Applecross Manse, Scotland

Applecross Manse Family friendly Luxury Holiday Cottage for romantic breaks in Applecross, The Highlands, Scotland

'An'Cromaich', is the Gaelic translation of ‘Applecross’, meaning 'The Sanctuary’. For many the meaning is as fitting today as it was in 631AD when Saint Maelruba formed his monastery then at Applecross Bay. 

Applecross retains a character of outstanding natural beauty in a timeless place apart.

A little south of Applecross Bay is Applecross Manse. It is a listed Victorian villa from 1824 perched on an elevated site in its leafy Glebe of 5 acres, which extends to the shore and looks over the sea, first to the picturesque hamlet of Ardubh, and then onward to the Cullin of Skye and the Inner isles of Raasay and Rona. 

Local Social history has it that the Minister would often sit out side his Manse and listen to the Psalm singing in Gaelic floating over the sea from the outdoor church in Raasay six miles away, such is the nature of sound in this part of the world.

There is much to explore and enjoy within walking distance. The mountains behind the Manse provide magnificent views across the bay to the Isle of Skye, and just beyond Glastullach is Loch a'Mhinisteir, the private fishing loch of the Manse reserved for the Church Minister..

To the front of the villa, there are beautiful walks around the bay to Ardubh and to the coral beaches of its hinterland.

There are beaches and pretty coves and impressive hill walks in spectacular settings. 

The wildlife visitors include dolphin, porpoise, the White Tailed Eagle, Otter, and the ever popular Pine Marten. And the villa has its own ‘regulars’.

Psalm singing from the Isle of Raasay sadly belongs to history, but from the grounds, the expansive views and sunsets can provide other unique drama. 

Because of the prominence and importance of church, in times past, Applecross Manse found a special place in the hearts of locals. It has an associated sanctity. Moreover, in itself, it provides its own leafy sanctuary, a little apart.

We attach photographs of Applecross Bay, where Applecross began, and further photographs of the scenic orbit of Applecross Manse; Camusterrach Bay, Culdie, Ardubh, Ardbain, The Cullin and the Island of Skye.

Photographs are courtesy of local professional photographer  Annie MacDonald of Culduie, Applecross.

We have added new photographs of Applecross Winter 2023 and also some photographs of our freely roaming Highland Cows which visitors have uploaded to our Instagram site. After a difficult winter all happy to be on the cusp of Spring!