Undiscovered Scotland

Ard Daraich, Ardgour, Fort William, PH33 7AB. On the shores of Loch Linnhe and at the entrance to Glen Gour, Ard Daraich is well placed to enjoy all that's good about the Western Highlands. What was once the garage of Constance Spry and then the potting shed for Ard Daraich Hill Garden & Nursery, is now a self-catering Garden Studio offering highly appointed accommodation for 2 guests. A large open-plan living area has French doors open out onto a small self contained garden with terrace. Upstairs is also open plan with a king-size bed and en-suite bathroom. Also available is The Garden Apartment (created from the formal rooms of Ard Daraich House). It sleeps 5 and has its own separate gate and path through the garden leading to the front door. It comprises a modern kitchen/dining room, a spacious drawing room with a large feature hearth of Caithness stone and wood burner, two stunning feature bedrooms, one with a huge Tudor four-poster bed, the other with a king size Norwegian bed and a bathroom with wood-lined walls and the original freestanding bath. Guests are welcome to enjoy the 8 acres of garden surrounding Ard Daraich. Open all year. Rates from £495 per week. Short breaks and last minute offers may be available. See website for details. Contact Norrie and Anna Maclaren. Tel: 01855 841384.
E-mail: info@arddaraich.co.uk
WWW: ardgour-selfcatering.co.uk

Bluebell Croft, Strontian. STB 5 Star Self Catering. Bluebell Croft consists of 2 separate self-catering properties - Honeysuckle House and Rose Cottage - which share a spectacular, elevated West Coast location on the Ardnamurchan peninsula, with stunning mountain views across the Strontian glen. The 4 bedroomed Honeysuckle House sleeps up to 8 and the 2 bedroomed Rose Cottage 2 to 4. Both houses may be combined, via a beautiful sun-room, to create a unique space for larger gatherings sleeping 12 in great comfort, or up to 16 with extra beds for children. The huge sun-room, normally used by Honeysuckle, leads out to a perfectly situated hot tub. Both properties have Category 1 disabled access downstairs. Family and pet friendly. Great for all out-door pursuits and wildlife enthusiasts. The properties lend themselves perfectly as a unique wedding venue for small groups and a secluded and tranquil honeymoon destination. Open all year. Rates from £600 per week fully inclusive, Friday to Friday. Short break, last minute and low occupancy rates in Honeysuckle House may be available. Contact: Chris and Chrissie Morgan. Tel: 01967 402226.
E-mail: chris@bluebellcroft.co.uk
WWW: www.bluebellcroft.co.uk

The Bothy/Old Schoolhouse, Loch Nevis, Mallaig. Accessible only by boat, the old crofting township of Kylesmorar lies east of Mallaig on the west coast of Scotland, on the remote shores of Loch Nevis, round which no roads run. You reach Kylesmorar via the friendly little ferry from Mallaig. It will drop you at Tarbet (over the side into an estate boat) and you'll then be taken onward for the 5 minute passage round the headland to Kylesmorar itself. The Bothy/Schoolhouse offers comfortable and beautifully appointed accommodation furnished with great style and originality. The Bothy has a remarkable open plan living area, with stone floor, exposed wood beams and an oil-fired stove, which opens out into the garden area. The spacious bedroom has twin beds, which can be pushed together to make an extra large double, and a bathroom with bath and separate shower. It can be rented alone as a romantic retreat for two, or in conjunction with the extra bedroom and bathroom provided in Old Schoolhouse (a separate building about 20ft from the Bothy) to increase occupancy to 4. Tenants are welcome to bring their own boats and make use of the jetty and visitor mooring at Kylesmorar, but do so at their own risk. There is great walking and climbing in the area and if you are looking for a place to really get away from it all, you'll find nowhere better! From £495-£825 per week. Short breaks may be available. Please note this is a no smoking house. Up to three well behaved pets welcome by arrangement. Tel: +44 (0)1835 822277.
WWW: The Bothy/Old Schoolhouse Web Page

Bunallt Eachain Cottage, Near Salen. Bunallt Eachain enjoys a picture postcard setting on the shores of Loch Sunart. Set in a pretty garden, reached by a bridge and surrounded by water on three sides, each high tide creates your own private island heaven. The cottage has recently been extended and modernised to provide homely accommodation for up to six guests in three bedrooms. There is a well-equipped kitchen and the sitting room has an open fire. Additional heating is by metered electricity (£15 allowance included). All bed linen and towels are supplied. Midway between Salen and Strontian, Bunallt Eachain is ideally placed for exploring the unique geography of the Ardnamurchan Peninsula. And within the scope of a day's driving are Mallaig, Fort William, the Road to the Isles and Loch Ness. From £395-£635 per week. Tel: +44 (0)1835 822277.
WWW: Bunallt Eachain Cottage Web Page

Drimnin Estate, Drimnin House, Cottage holidays and Bed & Breakfast, Drimnin, Morvern, PA80 5XZ. Drimnin Estate is one of Scotland's best kept secrets, sheltered between Ardnamurchan to the north and the Isle of Mull to the south. Occupying 7,000 acres of the western tip of the little-known Morvern peninsula, it is a haven for wildlife (otters, eagles, pine martens and Wildcats) and for those who prefer the peace and solitude that cannot be found in more well known parts. Accommodation available in Drimnin House (sleeping 16+4), 3 self catering cottages (sleeps 2-6) and Achnacriche Bed & Breakfast. Drimnin House is offered with the services of a cook included, it has eight bedrooms and large reception rooms and stunning views over the rugged coastline and across the Sound of Mull towards the picturesque Tobermory harbour. Drimnin House is available for family/group holidays, corporate activities, location filming and the restored chapel is ideal for weddings, vow renewals, christenings and musical events. Open all year, short breaks welcome. Contact Rhonda Newsham. Tel: 07714 248425.
E-mail: enquiries@drimninestate.co.uk
WWW: www.drimninestate.co.uk

