Crinan House is a quite remarkable property in an idyllic situation on the shores of Loch Crinan about 7 miles from Lochgilphead on Scotland's beautiful west coast.
It is a 250 year old detached historically listed stone cottage which once belonged to the tackman, who in bygone days collected the rents on the Estate, standing in its own charming, enclosed gardens (furniture, parking) with a little gate which leads right on to the sandy beach, where guests can walk for hours, with fantastic westerly views and breathtaking sunsets.
And if you think the exterior is picturesque, just wait until you get inside! It has been most carefully and superbly refurbished to combine all its original character - exposed stone walls, beams, rustic fireplace - with all modern comforts in a way which cannot fail to delight the most fastidious of guests. Downstairs are a twin room, a room with full size bunk beds, a bathroom and a utility room, while upstairs are a magnificent living and dining area with open fire, and beautifully furnished with many antique pieces. The cosy kitchen has an electric Aga, and there is a double bedroom and shower room on this level too.
Here, you are on a sandy peninsula between Loch Crinan and the estuary of the River Add. The nearby Crinan Canal, where yachts sail out into the Atlantic from the inner waters of Loch Fyne, is sometimes called the most beautiful short-cut in Britain. Right at the end of the road, with no passing traffic, it's a place where you can relax and recharge your batteries in the most heavenly surroundings. Crinan House would also make a quite idyllic honeymoon retreat.
Yet there is also far more to do in the area than can possibly be accomplished in just a week. For walkers, there are the hills of Argyll and Knapdale to explore. The comparatively flat countryside in the immediate area and the quiet country roads are ideal for cycling. (Two mountain bikes are available for hire.) This, too, is one of the most popular sailing areas in the country and fishing can also be organised locally. Lochgilphead (all facilities) has a swimming pool and golf course and there is trail riding at nearby Ardrishaig.
For exploring, you can visit the amazing prehistoric remains in Kilmartin Glen, just up the road, or continue on up to Oban (37m) where you can take a trip to Mull and Iona or several other islands of the Inner Hebrides.
Ferries are very much a part of life in these parts. Travelling south down the Kintyre peninsula you will find ferries to the Kyles of Bute from Tarbert, to Arran (in summer) from Claonaig, to Jura from Tayvallich (in summer), to Islay from Kennacraig and to Gigha from Tayinloan. Continuing south down the peninsula, on whichever side (the little road on the east side affords glorious views across the Kibrannan Sound to Arran and also the pretty village of Carradale) you will come to Campbeltown and Machrihanish, where there is a magnificent beach beloved of kayakers and surfers and an excellent golf course. Garden enthusiasts will enjoy a visit to the NT Crarae Gardens about 20 miles away near Minard on Loch Fyne.
The unspoilt marshland of Moine Mhor is home to a large variety of birds, while canoeing, kayaking, and dinghy sailing can also be enjoyed nearby (there is a slipway at the end of Crinan Ferry.) Guests can also enjoy a good variety of pubs and eating places in the towns and villages round about.
Bed linen, towels, domestic electricity and the first £20 of electric heating (£40 between November and February) are included in the rental. Sorry, no smoking and pets are not accepted. There is a payphone and FREE wi-fi internet connection is available. A refundable householder's deposit will be required.
