Hills and lochs - that's what Scotland means to a great many people and at Merrylee Cottage you are surrounded by both.
Quick Info
Sleeps: 4 | Bedrooms: 2 |
Changeover Day: Sat | Pets Allowed: No |
No smoking | Bathrooms: 1 |
Licence No: AR00156F |
The cottage 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 and the views from the windows are quite stunning. The ever-changing play of light on the water, not to mention the abundant wildlife, provide a constant source of interest.
This whitewashed, traditional Victorian cottage is at the end of the little hamlet of Minard on the road between Inveraray and Lochgilphead.
It has been beautifully renovated, furnished and equipped to a high standard by its owners, with a great sense of style. There is a cosy sitting room with an open fire to toast yourself by and there is also an additional den/sitting room with a bed settee. Having these two separate rooms is ideal if some of the party want to watch television while others want to chat or read quietly.
The kitchen is very well designed and attractive with the benefit of a separate utility room meaning that cooking and clearing up can be done in one area and clothes washing and drying can be banished elsewhere. There is a folding table in the kitchen that is useful for snatching quick breakfasts and there is a separate elegant dining room for more formal meals. Also on this level is the family bathroom that is the last word in luxury, with its large walk-in shower, separate bath, wooden floor and feature tiling.
There is a handy WC on the mezzanine landing and upstairs there are two bedrooms, a double (with king-size bed) and a twin. Both of the bedrooms are cosy, comfortable and beautifully decorated in delicate, restful tones with lovely views over the loch.
Outside there is off road parking for one car beside the cottage and further parking past the Hall just up the road. Secure storage is also available in a lockable shed.
Video Walkthrough
This 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 2 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 of which has a famous golf course and a fabulous beach, or you can take a ferry to Arran, 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, that are both well worth a visit. This picturesque village is something of a tourist honeypot and has a good selection of shops and eating places, as well as a golf course.
Walking is a given here, 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.
Local Events and Attractions
Please note: while we make every effort to be as accurate as possible, the actual position of the cottage indicated on the map above and the proximity of the amenities in the Local Info section cannot be guaranteed to be precise and should be used as a guide only.
Accommodation
Downstairs
Sitting room with open fire and Smart TV
Kitchen with electric cooker, dishwasher, microwave, etc
Dining room
Den
Utility area with washing machine, tumble dryer and table-top freezer
Bathroom with separate shower.
Mezzanine
WC
Upstairs
Double bedroom (king-size)
Twin bedroom.
What's included
- Linen (Double Bed)
- Free
- Highchair
- Free
- Linen (Single Bed)
- Free
- Sets of towels
- Free
- WiFi
- Free
Services
Bed linen and towels are INCLUDED. The first £20 of electricity is INCLUDED with additional payable by meter reading at the end of your stay. Heating is by oil central heating (first £20 INCLUDED with any additional payable at the end of your stay) and open fire. WiFi is INCLUDED. Sorry, pets are not accepted. No smoking.
Weekly Prices
The weekly guide prices for this property are shown below. Use the availability & book sidebar on the right to select your holiday or calculate short break rates (where available).
From 11/10/2024 to 14/10/2024
From 18/10/2024 to 21/10/2024
From 19/04/2024 to 22/04/2024
From 12/04/2024 to 15/04/2024
From 05/04/2024 to 08/04/2024
From 01/12/2023 to 04/12/2023
From 05/01/2024 to 08/01/2024
From 15/12/2023 to 18/12/2023
From 12/01/2024 to 15/01/2024
From 05/01/2024 to 08/01/2024
From 29/03/2024 to 01/04/2024
From 29/03/2024 to 02/04/2024
From 19/04/2024 to 22/04/2024
From 08/12/2023 to 11/12/2023
From 04/10/2024 to 07/10/2024
From 25/10/2024 to 28/10/2024
From 18/10/2024 to 21/10/2024
From 11/10/2024 to 14/10/2024
From 20/12/2023 to 23/12/2023
From 27/12/2023 to 30/12/2023
Changeover Day: Sat
Rental - Date Range | Sleeps 4 |
28 Oct 2023 - 17 Dec 2023 | £495.00 |
18 Dec 2023 - 27 Dec 2023 | £850.00 |
28 Dec 2023 - 05 Jan 2024 | £850.00 |
06 Jan 2024 - 02 Feb 2024 | £550.00 |
03 Feb 2024 - 29 Mar 2024 | £650.00 |
30 Mar 2024 - 19 Apr 2024 | £795.00 |
20 Apr 2024 - 03 May 2024 | £650.00 |
04 May 2024 - 24 May 2024 | £795.00 |
25 May 2024 - 31 May 2024 | £895.00 |
01 Jun 2024 - 21 Jun 2024 | £795.00 |
22 Jun 2024 - 19 Jul 2024 | £895.00 |
20 Jul 2024 - 23 Aug 2024 | £895.00 |
24 Aug 2024 - 13 Sep 2024 | £795.00 |
14 Sep 2024 - 04 Oct 2024 | £650.00 |
05 Oct 2024 - 25 Oct 2024 | £795.00 |
26 Oct 2024 - 19 Dec 2024 | £550.00 |
20 Dec 2024 - 27 Dec 2024 | £895.00 |
28 Dec 2024 - 05 Jan 2025 | £895.00 |
06 Jan 2025 - 05 Jan 2026 | POA |
06 Jan 2026 - 05 Jan 2027 | POA |
06 Jan 2027 - 05 Jan 2028 | POA |
Please note: Prices are calculated based on your party size at the time of booking. If your party size changes for any reason after booking, please let us know so we can ensure the accommodation provided meets your exact requirements.
Reviews
(Supplied Independently through Feefo)


Cottage lovely but bed terrible mattress needs replaced as dipping in the middle bad back by end of week. Fire can’t us...
Our response:
We were pleased to hear that overall you found the cottage lovely and cosy and enjoyed the view. The owners were very so...
Read More
Cottage was clean, comfortable with all modern facilities in an excellent location with scenic outlook.

