1 / 24The Towers
Machrie, Isle of Arran
A 19th century tower house for eight on Arran’s west coast, built for a Duke, with an enclosed walled garden and two dogs welcome.
The Towers was built in the 19th century for the Duke of Hamilton, and it still behaves like it: arrow slit windows, an arched entrance, walls that mean it. On Arran's wilder west side near Machrie, it sleeps eight across three floors, gives every bedroom a bathroom, and welcomes two dogs, which makes it the rare dog friendly stay that photographs like a storybook.
The kitchen opens through glass doors to a lounge diner with an open fire, and doors from there lead to the enclosed walled garden, furniture in it, dogs across it. Upstairs the bedrooms take over: two en suite twins and a super king on the first floor, a second super king with the tower's slit windows above, and at the very top the roof, where the view runs over parkland and sea to the Kintyre peninsula.
It is a special occasion house. Somebody proposes on that roof sooner or later, the fire gets lit whether the evening needs it or not, and the dogs spend the week convinced they have been promoted to hounds of the estate.
Walks go straight out to the stone boathouse on Loch Iorsa, a quiet beach sits below the estate, and the island supplies the rest: Goatfell for the summit day, the distillery along the shore road, Brodick Castle for the outing. Arran is 55 miles around, which a determined dog will treat as a target.
Book your stay
from £2,620 for 7 nights
The Towers takes 2 dogs and is booked through holidaycottages.co.uk.
Book with holidaycottages.co.ukPrices are a guide only, checked 27 August 2026, and change with dates and availability. We may earn a commission if you book through this link, at no extra cost to you.
At a Glance
- Dogs Welcome
- 2 dogs
- Enclosed Garden
- Yes
- Enclosed walled garden with garden furniture
- Sleeps
- 8 guests
- Rooms
- 4 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms
- Price
- from £2,620 / 7 nights
- Grading
- 4 star
- Arrival
- in from 16:00, out by 10:00
- Facilities
- Open fire, Parking, Wifi
The Towers from £2,620 for 7 nights
Book with holidaycottages.co.ukFrequently Asked Questions
Is The Towers dog friendly?
Yes, The Towers welcomes up to two dogs. With an enclosed walled garden to roam freely and walks leading straight out to Loch Iorsa and a quiet beach on the estate, it's genuinely set up for dogs rather than just tolerating them.
Are dogs allowed at The Towers year round?
The listing doesn't specify any seasonal restrictions on dogs, but we'd recommend confirming directly with the owner when you book to be sure of the dates you have in mind.
What should I know before visiting The Towers with my dog?
The house takes a maximum of two dogs, so it's worth noting that upfront if you're travelling with more. On the plus side, the enclosed walled garden means you can let them off without worry, and the surrounding area is excellent walking country — from the estate's own beach and boathouse on Loch Iorsa to the wider island trails beyond.
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The Towers from £2,620 for 7 nights
Book with holidaycottages.co.ukWhat’s Nearby?
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