, restaurants and bars – don’t miss the fresh seafood – as well as a library and several shops with local crafts or produce. All around are hills, lochs, burns, rivers, beaches and rock pools – country as wild or as tame as you need for your visit.
Winburg is an ideal place from which to explore this exciting region. It was built during Mallaig’s expansion from 1901, after the coming of the railway, probably in the 1920s. There are lots of rooms, none of them very big, but all comfortable. There is a new large kitchen, well lit both in the mornings and afternoons, and a good meeting, chatting, paper-reading place. There are 2 living rooms and a small dining room. There’s a glasshouse in the garden, perfect for relaxing in when it’s a shade chilly to sit outside. Visitors can park cars in the 2 garages, or use them to hang up wet footwear and clothing, or for bikes and sailboards.
We have found 7 to be an ideal maximum number of guests. Well controlled dogs are welcome in the garden and downstairs rooms (not the bedrooms, please).
Geraldine and John Young, who will have the place immaculate, will show guests round on arrival, and answer any queries during their stay. Their local knowledge is very helpful, too, especially to point to sources of relevant local information.
They take all the bookings, on 01687 462706
Many visitors have fallen in love with Winburg and its charm, which is why it’s a privilege to invite others to discover it for themselves, while holidaying in one of the most beautiful regions in the world.