Our Story

A place steeped in history which has been lovingly restored

After lying derelict for many years and lacking running water and sanitation, Dunaverty Lifeboat Station and outbuildings have undergone extensive renovations and are now offered as Self Catering accommodation. This has allowed more people to come and experience this special place for themselves.

The former Lifeboat Station

The lifeboat station at Dunaverty has been sympathetically restored and this characterful building retains many of the original features enjoyed by the coxwains of Victorian times.

The former Lifeboat Station

The lifeboat station at Dunaverty has been sympathetically restored and this characterful building retains many of the original features enjoyed by the coxwains of Victorian times.

Accessed by the original external stone staircase, self catering accommodation is located on the first floor. These upper floors offer exceptional sea views of Dunaverty Bay, the Mull of Kintyre, Dunaverty Rock and Sanda Island.

 

Accessed by the original external stone staircase, self catering accommodation is located on the first floor. These upper floors offer exceptional sea views of Dunaverty Bay, the Mull of Kintyre, Dunaverty Rock and Sanda Island.

 

The original Boathouse

What was the boathouse on the groundfloor of the lifeboat station is now modern accommodation. Lifeboat Studio is accessed by patio doors and has been transformed into a large open-plan space. Opening out only ten metres from the shoreline, this is a great place for seeing local wildlife.

 

The original Boathouse

What was the boathouse on the groundfloor of the lifeboat station is now modern accommodation. Lifeboat Studio is accessed by patio doors and has been transformed into a large open-plan space. Opening out only ten metres from the shoreline, this is a great place for seeing local wildlife.

 

The former outbuildings

The distinctive structure on the seaward side of the former lifeboat station was originally a store and a boiler room. Its renovation began in 1996 and it incorporates several interesting features.

The triangular copper windows came from a lighthouse and the porthole was salvaged from a Belfast coaster, the Gracehill, which grounded on the Boiler Reef, off Sanda Island on 8 March 1957, while on passage from Londonderry to Ayr.

The former outbuildings

The distinctive structure on the seaward side of the former lifeboat station was originally a store and a boiler room. Its renovation began in 1996 and it incorporates several interesting features.

The triangular copper windows came from a lighthouse and the porthole was salvaged from a Belfast coaster, the Gracehill, which grounded on the Boiler Reef, off Sanda Island on 8 March 1957, while on passage from Londonderry to Ayr.

The captain, James Smith, and his crew of nine were rescued, but the 162 ft vessel could not herself be saved.

On the west side of the Summer House, a sandstone tablet carved by a visiting Dutch artist Jan Lageweg, incorporates – fittingly – a symbol of compassion for all beings.

 

The captain, James Smith, and his crew of nine were rescued, but the 162 ft vessel could not herself be saved.

On the west side of the Summer House, a sandstone tablet carved by a visiting Dutch artist Jan Lageweg, incorporates – fittingly – a symbol of compassion for all beings.

 

The Boatshed

Also on the site is the former boatshed of the Lifeboat Station which has also undergone restoration.

The Boatshed

Also on the site is the former boatshed of the Lifeboat Station which has also undergone restoration.

Our story is really only a part of the continuation of the history of Dunaverty Rock. We are after all, only custodians of this wonderful part of the world – it’s heritage and many charms will be passed on to future generations.