Heart & Heather

In a stroke of what Kevin and Vanessa Mackenzie call “serendipity,” they stumbled upon and fell in love with this two-bedroom cottage along the loch, well before they were able to buy it. When an opportunity arrived years later, they purchased the property and renovated it into a self-catering holiday rental now known as Little Eden.

Built around 1800 as a grain mill, the cottage’s charm shines in historical features like the hearth, which is original to the structure. Earthy greens and grays echo natural hues found in the surrounding landscape, and artwork features local plant life. The Mackenzies worked with interior designers at PHI Concepts to work toward an aesthetic the couple calls “subtly Scottish.”

“We wanted a nod to both its Scottish roots and the wonderful natural setting, without covering everything in Tartan!”

Although a previous renovation in the 1980s added updated elements—most notably the hanging landing staircase—the Mackenzies added further touches of comfort like underfloor heating, new bathroom and kitchen units, and modern musts like Wi-Fi and satellite television.

The true amenities of the cottage, of course, lie outside its walls. Located within Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park, Little Eden sits within 720 square miles of protected lochs, mountains, and forestland.

“We see ourselves as caretakers of both the cottage and in particular, the wonderful nature that exists outside,” say the homeowners. “[We] seek to ensure that both our two- and four-legged guests enjoy the cottage and its surroundings, but also respect the wonderful environment.”

And there’s certainly plenty to enjoy. Guests can fetch a kayak, paddleboard, or dinghy directly from the cottage’s garden and explore the rest of the loch. The West Highland Way runs just behind the property, leading south toward Balmaha or north toward Rowardennan. (For an extra bit of magic, keep an eye out for the Faerie Trails.) Bird-watchers will delight in the many sightings of herons, kingfishers, and owls, while hikers won’t want to miss the views atop vantage points like Ben Lomond. At any of time of year, the colors of the garden’s Japanese maples and surrounding ferns and woodland invite a moment of respite and admiration.

Tucked away on a quiet inlet of the loch, it’s easy to see why the Mackenzies and Unique Homestays named this cozy cottage after a little piece of paradise.