Cala is an exceptional home that sits on a hill, nestled in nature, with dramatic views of Loch Nedd and the magnificent Quinag mountain. Its design was inspired by the desire to create a structure that blends in with the untamed, rugged landscape of Assynt, yet provides a warm and comfortable haven sheltered from the region's sometimes extreme weather conditions.
The simple yet striking charred larch exterior is mirrored in the interior space's simple, clean lines and functionality. The open-plan living area and master bedroom enjoy breathtaking views. Large windows and skylights allow the sun to saturate the house with light and warmth. The property features a wood burner and an infrared central heating system to keep the cool Assynt evenings at bay. The kitchen is equipped with top-of-the-range appliances. An outside deck provides a space for al fresco breakfasts when the weather permits.
The material used to construct this modular house is Cross-Laminated Timber (CLT), a highly insulating form of compressed timber. Mary Arnold-Forster designed the house, which was featured in the More 4 TV series Impossible Builds. In 2021, Cala was shortlisted for the Royal Institute of British Architects House of the Year award and featured in Channel 4’s Grand Designs series about the competition.
As a small village with a population of only 101, Drumbeg is the perfect location to escape the hustle and bustle of city life. At Drumbeg Stores, you can purchase a variety of basic groceries, as well as locally made handicrafts and guidebooks that will inspire your trip. Grab some lunch or a cuppa and cake at the Secret Tea Room. Owned by Assynt Aromas, they also sell soaps and candles in a range of delicious scents. Relax with a freshly poured pint after a long day of exploring the Highlands at the Drumbeg Hotel.
With lochs and coast abound, Assynt is a fisherman’s paradise. Head to the Lagg Trout Fishery and catch yourself something tasty for dinner. Brave the cold waters of the Minch at Clashnessie, Clachtoll or one of the area's many gorgeous beaches. If sea swimming seems a bit too extreme, take a boat trip over to Handa Island, where you can walk among charming puffins.
Inland opportunities are also aplenty. For hikers, Assynt boasts an abundance of trails for all abilities. One of the most popular is the route of Loch na Gainmhich to Eas a Chual Aluinn, Britain’s tallest waterfall. Unmissable is a visit to the Old Man of Stoer, a 60-metre sandstone sea stack. For a slightly longer adventure, drive north to Durness, where you can find Smoo Cave and Britain’s most northerly point, Cape Wrath.
Due to various safety factors at this property, children under the age of ten are not permitted. At the time of booking, please insert the ages of your children in the comments box on the booking form.
Please note that we do not have curtains or blinds in any of the rooms, as we believe they would obstruct the fabulous views we have of the loch or rock faces. We provide eye masks for sleeping. Our setting is private, and the only onlookers in the bed and bathrooms are visiting sheep.
Due to the property's rural location, there is no broadband cable connection available. WiFi is provided via a portable data SIM card. This makes the WiFi suitable mainly for email and internet browsing. It is possible to stream music and video at normal speeds, but reception can be intermittent or unavailable for a day or so, depending on weather conditions.
Due to various safety factors at this property, children under the age of ten are not permitted. At the time of booking, please insert the ages of your children in the comments box on the booking form.
A Good Housekeeping Deposit of £250 is required at the property.
STL Licence No: HI-01065-F EPC RATING: PENDING
Guests rate Cala: Excellent from 15 reviews About Reviews
We had a wonderful stay in Cala. It is a calm, comfortable house to stay in - with the most stunningly mesmerising views from the huge windows. It is well equipped and sparkly clean.
It is remote - and we did pick up staple supplies for the first couple of days in Ullapool - but Drumbeg Stores just a couple of miles up the road from Nedd is an absolute gem and we found everything we needed there for the rest of our stay.
Wilderness Cottages were, as always, friendly and efficient to book through.
A fabulous holiday - thank you
The architecture of the house is truly impressive, especially the many large windows, including the skylights. The view of the three Corbetts is truly fantastic, especially at sunset or sunrise. The kitchen with its central island was really practical, allowing us to enjoy the view while preparing meals. We really liked the house.
A wonderful house in a sublime setting.
My daughter and I are coming to the end of our week stay here.
The house itself is a fabulously designed home tailored to the surrounding geography and, of course the elements.
Warm and cosy, peaceful and aesthetically ultra appealing to our tastes. A complete treat to stay here and a huge thank you to the owners for enabling us to do so.
We enjoyed huge days out hill walking and being able to return to a peaceful extremely relaxing home (with fantastic bathrooms) has been wonderfully relaxing for us both.
Thank you, Jess and Gary
Our second visit to this excellent architectural home in a stunning location. Absolutely perfect for totally getting away from a busy World, enabling us to slow down and relax. Taking a trip to Sandwood Bay really added to the sense of remoteness and it was a real shame we ended up leaving a day early, but that was due to Storm Babet. I suspect we will return again!
Beautiful cottage in a beautiful area. V clean. V well equipped. It's an absolutely stunning place.
Amazing place, amazing location, fantastic holiday in a beautiful part of the world
