Ardrishaig has shops, pubs and hotels and has the added advantage of being an easy and scenic drive to get to, by way of Loch Lomond and the Rest and Be Thankful, from Glasgow and the south.

The cottage stands just a few hundred yards from the end of the Crinan Canal, much beloved of yachstmen who use it to gain swift access to the Atlantic. There is a picturesque walk along the towpath, with lots of places to partake in liquid refreshment as you go along. Further excellent walks are to be had straight from the cottage on the hills behind.

There are 9 hole golf courses at Lochgilphead (2m) and Tarbert (12m)..

If you are interested in archaeology, a must see is Kilmartin Glen, just 6 miles from the house, where there are burial mounds and standing stones dating back some 3,000 years. More recent history may be sampled 27 miles away at Inveraray (with castle and jail) and from there you can drive on up to Loch Awe, Oban (beaches) and as far up or down the west coast as you care to go. On a rare wet day the Hydro-Electric power station at Cruachan, built right inside the heart of the mountain, is well worth a visit.

If island hopping is your thing, there are sailings from Kennacraig, just south of Tarbert, to Islay, from Tayinloan to Gigha or from Claonaig over to Arran. Or why not just continue south to Campbeltown, 'the furthest town from anywhere' and on to Machrihanish or Southend or the very tip of the Mull, where you may spot a golden eagle or two. Machrihanish has a wonderful beach and the size of the seas along this stretch of coast make it popular with surfers.