Hills and lochs - that's what Scotland means to a great many people, and at Merrylee Cottage you are surrounded by both. It stands detached on the shores of Loch Fyne, just south of Inveraray in the west of the country with the hills of Argyll just across the road. The garden sweeps down to the lochside - the views from the windows are quite stunning and, with the ever-changing play of light on the water, not to mention abundant wildlife, provide a constant source of interest.
This whitewashed, traditional Victorian cottage is at the end of the little hamlet of Minard (shop/PO) on the road between Inveraray and Lochgilphead and has been beautifully renovated and furnished and equipped to a high standard by its new owners, with a sitting room, separate dining room, another den/sitting room with bed settee and two upstairs bedrooms. There is off-road parking for one car beside the cottage and further parking past the Hall just up the road. Secure storage is available in a lockable shed
The area is famous for its gardens - the National Trust's Crarae Gardens are just up the road while the Ardkinglas Woodland Gardens are at the top of the loch, and the Benmore Botanic Gardens about 40 minutes drive away on the way to Dunoon. Also close by, the Brainport Heritage Trail starts from the shore winds round the headland for over two miles and provides opportunities for spotting otters, roe deer, seals and porpoises. It also has a selection of lovely picnic sites.
The cottage is well placed for touring to north and south. To the south there is Lochgilphead (shops, restaurants, swimming pool etc) and the Crinan Canal with a lovely walk along the towpath. From there you can continue down the Mull of Kintyre to Campbeltown and Machrihanish The latter has a famous golf course and a fabulous beach. Or you can take a ferry to Arran or Gigha or even Islay. From Lochgilphead too you can head off towards Loch Awe and Oban past the Bronze Age monuments in Kilmartin Glen. Oban opens more possibilities in terms of island hopping to Mull, Iona, Lismore, Tiree and Colonsay.
To the north is Inveraray with its castle and jail, both well worth a visit. This picturesque village is something of a tourist honeypot and has a good selection of shops and eating places. It also has a golf course.
There is scope here for all kinds of activities. Walking, of course is a given, but fishing, riding, cycling and sailing are all available locally. Given Merrylee's lovely situation, however, you may well be tempted just to relax in the garden with a good book with a pair of binoculars to hand to spot the life on the loch.
Bedlinen, towels, electricity and £20 of oil central heating are INCLUDED in the rental. Sorry, pets are not accepted and smoking is not permitted in the cottage. A refundable householder's deposit will be required. Broadband internet is available, subject to provider.
