Arisaig, 35 miles west of Fort William, with its silver sands and breathtaking views toward the islands of Rum and Eigg, must be one of the loveliest places on the west coast of Scotland. (And given the beauty of the whole area, that's saying something!)
Among the 19 acres of landscaped gardens and woodlands surrounding Arisaig House, you will find Achnahanat, a real 'cottage in the wood', situated in its own enclosed garden (furniture) at the end of a short track and as private and peaceful as you could wish.
For such a modern bungalow, it has a great deal of character; the large sitting room has picture windows and a wood-burner, there is a very well-equipped dining kitchen and utility room, two double bedrooms (one en suite) a twin room, bunk bedroom and further bathroom. So the accommodation is spacious, versatile and also extremely comfortable.
Arisaig House itself is a fine, traditional country mansion which has the additional distinction of having been the headquarters of the Special Operations Executive in the Second World War! It is now a luxurious guest house, which also provides evening meals to non-residents (booking essential), so those staying at Achnahanat can enjoy a gourmet dinner and roll down the hill back to their cottage with no fear of the dreaded breathalyser. What could be more civilised?
Once established, you can stroll through the gardens to the lochside or have a game of tennis on the well-maintained court. Up past the house, there is a games room for guests, with table tennis, small snooker table etc. There's therefore no need to go far for your entertainment, whatever the weather.
But you wouldn't want to come to a place like this without exploring. Those fabled silver sands at Arisaig and Morar are just up the road, as is the excellent golf course at Traigh which must have some of the finest views of any in the country. From the little port of Mallaig (8m), you can take boat trips over to Knoydart, the Small Isles, or even enjoy a day on Skye via the ferry to Armadale.
Back along the road to Fort William, you can visit Glenfinnan, where Prince Charles Edward Stuart raised his standard to launch the '45 Jacobite rebellion. Fort William itself has all facilities, a leisure centre, golf course etc. Above it towers Ben Nevis, if you feel like a real challenge, and just along the road, Aonach Mor offers wonderful opportunities for ski-ing in winter and mountain biking at other times.
Whatever the configuration and ages of your party members, there is little chance of anyone being bored at Achnahanat!
Heating by electricity (payable by meter reading on departure) and wood burner (one basket of logs INCLUDED). Bed linen and towels INCLUDED. Well-behaved pets welcome by arrangement. Smoking is not permitted in the cottage.