As always a very well appointed cottage in the most beautiful position over looking loch Fyne lovely what ever the weath...
Read More
Very comfortable and restful. Well appointed property in amazing setting.

Excellent facilities. Clean and well looked after. All you need is there
Guest Comments
'Cottage is gorgeous again! Stayed twice and will be back for a third. Thank you for making us feel at home.'
'This is a fantastic cottage in a location that is beyond beautiful - even out of season. There was loads to do ……castles, walks, the Jail. We’ve had a wonderful week.'
'Thank you for a fantastic week in your lovely, cosy cottage. Amazing views and beautiful countryside. Would recommend Tayvallich Inn and also Brambles at Inveraray. Bike hire from Head and Glen in Dunoon v good too!'
'Lovely stay in a beautiful cottage. We were blessed with good weather allowing fantastic views of sunrise and the Super Blue Moon over the loch. Fantastic break. Thank You!'
'It’s a sign of a lovely holiday when you’re sad to leave and say “goodbye” to a house. We’ve loved our stay here. The view, of course, is stunning and we had enough good weather to sit out and enjoy the garden. Everything beautifully maintained and set up for a relaxing holiday. Thank you.'
'Beautiful scenery, perfect weather, cottage probably the best we’ve stayed in. Very kind and helpful owner and housekeeper. Thank you.'
'Weather was outstanding in this lovely, clean and well equipped cottage. Would recommend the wildlife and Corryvrechan trip with Venture West – a bit pricey but definitely worth it!'
'Others have said it but you have all you need. Great touring, brilliant weather! Highly recommend the George Hotel, and best of all, The Loch Melfort Hotel. Touring highlight Crinan and amazing to see a Nuclear Submarine being escorted out to see from Dunoon. Thank you Minard and Merrylee. We saw the otter in the evening on the last 2 days right in front of the cottage between shoreline and 20 yards out!'
'Really enjoyed exploring this part of Argyll from this charming cottage – loved the sea views plus being able to walk along the shore from the garden. Trips to Easdale in the little ferry was great – super café/pub there too, historic monuments at Kilmartin really great plus the guided tour by the museum staff and volunteers really interesting. Farm Township at Auchindrain also worth a visit to see how people lived only 60-100 years ago!'
'Lovely week in this well equipped, well maintained, spotless cottage – thank you. Highlights: gardens at Benmore, Arduaine & Crarae. Mount Stuart on Bute is fantastic. Lunch on the terrace at Loch Melfort Hotel (by Arduaine) was great as was cream at Stonefield Castle Hotel near Tarbert. Tarbert Castle Hotel near Tarbert, Tarbert Castle and Carnasserie Castle well worth a visit.'
Guest Comments
'Cottage is gorgeous again! Stayed twice and will be back for a third. Thank you for making us feel at home.'
'This is a fantastic cottage in a location that is beyond beautiful - even out of season. There was loads to do ……castles, walks, the Jail. We’ve had a wonderful week.'
'Thank you for a fantastic week in your lovely, cosy cottage. Amazing views and beautiful countryside. Would recommend Tayvallich Inn and also Brambles at Inveraray. Bike hire from Head and Glen in Dunoon v good too!'
'Lovely stay in a beautiful cottage. We were blessed with good weather allowing fantastic views of sunrise and the Super Blue Moon over the loch. Fantastic break. Thank You!'
'It’s a sign of a lovely holiday when you’re sad to leave and say “goodbye” to a house. We’ve loved our stay here. The view, of course, is stunning and we had enough good weather to sit out and enjoy the garden. Everything beautifully maintained and set up for a relaxing holiday. Thank you.'
'Beautiful scenery, perfect weather, cottage probably the best we’ve stayed in. Very kind and helpful owner and housekeeper. Thank you.'
'Weather was outstanding in this lovely, clean and well equipped cottage. Would recommend the wildlife and Corryvrechan trip with Venture West – a bit pricey but definitely worth it!'
'Others have said it but you have all you need. Great touring, brilliant weather! Highly recommend the George Hotel, and best of all, The Loch Melfort Hotel. Touring highlight Crinan and amazing to see a Nuclear Submarine being escorted out to see from Dunoon. Thank you Minard and Merrylee. We saw the otter in the evening on the last 2 days right in front of the cottage between shoreline and 20 yards out!'
'Really enjoyed exploring this part of Argyll from this charming cottage – loved the sea views plus being able to walk along the shore from the garden. Trips to Easdale in the little ferry was great – super café/pub there too, historic monuments at Kilmartin really great plus the guided tour by the museum staff and volunteers really interesting. Farm Township at Auchindrain also worth a visit to see how people lived only 60-100 years ago!'
'Lovely week in this well equipped, well maintained, spotless cottage – thank you. Highlights: gardens at Benmore, Arduaine & Crarae. Mount Stuart on Bute is fantastic. Lunch on the terrace at Loch Melfort Hotel (by Arduaine) was great as was cream at Stonefield Castle Hotel near Tarbert. Tarbert Castle Hotel near Tarbert, Tarbert Castle and Carnasserie Castle well worth a visit.'