Familiar from countless Scottish scenic calendars, Inveraray is the picturesque little town with that wonderful frontage of black and white painted houses on the shores of Loch Fyne on the west coast of Scotland. About an hour's drive from Glasgow through magnificent scenery (along the shores of Loch Lomond, over Rest and be Thankful and through the Arrochar Alps) it is also easily reached and forms a fitting centre piece for a holiday which can be as active or as relaxing as you wish.
In a very quiet situation, yet within a couple of minute's walk of the town centre (shops, pubs, hotels). Appletree House is a new and spacious detached house with partial loch views to the front and the golf course behind. There is plenty of parking to the front and the house is surrounded by a large grass garden with decking area (furniture) ideal for sunbathing towards the end at the back. There are those who would think this an unsurpassable location and inside it has been configured to make the very most of it.
On the ground floor there is a large open plan living area with log burner and a further TV room, a shower room and utility.
Upstairs is a further sitting area with patio doors, a Juliet balcony and a lovely view over the loch. There are four excellent bedrooms, two king size, one double and a twin which between them share three bathrooms. There is also a games room with pool table, TV/DVD etc. Accommodation then which is bright, spacious, beautifully appointed and extremely comfortable.
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 which is open to non-residents for a small charge. 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', and 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 that 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. And it is all accessible from the warmth and comfort that is offered by Appletree House.
Guests are able to use the swimming pool at the nearby Loch Fyne Hotel free of charge and also receive a 20% reduction on the cost of treatments at the spa.
Bed linen, towels, and the first £25 of electric CH are INCLUDED in the rental. Up to two well-behaved pets are welcome by arrangement. Smoking is not permitted in the house. Wi-Fi is available, subject to provider.
