LOCHGILPHEAD

Following the little single-track road from Crinan, near Lochgilphead in the west of Scotland, you come to peaceful Loch Sween and heading a few hundred yards up the hill from the tiny village of Achnamara you will find the even tinier group of cottages at Inverlussa. One of these is the Steadings, a detached, traditional stone dwelling, now beautifully renovated to form a holiday home of great charm and character. That this is something a little different is evident immediately on entering, when one comes first to an elegant reception hall, again with one exposed wall. There is plenty of room here to bring the baggage in before setting off for the rest of the house. The spacious living room is particularly attractive and stylish, with wooden beams and a welcoming open fire in the original feature stone fireplace for cosy evenings in. Behind the comfortable seating is the equally stylish dining area and there are French doors that open out onto an attractive and sheltered terrace (with furniture).The large kitchen is well-equipped with plenty of space for cooking and there are laundry facilities in the handy additional utility room. There is also useful downstairs shower room. Upstairs there are three bedrooms, a double, a twin and a single, and a family bathroom. The bedrooms are all of a good size and are made light and bright by their Velux ceiling windows. The ceilings do slope quite steeply though, so taller guests may have to mind their heads! Outside the large enclosed sloping grass garden is a real delight, affording lovely views of the hill behind and the loch below. For peace and relaxation, this area can scarcely be bettered. The road below the house ends a few miles further on and you will be constantly entranced by the wonderful views across to the Isle of Jura on the way. You will also pass some lovely silver sand beaches, Castle Sween (shop and restaurant at the caravan site there) and Kilmory Knap Chapel, which has some fascinating ancient headstones. Kilmory Bay is well worth exploring, with some spooky caves which will delight younger members of the party. In the other direction you can drive round to Tayvallich (with cafe and hotel), a famous yachting haven. Walking or cycling along the Crinan Canal is another pleasurable experience with well-placed hostelries at either end for refreshment. To the north are the archaeological wonders of Kilmartin Glen and then of course Oban and points north. Lochgilphead (10 miles) has all facilities and a swimming pool and from there you can go south to explore the Mull of Kintyre. The 'back road' via Carradale may not be the fastest route on earth, but you are on holiday, after all and the views are stupendous.