Minard is a tiny hamlet on the road down the west shore of Loch Fyne, about 12 miles south of Inveraray (all facilities). If you leave the road and descend about half a mile on a good track through the woods to the edge of the loch, you will come to Minard Court and the two pretty semi-detached cottages, Loch and Garden. The owner's house, a little way up the track, is the only neighbour.
Quietly situated far from traffic, and with uninterrupted views to the loch at the front across to the ruin of Castle Lachlan, and parking right at the door, Loch Cottage is most comfortably furnished. The open plan living area has an open fire. There are two steps to a ground floor double bedroom and bathroom, and upstairs, twin and single bedrooms (coombed ceilings.)
There is a very sheltered pebble beach in front of the cottage, and you are welcome to bring a small boat or surfboard (no jetty). There are lovely woodland walks along the shoreline, or you can attempt some of the many hills in the area. The National Trust Gardens at Crarae are just five minutes up the road. Or you can continue south down the Mull of Kintyre to Campbeltown and Machrihanish (golf, surfing, kayaking). If you stop at Tayinloan, you can catch the ferry over to Gigha and visit the Achamore Gardens there, or, in summer, you can catch the ferry from Claonaig and spend a day on the Isle of Arran.
Minard has a post office which opens in the morning for papers and basic requirements. Inveraray, where the castle and jail are also well worth a visit, and Lochgilphead are equidistant and have full shopping facilities. Inveraray also has a golf course and you will pass the riding centre at Dalchenna on the way.
There is excellent fishing either from the rocks or from a boat, and the area has a wide variety of wildlife - porpoises, seals and dolphins, deer and red squirrels and, of course, many sea and woodland birds.
Heating by nightstore and convector heaters, and logs for the fire are INCLUDED in the rental. (Electricity metered in laundry room.) Bed linen and towels may be hired. Up to two well behaved pets are welcome by arrangement (a kennel may be available). There is a shared laundry room for the two cottages, with washing machine and tumble drier. Sorry, no smoking in the cottage.
PLEASE NOTE - a 10% reduction applies for couples during off & low seasons.
