Arriving at high tide at this beautiful cottage in its unique picture-book setting on Loch Sunart, some 28 miles south of Fort William, you may well feel that you have arrived on your own private island! Water surrounds its pretty garden on three sides, and may even be lapping the top of its private access bridge which takes your car right to the door across the Allt Eachain Burn from the A861 single-track road.
The cottage has magnificent views across Loch Sunart and there can be few more pleasant and peaceful places on earth to wile away a sunny afternoon than sitting in the garden, right on the lochside, looking out for seals and otters, admiring the stunning scenery round about, or with a favourite book. The children can run wild in total freedom, playing on the shore and in the safety of the garden.
If the setting is spectacular, the cottage itself is scarcely less so. The owners have completely restructured it so that what was once a homely little dwelling has trebled in size and has the Wow! Factor in spades. Wonderfully spacious and light, with large windows galore, the enormous open-plan living space, with sitting, dining and kitchen areas, has open fire and two sets of patio doors, and there is an additional garden room, from which you can enjoy the ever-changing views even when the weather is less than perfect. A utility room, four bedrooms and two bathrooms complete the comfortable and beautifully appointed accommodation, while underfloor central heating and double glazing should keep you cosy all year round.
If you can bear to leave the beauty of your immediate surroundings, there are leisurely drives to be taken along the Ardnamurchan peninsula, home to many rare plants and animals. (Look out for pine martens, buzzards, eagles, red deer and even shy wild cats, which all inhabit this lovely mountain wilderness.) There are splendid quiet beaches at Ardtoe and Sanna, while from Kilchoan (24m) or Lochaline (26m) you can cross to Mull for the day (no booking necessary). Or drive up to Mallaig and cross to Skye.
Tiny Salen has a pub/hotel, while Strontian (6m) has a good general store, a little bistro and several hotels. For serious shopping, Fort William is the answer, less than an hour away across the Corran Ferry (again, no booking necessary.) It also has a leisure centre, golf course etc. and from there, it is an easy drive up to Loch Ness and beyond.
Heating is by oil-fired underfloor heating (INCLUDED) and open fire (starter pack of logs INCLUDED). Bed linen and towels are INCLUDED. One small well-behaved dog is welcome by arrangement. Telephone. Sorry, no smoking within the cottage. A refundable Householders deposit is required.
Other self catering holiday cottages in this area -
Lochhead Cottage (slps 4)
Achleanan Cottage (slps 6)
Achleek Cottage (slps 5/6)
