Kintaline House has been my home for over 30 years, but its history stretches back much further—to the Ice Age. This corner of the world was one of the last to be covered in ice, and as the glaciers retreated, the land rose, rapidly recolonised by seeds, animals, and eventually, humans. Prehistoric sites abound in this parish, a testament to its importance throughout history. A massive Neolithic burial cairn once stood near where the driveway now lies, hinting at the powerful energy of this land that has drawn people here for millennia.

In more recent years, Kintaline has been a sanctuary for rescue dogs, cats, and other waifs. I founded and ran Argyll Animal Aid here for nearly a decade, providing care and recovery for animals before they moved on to new lives. For 20 years, the farm was bustling with Jacob sheep, poultry, a garden centre, and a farm attraction.
Today, the land is mostly fallow and feral, and oh so abundant in nature with my focus and energies now on welcoming guests to Kintaline House, a place of peace, restoration, and exploration.

A Home Designed for Comfort and Light

Kintaline House was built to bring my mother here to live. Her beautifully clever design floods the space with natural light while wrapping you in cosiness. The house is a testament to her vision—supremely comfortable and inviting. One of the greatest compliments we’ve received is seeing guests curl up and fall asleep within hours of arriving, completely at ease.

A Regenerative Ethos

The 24 acres of farmland surrounding the house are a mix of pasture, young trees, and hedgerows, with an expanding food forest area. The ethos here is one of regeneration—building healthy soils, creating habitats, and increasing species diversity. We aim to implement permaculture principles: Earth Care, Fair Share, and People Care.

The house reflects this ethos too. Built as a highly insulated Scandiahus design with triple glazing and heat extraction, it’s designed to be energy-efficient. We use environmentally friendly materials, vintage furniture, cotton bedding, and eco-friendly cleaning products. While solar panels are a future goal, we’re committed to responsible resource use now, with recycling bins, compostable bags, and a farm composting system in place.

The wrap-around cottage garden is mature and teeming with plants that support insects, birds, and other wildlife. It’s also being developed to grow more food for guests to enjoy—take some, leave some, and share with the next visitor.

Community and Slow Tourism

I’m actively involved in several local community initiatives, including serving as a trustee of the Argyll and Bute Museums & Heritage Forum, chairing the Lorn Archaeological and Historical Society, and hosting the Ardchattan Parish Archive. I’m also part of the teams running the local flower show and Village Hall.

Having hosted over 100 local community producers’ markets here at Kintaline Farm, I’m a passionate supporter of local food producers and creative artists. I encourage guests to explore our area through slow tourism—discovering hidden gems, enjoying live music in local pubs, and immersing themselves in the stunning landscapes.

A Vision for the Future

My vision for Kintaline is to tread lightly on this earth, live more slowly, grow more food, and reduce our human footprint. Every guest who stays here helps me care for this beautiful ecosystem I’m lucky enough to call home.

Kintaline has joined the Tourism Declares a Climate Emergency initiative, committing to building a new, regenerative tourism industry. The development of our Climate Action Plan is an ongoing process, and we’re dedicated to evolving and improving our practices to protect this special place.

A Place to Rest, Explore, and Connect

Kintaline House is more than just a holiday home—it’s a place to recover, restore, and reconnect with nature. Whether you’re here to relax, explore, have adventures, or simply enjoy the peace, you’ll find a warm welcome and a home that feels like your own.

Thank you for being part of Kintaline’s journey. Every stay helps us care for this land and move closer to our vision of a regenerative future.

Book your stay: www.benderlochselfcatering.co.uk

Follow us for updates on our journey and share your Kintaline experiences with us using @BenderlochSelfCatering on Tiktok Facebook Instagram X and Bluesky