The Old Manse
Tighnabruaich, Argyll
Situated in an idyllic waterfront setting overlooking the Kyles of Bute, the Old Manse enjoys an enviable location on the edge of Tighnabruaich, at the southwest tip of the scenic Cowal Peninsula. This charming West Coast retreat sleeps up to six guests and even boasts its own Scandinavian sauna.
Quick Info
| Sleeps: 6 | Bedrooms: 4 |
| Changeover Day: Sat | Pets Allowed: No |
| No smoking | Bathrooms: 2 |
| Licence No: AR02121F |
Travelling to the Old Manse is part of the experience, whether by driving over the beautiful 'Rest and Be Thankful' mountain pass, famous for its panoramic views across Glen Croe, or taking the ferry from Gourock to Dunoon, followed by a picturesque 24-mile journey over the hills to Tighnabruaich with stunning hill, loch and sea views.
The Old Manse, a detached Victorian property set slightly back from the shoreline and separated only by a quiet road, offers private parking at the rear. Here, an extensive enclosed woodland garden with two tranquil ponds and benches allows guests to relax and enjoy stunning views over the Kyles of Bute.
The property has been thoughtfully renovated into a welcoming home, blending traditional charm with modern comfort. The distinctive bright red front door opens to a grand hallway featuring high ceilings and original cornicing — a reminder of the building’s historical significance as the minister's residence.
The spacious sitting room includes a large bay window offering ever-changing views across the sea to the beautiful Isle of Bute. An open fire adds a cosy focal point, ideal for relaxing evenings. For quieter moments, there's a snug at the rear of the property, perfect for curling up with a good book.
A lovely dining room at the front also enjoys splendid views across the Kyles of Bute — ideal for leisurely breakfasts with incredible sunrises or evening meals watching passing yachts.
The well-equipped kitchen includes an electric range cooker, fridge, dishwasher, and a breakfast area for four. Adjoining this is a handy utility room with a fridge-freezer, two Belfast sinks, washer-dryer, a small shower room with WC, and access to a raised decking area — perfect for al fresco dining or fireside chats under the stars.
An elegant staircase leads to four inviting bedrooms and a wood-panelled family bathroom with a cast-iron bath and separate shower. The front bedrooms—a spacious master bedroom with a super-king bed and a double room with a king-size bed — offer wonderful views. Two charming bedrooms at the rear overlook the peaceful woodland garden.
End your days at the Old Manse relaxing in it's sauna or enjoying peaceful stargazing by the outdoor fire as gentle waves lap the nearby shore — the ideal finish to a memorable West Coast escape.
Only minutes from the heart of Tighnabruaich and located on the famous Argyll's Secret Coast, The Old Manse combines village charm with easy access to surrounding wilderness, home to otters, pine martens, red squirrels, seals, red deer, and golden eagles.
The palm trees around Tighnabruaich reveal the Cowal Peninsula’s special microclimate, while yachts and sailing boats anchored in the marina showcase its international reputation as a sailing centre.
For those eager to take to the water, Tighnabruaich Sailing School has taught aspiring sailors for over 50 years. Thoughout the summer months the famous Paddle Steamer, The Waverly stops at the Tighnabruaich pier. Cowal Cruises offer summer boat trips around the Kyles of Bute, or for something faster, Doon The Water provides thrilling speedboat rides along the River Clyde from Dunoon (24 miles).
Tighnabruaich itself has excellent dining options, focusing on locally-sourced ingredients and fresh seafood, plus a dog-friendly hotel bar featuring live music at weekends. A variety of interesting shops await, including Argyll Botany Company, selling plant-based skincare products and Bhea Dhub Antique Shop, filled with intriguing curiosities and collectibles.
Quiet country roads and forest trails make the area perfect for cyclists. The 24-mile Ardgarten Cycle Circuit provides a challenging route starting at Ardgarten (41 miles away) but can be joined at various points, passing the iconic Rest and Be Thankful viewpoint.
Hikers and climbers are equally spoiled for choice, as the Tighnabruaich area forms part of Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park. Follow the coastal path from the village to Caladh Beacon, a picturesque lighthouse dramatically perched on the rocks near Eilean Dubh (the Dark Island). Families will enjoy Ardkinglas Woodland’s popular Gruffalo Trail (33 miles).
