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Barnhill on Jura

This well-known farmhouse, Barnhill, on Jura, is where George Orwell spent much of 1946-48. Here he wrote his hugely successful novel, Nineteen Eighty-Four. Coming to Jura seeking solitude to write, Orwell was known locally by his real name, Eric Blair. During much of his time on Jura, he was suffering from tuberculosis. His illness eventually forced him to leave the island in January 1949. If you come to Jura you can visit this landmark. Overlooking The Sound of Jura it nestles in its isolated and peaceful spot. Here George Orwell sought solitude and peace to escape the grind of journalism and help aid the healing of his tuberculosis.

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Staying at Barnhill

Barnhill is very isolated and even in Orwell’s day was considered fairly primitive. Today it is little changed and still does not have mains electricity. Still owned by the same Fletcher family who rented it to Orwell, it can still be rented today as a holiday cottage. It remains much as it was back when Orwell stayed. A generator for electricity, a small gas-powered fridge, a cast iron stove in the sitting room and heat from a coal-fired Rayburn take you back to a more simplistic lifestyle. It is said that if Orwell were to visit it he would recognise it instantly. You are literally treading in his footsteps.

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Getting to Barnhill

Being a secluded location means getting to Barnhill is not a simple drive. If you plan to stay you will need a boat or 4×4 to get there. However, if you are not staying you can get there on foot. Important to point out, that with it being a holiday let, you cannot drop in but view it from outside. Your journey will follow the same track Orwell took. Following Jura’s only road north, 3 miles past Ardlussa Bay, it will come to an end. From here it becomes a private track. Follow for four and a half miles and it will lead you to Barnhill.

As you walk this route you are enveloped in the tranquillity of this island. Nothing but you and nature encompass the moment. With an abundance of wildlife and sprawling countryside, you lose yourself and slip into simplicity and calm. Then head further north, and reach the tip of Jura for another marvel –The Corryvrekan Whirlpool!

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Rest and refuel

When you are on Jura you may be looking for somewhere to eat or stay. Here at the Jura Hotel, we have a cosy lounge bar where you can either fuel up for a day’s adventure or refuel after a day’s adventure! And if you are not staying at Barnhill we have delightful accommodation. We make a good base for exploring Jura, being situated in the village of Craighouse. If you want to know more get in touch with us online or on +44 (0)1496 820243. You can also book a room here.

See Barnhill Below

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Rooms

If you are looking for Isle of Jura accommodation then why not come and stay with us at the Jura Hotel?

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Food and Drink

Here at our cosy and popular Jura restaurant lounge and bar, you can come to refuel and relax when visiting this special island.

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Testimonials

“A very enjoyable stay in every respect: rooms are comfortable and clean, bathrooms are very smart with the best fittings. Excellent restaurant with imaginative food using local ingredients. Friendly staff could not be more helpful. Highly recommended.”