Time To Take The Plunge

After years of renting studio space, some too small, some too cold, some too far we made the decision that it was time to take the plunge and fulfil a long-held dream to buy a suitable premises from where we could operate Rob’s sculpture practise and establish a centre for Sculpture and Environmental Arts offering Artist Residencies to both British and International artists, as well as Sculpture Workshops to members of the public. 

Pebble Caol Ruadh Sculpture Park, Kyles of Bute, Argyll

And so began three years of searching. We looked at many properties and pockets of land, but the task proved as hard as we had imagined it would be. We started to consider other areas within Scotland but, in the Spring of 2018, we received the phone call that would change everything. As soon as we set eyes on Drumbeg Farm we fell in love.

Drumbeg Farm

Never in our wildest dreams did we imagine at the start of our property search that we would find a place like Drumbeg Farm, a former livery stable with 21 acres of beautiful pasture and woodland, close to the village of Drymen, in the Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park. It had everything we could have hoped for and more; barns, outbuildings, a burbling burn, woodland and wildlife.  

Swallow Hill

In our first year of ownership our priority was to transform the large barn from stables to studio. We also started to tackle the neglected woodlands to improve their biodiversity and create a sustainable haven for wildlife. The addition of three ponds has undoubtedly been the biggest attraction to new species choosing to take up residence at Drumbeg Farm. At the heart of everything we do is an understanding of the benefits that a thriving, wildlife rich environment has on people’s physical and mental wellbeing – our own included!  

Rob found this little beauty snoozing in the long grass close to Arcadia Glamping cabins

In 2019, we established Arcadia Sculpture Centre at Drumbeg Farm and in October 2020 Arcadia Glamping was launched. We have designed and created two unique and quirky Glamping Cabins, Elysium and Halcyon which are available to rent throughout the year to people wishing to get away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Arcadia Glamping is situated in the heart of The Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park, an ideal location for those who enjoy the great outdoors. Balmaha and the shores of Loch Lomond can be reached by car in just 10 minutes. A favourite walk enjoyed by many of our guests is Conic Hill, a short but fairly sharp summit rising above Balmaha, with panoramic views over Loch Lomond.

Arcadia Glamping, Halcyon & Elysium

The next chapter in our story is to commence work on Arcadia Sculpture Trail, which will eventually encompass all 21 acres of land. Selecting and siting artwork to place around the trail will be an evolving process over the coming months and years but in the meantime the woodlands are open to Arcadia Glamping guests to explore and enjoy.

The learning curve has been fast and furious, but Rob and I are always up for a challenge and we are loving every minute of it.

Fox, Rob Mulholland

If you would like to see more of Rob’s work, visit his website www.robmulholland.org