Interiors: Treshnish, Mull

Carolyne Charrington has holidayed on Mull since the age of three, and even married her husband, Somerset, there. Yet it was still a leap of faith for the couple to buy Treshnish, a hill farm occupying a breathtaking site on the island's north shore in 1994.

"We're not great at looking to the future," says Carolyne.

Had she possessed a crystal ball, there would have been no reason to feel apprehensive. Not only have the couple's environmental initiatives seen the land here literally blossom; they've also created eight holiday homes boasting style as well as eco-credentials.

When Carolyne and Somerset, both from farming backgrounds, arrived at Treshnish the land was home to 700 hill sheep exercising their right to roam. With the ultimate aim of going completely organic, the couple signed an Environmentally Sensitive Agreement, raising the farm's conservation status. The agreement (later followed by the Rural Stewardship Scheme) influenced the times of year they grazed their land's varied habitats - species-rich meadow, open grazed grassland and wetland areas - while native broadleaf woodlands were fenced to exclude livestock.

"We cut silage and hay in late summer so as not to damage nests or birds, and spread manure long before the nesting season," says Carolyne.

By 1996 the couple had abandoned artificial fertilisers, improved grazing management, and bought their own cows. Conversion to organic was initiated in 1999, with the assistance of the Scottish Organic Producers Association. The land's increasing biodiversity was evident, as once closely cropped fields bloomed with wild flowers. "That was hugely exciting," says Carolyne.

However, last year the couple relinquished hard-won organic certification, held for a decade, to protect ongoing conservation. "We had to be free to use non-organic methods when required," says Carolyne. Controlling bracken in an organic system, for example meant repeated mechanical cutting, which often clashed with flowering times of plants around it.

The couple fretted that holidaymakers they'd inherited (longstanding guests who stayed in six basic but beautifully located camping cottages on the farm) would think they had abandoned their principles.

Today, membership of "Linking Environment and Farming" demonstrates the couple's commitment to ecological practice. Their stock includes Cheviot ewe lambs that graze herb-rich fields in winter to encourage wild flowers the following year.

On the sales particulars, four of the farm's holiday cottages were described as having no bath or shower. "We wrongly presumed that was a mistake," says Carolyne.

Almost immediately the couple began renovations. Events in 2001 - foot and mouth and 9/11 - led to a sharp downturn in visitors, making them realise what a vital part the cottages play in their business.

By 2003, farm buildings had been converted into two further units, creating eight holiday homes. Shian and Duill - original, neighbouring farm workers' cottages - are located at Treshnish, as is Sheiling, which was a semi-derelict tool shed. "We had to take its roof off, at which point the back wall fell out," says Carolyne.

Conservation architect John Renshaw oversaw projects such as conversion of an old dairy and byre into The Studio, the final property at Treshnish.

The four remaining cottages reside at Haunn, a remarkably peaceful spot a mile further along the farm track, and include Middle, East and West, crofters' blackhouses with original stonework. Internal walls were renewed and insulation packed in to these blackhouses, while bathroom extensions were carefully hidden from initial view. The final property, Toechtamhor (Gaelic for "house in the big field") sits in its own garden, 100 yards from the blackhouses.

Before 2006 all the cottages ran on gas, but with the nearest Corgi plumber a day away, the couple obtained grant assistance to install electricity. At the same time the blackhouses were upgraded with underfloor heating and insulation was improved in West and Toechtamhor.

The environmental impact of the self-catering business is minimised. Every cottage loft is insulated to exceed building regulations, and the most recently renovated - West and Toechtamhor - utilise sheep's wool. Solar panels at Toechtamhor allow the sun to provide gallons of hot water, while its untreated timber cladding is locally sourced.

Six of the eight cottages have multi-fuel stoves. "We only supply logs cut and processed by local sawmills," says Carolyne.

Having joined the Green Tourism Business Scheme in 1999 the couple are proud holders of its Gold Award. In 2008 they converted a shed to accommodate a laundry and office, utilising passive solar gain, high insulation values and a concrete floor to retain heat. A wood-chip boiler installed in 2009 feeds the heating system for this building, the farmhouse and four cottages at Treshnish.

"We're less reliant on electricity and oil. Timber grown on Mull is chipped on the island, helping to circulate money in the local economy," says Carolyne.

Last year a wind turbine was installed, generating sufficient electricity for the laundry, office and Studio, with the surplus sold to the national grid. "Even after a calm winter the turbine is exceeding expectations," she says.

The green approach filters down to details. Paints are almost all natural (Ecos Paint), wooden floors are waxed rather than varnished and kitchens, cabinets and tongue-and-groove panels were handmade by local joiners. The odd trip to the mainland was required; slate and granite worktops, for example were sourced in salvage yards.

Furniture, much of it second-hand, was chosen for functionality and longevity, although Carolyne didn't stint on aesthetics. "There's nothing here I wouldn't have in my own home," she says.

Toechtamhor is a warming, individualistic abode. Its open-plan kitchen/living room, floored in reclaimed maple, faces the sea, with amazing views to Coll and Rum (and sightings of red deer, eagles and occasionally hen harriers). Locally sourced red pine floors the double bedroom, while its en suite (with double-ended bath) boasts terracotta tiles, as does the second bedroom's en suite shower room.

Walls are hung with framed Asian textiles and objects collected by Carolyne's grandfather in the early 1900s, when he served in the Gordon Highlanders.

Carolyne finds time to blog about the farm, while regular visitors love accounts written by a wildlife recorder who lives at Treshnish.

"These blogs strengthen the sense of community with our guests," she says; "Many think of their cottage here as a second home."

Tel: [phone], www.treshnish.co. uk; www.treshnishbirdlog.blogspot.com, www.haunnblackhouse.blogspot.com

This article was first published in The Scotsman, 13 November, 2010