For more adventurous outings, head to the Arrochar Alps (40 miles away), where The Cobbler challenges even experienced climbers. Alternatively, hike to the summit of Cowal’s highest mountain, Beinn Mhor (741 metres), located between Dunoon and Strachur (27 miles).
Don’t miss the stunning beaches scattered along the Cowal Peninsula. Whether rock pooling, fishing, wild swimming, paddleboarding, or dog walking, there are beautiful spots for every activity. Ostel Bay (4 miles) offers a sweeping expanse of golden sand, while Otter Ferry (12 miles), on the shores of Loch Fyne, is renowned as one of western Scotland's best locations to watch sunsets.
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, TV, DVD and surround sound
Dining room
Kitchen/dining area with electric Rangemaster cooker, dishwasher, fridge and microwave
Utility room with washer/dryer, fridge/freezer and wash basin
Dining room
Snug
Shower room with wc and wash basin
Sauna and shower (in separate building)
Upstairs
Double bedroom (super king-size)
Double bedroom (king-size)
Double bedroom
Single bedroom
Bathroom with bath, separate shower, WC and wash basin
What's included
- Linen (Double Bed)
- Free
- Linen (King-size Double Bed)
- Free
- Linen (Single Bed)
- Free
- Linen (Super King)
- Free
- Sets of towels (per person)
- Free
- WiFi
- Free
Services
Bed linen and towels are INCLUDED. The first £25 of electricity is INCLUDED with any additional usage payable by meter reading at the end of your stay. Heating is by oil central heating (first £25 INCLUDED with any additional payable at the end of your stay) and open-fire (starter pack INCLUDED). 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 20/02/2026 to 23/02/2026
From 13/02/2026 to 16/02/2026
From 30/05/2025 to 02/06/2025
From 03/10/2025 to 06/10/2025
From 24/10/2025 to 27/10/2025
From 17/10/2025 to 20/10/2025
From 10/10/2025 to 13/10/2025
From 20/12/2025 to 23/12/2025
From 27/12/0001 to 30/12/9999
From 13/06/2025 to 16/06/2025
From 23/05/2025 to 26/05/2025
From 06/06/2025 to 09/06/2025
Changeover Day: Sat
| Rental - Date Range | Sleeps 6 |
| 03 May 2025 - 23 May 2025 | £1,195.00 |
| 24 May 2025 - 30 May 2025 | £1,395.00 |
| 31 May 2025 - 27 Jun 2025 | £1,195.00 |
| 28 Jun 2025 - 18 Jul 2025 | £1,395.00 |
| 19 Jul 2025 - 29 Aug 2025 | £1,495.00 |
| 30 Aug 2025 - 12 Sep 2025 | £1,195.00 |
| 13 Sep 2025 - 03 Oct 2025 | £995.00 |
| 04 Oct 2025 - 24 Oct 2025 | £1,195.00 |
| 25 Oct 2025 - 19 Dec 2025 | £895.00 |
| 20 Dec 2025 - 27 Dec 2025 | £1,495.00 |
| 28 Dec 2025 - 05 Jan 2026 | £1,495.00 |
| 06 Jan 2026 - 30 Jan 2026 | £895.00 |
| 31 Jan 2026 - 03 Apr 2026 | £995.00 |
| 04 Apr 2026 - 24 Apr 2026 | £1,195.00 |
| 25 Apr 2026 - 01 May 2026 | £995.00 |
| 02 May 2026 - 22 May 2026 | £1,195.00 |
| 23 May 2026 - 29 May 2026 | £1,395.00 |
| 30 May 2026 - 26 Jun 2026 | £1,195.00 |
| 27 Jun 2026 - 17 Jul 2026 | £1,395.00 |
| 18 Jul 2026 - 28 Aug 2026 | £1,495.00 |
| 29 Aug 2026 - 11 Sep 2026 | £1,195.00 |
| 12 Sep 2026 - 02 Oct 2026 | £995.00 |
| 03 Oct 2026 - 23 Oct 2026 | £1,195.00 |
| 24 Oct 2026 - 19 Dec 2026 | £895.00 |
| 20 Dec 2026 - 27 Dec 2026 | £1,495.00 |
| 28 Dec 2026 - 05 Jan 2027 | £1,495.00 |
| 06 Jan 2027 - 05 Jan 2028 | POA |
| 06 Jan 2028 - 05 Jan 2029 | 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.
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