Lochgilphead

Perched on the very edge of a sea loch, Samphire Cottage is a stunning contemporary property. This newly-built three-bedroom cottage is in the heart of Tayvallich, one of the most picturesque villages in Argyll and Bute, and is so close to the water, it’s almost as though it’s floating. Once a fishing village and now a haven for watersports, Tayvallich’s shop, café, pub and slipway are a five-minute walk from Samphire Cottage while the local tennis courts and community hall are only a few yards away. Samphire Cottage’s open-plan living area’s floor-to-ceiling windows and glass-fronted balcony provide open views across Tayvallich Bay, Loch Sween and the surrounding hills. This welcoming space features a beautifully-furnished lounge area centred around a freestanding woodburning stove, adding tangible cosiness to the warmth provided by the underfloor heating, and making it a great year-round destination. There’s also a well-equipped kitchen, with a large fridge-freezer and two electric ovens, and a dining area where a beautiful handmade table takes pride of place. Step through the sliding glass doors onto the balcony - ideal for breakfast, lunch or watching yachts sailing to and from Tayvallich. The twin bedroom on the ground floor features two handmade wooden beds (can be converted into a king-size bed), an attractively-tiled en-suite shower room and a bedside view of Loch Sween that’s definitely worth waking up for. The master bedroom on the first floor enjoys another stunning outlook, as well as a luxurious en-suite shower room and a king-size bed handmade from burr elm. Next door, the equally-impressive twin bedroom benefits from a picture window and an en-suite bathroom. One of the many highlights of this property is the stone-built garden seating area on the banks of Loch Sween. Relax at the lochside while waves gently lap the shore, fish leap, birds swoop and dragonflies dart across Tayvallich Bay. Thanks to its prime lochside position, swimming, kayaking and paddleboarding are all possible from Samphire Cottage. And if the weather’s not conducive to outdoor activities, or younger guests are looking for something to do while the adults chat, there’s a games room in the basement, which is also handy for storing outdoor clothing and equipment such as bikes and e-bikes. From sandy beaches and glittering lochs, to endless coastlines, forests and glens, there are so many reasons to visit Argyll and Bute, in the western Highlands. As one of the most naturally diverse locations in Scotland, it combines island paradises with stunning scenery, and has an abundance of wildlife, history and attractions – with everything from castles, boat trips, walking and cycling, to scuba diving, fishing, wild swimming and whisky tasting, to name only a few. Situated in the heart of Argyll, sits the pretty fishing of Tayvallich, a popular sailing centre and thriving small community. It is nestled on the shores of Loch Sween in the unspoilt Knapdale area, which stretches north from the Sound of Jura – between the holiday resort of Lochgilphead, and Tarbert, the main ferry port for Islay and Mull. The picturesque harbour village, with a population of just 300 people, lines an attractive horseshoe bay, in a spectacular setting. The local amenities include a general store and cafe, and the Tayvallich Inn. A ‘must-do’ is to walk to Carsaig Bay, Tayvallich’s tiny twin village less than a mile away facing the Sound of Jura – where the views and sunsets are unforgettable. The ‘must-see’ near Tayvallich is the tiny Keills Chapel at Keillmore, which was built in the 1100s. In a beautiful location off the beaten track, it is home to almost 40 medieval carved stones. On the eastern shore of Loch Sween stands the impressive remains of the 12th century Castle Sween, thought to be the oldest stone castle on the Scottish mainland. The National Nature Reserve on the Taynish Peninsula is also worth exploring, as home to one of the oldest oak forests in Britain. For wildlife enthusiasts there is much to choose from, whether it’s watching diving birds, seals and sea otters from the balcony, or venturing further afield on boat trips to see the Corryvreckan whirlpool with the opportunity to see dolphins, seals, sea eagles and basking sharks. And the village is an ideal base to explore the Mull of Kintyre and enjoy its world-class golf courses, surfing and beaches, or visit Oban which is one hour’s drive North. Whether it’s a trip for island-hopping, walking in the wilderness, Highland history, fabulous food or exhilarating adventure, this secluded corner of Scotland really has it all. A Post Office, Co-Op, petrol station, golf course and swimming pool are all located 11 miles away in the town of Lochgilphead. The nearest train station is in Oban, which is 46 miles from Tayvallich.