One of the many benefits of Garden Cottage is the serene location, a main highlight includes the beautiful sandy bay at the head of Loch Stornoway, which can be found just 0.5 miles down the road, or by a 15-minute walk from the cottage. This beach makes a great spot for swimming in the loch and on sunny days, when the sun is out the sand warms the water as the tide comes in making for a truly peaceful day exploring. Hidden gems are not difficult to find around Garden Cottage. Nearby, find the two standing stones; there are plenty of aspects of Garden Cottage and its surroundings to fall in love with.

The rural location of Garden Cottage means an abundance of opportunities for hill walking, cycling, kayaking, coasteering, bird and wildlife watching in an uninterrupted setting. Head 10 miles up the road to Tarbert for local amenities, Tarbert Castle and the popular Shell Beach on the shores of Loch Fyne. 20 miles north is Ardrishaig, where you’ll find the 9-mile Crinan Canal, which has been described as ‘the most beautiful shortcut in the world’. Explore the centuries of history at Skipness Castle before getting a bite to eat from the Skipness seafood cabin, 22 miles down the road.

While you’ll be spending most of your time wandering the surrounding lands at Garden Cottage, magnificent attractions and days out are a little further out but worth the journey. Take a day trip over to the Isle of Gigha and visit Achamore Gardens. Leave your car on the mainland and roam the peaceful trails on foot or by bike, finding the best locations which are only accessible on foot. Head to the Dark Sky Theatre on the north coast of the island for the perfect spot to watch the thousands of stars visible from Gigha, or if you’re lucky, gaze at the aurora borealis.

A longer day trip can be taken to the islands of Islay and Jura by driving to Kennacraig (14 miles) and hopping onto the ferry, which takes around 1 hour and 55 minutes to get to Port Askaig on Islay. From there, explore the whisky-soaked lands of Islay, with 10 whole distilleries on the island, or explore along the beautifully secluded landscapes of Jura, perfect for wandering and basking in tranquillity.

The Isle of Arran is accessible in under 2 hours and offers a variety of exciting activities, such as sea kayaking, horse riding, canyoning, golf, archery, alpaca trekking and farm tours. All accessible islands are rife with brilliant beaches, walking routes, restaurants, pubs and a beautiful variety of wildlife and sea life. Whether you wish to embrace the solitude around the estate or venture out and explore all Argyll and the Isles have to offer, Garden Cottage is the idyllic location for both.