Lismore is a little gem of an island which lies in Loch Linnhe between Oban and Port Appin and can be accessed by car ferry from one and foot ferry from the other. It is one of those unique places where you can enjoy the tranquil pace of island living while remaining in easy access of the mainland.
Just a few yards from the slipway where the foot ferry makes landfall is North Cottage, Point Steading, an attractive, traditional, stone-built semi-detached cottage which, just across the little single track road from the shore, enjoys uninterrupted views across the Lynn of Lorne to Port Appin. Inside, it is a most distinctive property, full of humour and character. ('Fun' is the word which most readily comes to mind.) Decorated in bold, bright colours, it offers comfortable and homely family accommodation, with three bedrooms, and a bright and comfortable open plan living area cosied by the multi-fuel stove which, with additional oil heaters, runs the heating.
The cottage has its own enclosed garden (furniture). Mountain bikes may be hired on the island or in Port Appin. The quiet single track road which runs the length of the island is not particularly hilly and is ideal for cycling expeditions. There is even a handy and excellent café at the Island's Heritage Centre for refreshments on the way! The island also has a well stocked general store. For special occasions, tiny Port Appin is home to two of Scotland's most prestigious eating places, Aird's Hotel and the Pierhouse Restaurant. So you can cross on the foot ferry (charge about £1.50 for the 10 minute crossing) enjoy an excellent meal and a drink, and roll home again with no thought of breathalysers! A little further down the road towards Oban, the newly renovated Creagan Inn is about 3.5 miles from the ferry, and the proprietors will help organise transport to and from the ferry for parties of diners.
You can fish off the rocks beside the cottage, and a boat anchorage is also available to tenants. If you are interested in wildlife, you can look out for otters and seals in the surrounding waters.
There has been human occupation on Lismore since Neolithic times. An arrowhead of Appin stone dating from 3500BC was found in 1974 and may be seen in the Heritage Centre. Evidence of Pictish and Viking occupation may be seen at the Broch at Tirfuir and Coeffin Castle.
Further afield on the mainland, there is riding at Appin, and, of course, it is but a short drive to Glencoe with its walking, climbing and ski-ing possibilities. Oban is a bustling tourist centre and the starting point for many boat trips to the surrounding islands. Fort William, the Outdoor Capital of the UK, is only a 30 minute drive from the ferry slip at Port Appin. Car parking is available in Port Appin for those wishing to leave their cars on the mainland.
Bed linen, towels, the first £15 of electricity, coal for the stove is INCLUDED. Well behaved pets are accepted and smoking is not permitted in the cottage. Water is from a natural spring.
