Apart from being a pretty little town, Inveraray has its very own tourist attractions in the form of Inveraray Castle (a seat of the Clan Campbell) and its historic jail, where you can take a turn on the treadmill!

The golf course is open to non members and the Loch Fyne Hotel, just a few minutes' walk from the house, has a swimming pool and spa and offers free use to guests of Appletree House. There are some very prestigious restaurants in the vicinity - the famous Oyster Bar at Cairndow, the equally famous Creggans Inn at Strachur and the George Hotel in Inveraray itself.

It is a great area for sailing - the Crinan Canal is about 24 miles down the road at Lochgilphead. On the way you will pass the Auchendrain Township Museum, which provides a fascinating insight into how life used to be here in the 'good old days', as well as the National Trust Gardens at Crarae. If gardens are your thing, go round the head of the loch to visit the Ardkinglas Woodland Gardens at Cairndow and then head from Dunoon. The Benmore Botanic Gardens are on that road and don't forget to visit the atmospheric Puck's Glen which is situated directly across from them.

From Inveraray, you can go all the way down the Mull of Kintyre peninsula to Campbeltown. It's worth going down the quiet eastern side of the peninsula which affords fabulous views of Arran (in summer you can take a day trip from Claonaig) and will take you past the beaches at the pretty village of Carradale. To the north, a 16 mile drive will bring you to Lochawe (visit Cruachan Power Station deep inside the mountain) and through the Pass of Brander to Oban, with all that the town offers in terms of boat trips, island hopping, beaches, etc.

If this isn't enough, there is great walking in the hills behind the town and wildlife in abundance. Best of all, it is all accessible from the warmth and comfort that is offered by Appletree House.