Sometimes, it all comes together - the sublimely comfortable, high spec. house in the location to die for! And Woodhouse at Minard on the shores of lovely Loch Fyne on Scotland's west coast surely fits this particularly demanding bill.
A traditional, whitewashed, 250 year-old stone cottage which has been completely renovated and refurbished, it stands in some 45 acres of its own grounds, surrounded by bluebell woods, through which sparkle the limpid waters of the loch. Gurgling burns (streams to the non-initiated) tumble down on either side of the house (care required with young children).
The interior is quite as enticing as the external setting. The spacious kitchen/dining room has a Chinese slate floor, and a Rayburn as well as a conventional electric cooker. There is also a utility room and WC. The comfortable L-shaped sitting room has stripped pine floors and a huge open fire place which conjures instant visions of cosy relaxing evenings after busy days of walking, sailing or sightseeing. Upstairs, there are comfortable double and twin-bedded bedrooms with splendid views of the loch and a bathroom.
The village of Minard, where there is a shop/post office, is just 10 minutes walk along the shore. There is also The Brainport Heritage Trail, a 2¼ mile woodland walk where wildlife abounds and which passes close to the house. The mixed woodland means that the area is particularly rich in a huge variety of birdlife. Cycles can be hired at Ardrishaig (15m).
For more serious shopping than the village shop can provide, Inveraray (all facilities) with its castle, jail and wildlife park, is just 12 miles away to the north, or Lochgilphead, where there is a golf course, is 12 miles to the south. From Tarbert (26m) there are sailings to Lochranza on Arran. The famous Crarae Gardens are just up the road. Also worth visiting is the Crinan Canal, through which boats pass out from the Firth of Clyde to the Atlantic, and there are some excellent restaurants in the area. The largest town in the area is Oban (49m) the starting point of sailings to Mull and the islands.
Heating is by electric heaters and Rayburn (INCLUDED) and open fire. There is a telephone. Bed linen and towels are INCLUDED. Sorry, no pets or smokers.
