COLINTRAIVE

We defy anyone not to be delighted by Kilmodan Cottage! Once the schoolhouse for the scattered little community of Glendaruel between Strachur (shop, cafe and hotel) and Colintraive in Argyll, this light and spacious cottage has been the subject of a breathtaking architectural makeover to create a most unique and sublimely comfortable holiday home. Reached via a short drive past its only and unobtrusive neighbour, it faces south and has glorious views up and down the valley and to the hills at the side. To the front and side there is a large grass garden (furniture, BBQ and parking for several cars at the side and in front). At the the end of the garden, the building which was once the children's toilets has been converted into a small summer house/games room which also provides secure storage for bikes, etc. If the surroundings are delightful, it is inside that the wow factor really kicks in. The enormous living area is open plan and the sitting room end has one wall completely of glass with doors opening to the garden. Behind it are the dining area and a superb kitchen. Doors lead off to a utility area, shower room and two bright and sunny, beautifully furnished double bedrooms, one with en suite WC. Above this space is the gallery, one end of which looks down on to the kitchen, the other end of which forms a further seating area with TV and sofa bed, where once again you can benefit from that glass wall to enjoy the views from a higher vantage point. Off the gallery is a twin bedroom and a most elegant bathroom, with bath and separate shower. Heating is by electricity, underfloor downstairs and by radiators upstairs. There is an external (3 pin socket) power source in the wood shed that can be used for car charging. This is a most peaceful area, on a road which leads only down to Colintraive and the little ferry to the Isle of Bute, which is a very pleasant destination for a day's outing. From just up the road you can head across the hill to Otter Ferry on Loch Fyne or to Tighnabruaich, which is a famous sailing venue where there is also a golf course. A couple of miles further on, the Portavadie ferry will take you across to Tarbert, famous for its seafood, at the head of the Kintyre peninsula. From there or nearby Claonaig (depending on the season) you can take a ferry to Arran. This is certainly a 'well ferried' part of the world! The hills and woods around the cottage offer good walking (the Cowal Way passes close by) and cycling, while for supermarket shopping, leisure centres and so on, Dunoon is the place to head for (the drive round the head of Loch Striven is scenically very rewarding too).If you turn left on the A815 instead of right to Dunoon, you will come to the Benmore Botanic Gardens on one side of the road and Puck's Glen on the other, both of which are well worth a visit.