Islay Cottage is a striking and beautifully appointed detached holiday home standing in its own extensive gardens, ideal for children and pets. It is part of the Carse Estate located in Knapdale, an area of outstanding natural beauty just above the Kintyre peninsula on the west coast of Scotland, some 10 miles from Tarbert.
Facing south-west, it looks out across the lawns and fields to the sandy bay at the head of Loch Stornoway which is just a 15 minute walk away, and beyond that to the Isles of Islay and Jura. And the best thing of all is that you can enjoy this lovely setting in all weathers and at all seasons, for the entire side of the house is given over to a magnificent conservatory, with dining and seating areas. Inside, there is a further unusually-shaped sitting room with an open fire, a well-equipped kitchen and a twin bedroom with additional camp-bed on request. Upstairs there is a double bedroom with en suite toilet and wash basin. The house is double glazed and has electric central heating.
This is a perfect place for a get-away-from-it-all holiday. The quiet road meanders on up the coast, affording fantastic views across to the islands of Islay and Jura, and as often as not, of lazy seals basking on the rocks right beside the road, totally unfazed by your progress. There is an award-winning inn (open April-October) 3 miles away at Kilberry. The nearest shops are at Tarbert (10m) where there are several good restaurants, with the accent on fish, and where there is also a golf course and facilities for yachtsmen. Fishing is also available locally.
Trips are possible to north and south. To the south, you can head on down the Mull of Kintyre, or stop at Kennacraig and take the boat to Islay (2hr crossing). A little further on, from Tayinloan you can cross to little Gigha and visit the Achamore Gardens. To the north, through Lochgilphead (leisure centre, all facilities) you can head on up Loch Awe towards Oban, or visit the prehistoric cairns and circles at Kilmartin Glen, which date from 3000BC. This is good sailing country too; at Ardrishaig you are on the Crinan Canal, where along the interesting towpath walk (good refreshment stops!), you can watch the yachts passing through out to the Atlantic.
Electricity is INCLUDED and bed linen and towels may be hired. Well behaved pets are welcome by arrangement. As there may be stock in the surrounding fields, however, it is requested that dogs should be kept under control at all times.