Essan Cottage, Morar, Nr Mallaig, PH40 4PA. STB 3 Star Self Catering. If you're looking for somewhere you can relax and unwind, then this is the place for you. Centrally located in the village and only three miles from Mallaig on the romantic 'Road to the Isles', Essan Cottage is the traditional station master's bungalow for Morar Railway station. This charming property offers comfortable accommodation for up to four guests and comprises one double and one twin bedded room, as well as a comfortable lounge, well equipped kitchen and spacious bathroom with toilet and shower. There is a small garden and parking for two cars. A cot and highchair can be provided for an additional infant guest. Morar's elevated location offers wonderful views over the beautiful 'Silver Sands', the magnificent white beaches just awaiting your exploration. Open all year. From £300-£500 per week. Contact: Alistair MacLeod. Tel: 01687 460014.
E-mail: enquiries@cottageselfcatering.co.uk
WWW: wwww.cottageselfcatering.co.uk

Kilchoan Estate, Inverie, Knoydart, PH41 4PL. Kilchoan Estate comprises 13,500 acres of breathtaking scenery, including rivers, lochs, low level walks and Munros. The Estate has 5 first class self catering properties, each within a 5 minute walk of one another. Our smallest property is Tigh na Dobhran, a charming cottage sleeping up to 4 in two bedrooms. It has a vaulted ceiling to its open-plan living space and floor to ceiling windows. The Fank is a delightful cottage built up from the old sheep fank and sleeps up to 4 guests in 2 twin rooms. Sitting on its own it enjoys magnificent views. The Barn and Tigh-na-Broc both sleep 6. The Barn is ideal group accommodation, whilst newly renovated Tigh-na-Broc has 3 separate bedrooms and is right next door to Tigh na Dobhran, making a block booking an ideal choice for two groups or families. Our larger properties include the superbly appointed Kilchoan Farmhouse sleeping 8 and Druim Bothy sleeping 10. Open all year. Rates from £450 per week. For further information contact Jacqui on Tel: 01687 462133.
E-mail: kilchoanestate@btinternet.com
WWW: www.kilchoan-knoydart.com

Knoydart Lodge, Inverie, Knoydart, PH41 4PL. Unique to Knoydart, Knoydart Lodge offers the perfect balance of private and communal accommodation. By renting a private room and sharing the living spaces, our guests experience the luxury living of a self catering Highland Lodge without the price tag. This beautiful home has a large open plan layout, high vaulted ceilings, open beam architecture and gorgeous views out to the community market garden and Loch Nevis. There are five private en-suite guest bedrooms, plus a communal kitchen, lounge and outdoor space. Whilst giving guests the opportunity to meet new people and share the adventure, Knoydart Lodge is the perfect venue for all types and sizes of groups - from couples looking for a romantic getaway to parties of outdoor enthusiasts looking to bag the munros! Bedding, towels, toiletries & tea/coffee included. Rates from only £35 per person per night. We also offer continental breakfasts for just £5 per person. Please enquire for block booking rates. For further information, visit the website linked below.
E-mail: stay@knoydartlodge.co.uk
WWW: www.knoydartlodge.co.uk

Mingarry Lodges, The Old Chapel House, Mingarry, Acharacle, PH36 4JX. STB 4 Star Self Catering. Stay in one of two exclusive Scandinavian-style self catering cabins set in woodlands with views over Acharacle Moss to Loch Shiel and Ben Resipole. Mingarry Lodges are equipped to the highest standard and combine rustic charm with traditional home comforts. Hooting and Tooting Lodges each sleep up to 4 guests in double and twin bedrooms. There is a well equipped kitchen, a stylish dining area and a comfortable sitting room with leather sofas, flat screen TV, DVD player and WiFi Internet. There is bathroom on the upper floor and a separate shower room downstairs. Enjoy close encounters with pine martens, red squirrels and other Highland wildlife. A perfect retreat for walking and wildlife enthusiasts, and a great base to explore Ardnamurchan and Lochaber. Open all year. Ideal for couples of families. Rates from £352 to £540 per week. Short breaks from £233. Contact: Jayne Theaker. Tel: 01967 431532. Mobile 07708 468843.
E-mail: info@mingarrylodges.com
WWW: www.mingarrylodges.com
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Tom Fraoich Chalet, Cnoc nam Fiadh, Strontian, By Acharacle, PH36 4HY. STB 3 Star Self Catering. Close to the village of Strontian on the Ardnamurchan Peninsula, Tom Fraoich Chalet is set in an acre of garden, with wonderful views to the hills. This is the perfect base for a walking holiday, for a wildlife and bird watching holiday or for simply getting away from it all. The well appointed accommodation comprises a spacious kitchen with dining area, a lounge with comfortable seating, a TV and books to read, one double bedroom, one twin bedroom, a family bathroom and a separate shower room. Outside there is an enclosed garden with ample parking, garden furniture and a barbecue. Open all year. Rates from £370 per week including all bed linen, towels, electricity and WiFi. Pets welcome. Please note, this is a no smoking chalet. Contact: John Jackson. Tel: 01967 402470. Mobile: 07733 301210.
E-mail: tomfraoich@westhighlandchalet.co.uk
WWW: www.westhighlandchalet.co.uk