Drumalban
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About the home
Drumalban is ideal for both relaxing and active land- or water-based holidays. The house sleeps up to 8 adults and 4 children in 4 bedrooms.
Built in 1999 and updated in 2012, Drumalban is a unique, architect-designed Scottish home with a modern Scandinavian twist. The white walls, wood and local stone of the open plan living room, dining room (seats 12) and well equipped kitchen provide a convivial setting for a great holiday whether - breakfasting outside on the south-facing terrace or snuggling up to the impressive log fire.
There are 2 bedrooms downstairs (a double en suite and a twin), which, together with the living area, have large windows facing south and the view. There is a further bathroom with shower downstairs.
The upstairs is entirely oak-floored. There is a vast family bedroom (an emperor-sized bed and 3 singles) and a triple room (3 singles) separated by a gallery with a large south-facing picture window looking over Loch Craignish. In 2012 we added a new, and we hope stylish, upstairs bathroom, in response to our guests' requests.
Inside, the house is fully equipped both for cooking and in terms of entertainment. We have a 42" plasma TV and DVD, a good stereo system, free WiFi , a large selection of books (including cookery), CDs, DVDs and board games. There is also a Blütner piano.
Outside the views over the loch are outstanding and unspoilt. There is a large terrace with picnic benches and a BBQ. There is also a selection of sports equipment. We love the complete seclusion of the fenced 5-acre (2Ha) grounds which children can explore on their own. These comprise rough Highland lawns with deciduous and evergreen woods. Between Easter and June, the rhodenedrons and camilias are at their best. The land is carpeted with hazy purple drifts of bluebells in May.
Close by there is riding, sailing, canoeing, fresh water and sea fishing as well as walks and boat excursions.
Ardfern is 2.5 hrs drive from Glasgow, and lies between the busy port/rail head of Oban (24 miles) and Lochgilphead (16 miles). We offer both weekly and weekend rents and our rates recognise different party sizes. We accept well behaved dogs.
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| Size: | Sleeps up to 12, 4 bedrooms |
|---|---|
| Nearest beach: | Sea Loch, 500m |
| Will consider: | Corporate lets House swaps Short breaks |
| Access: | Car advised Nearest amenities: 1km |
| Family friendly? | Suitable for children of all ages Suitable for people with restricted mobility |
| Notes: | May take pets - please enquire No smoking at this property Self-catering |
Facilities
| Luxuries: | Log fire, Internet access, DVD player, Sea view |
|---|---|
| General: | Central heating, TV, Video player, CD player, Telephone, Fax, Satellite TV, Wi-fi available |
| Standard: | Kettle, Toaster, Iron, Hair dryer |
| Utilities: | Clothes dryer, Dishwasher, Cooker, Microwave, Fridge, Freezer, Washing machine |
| Rooms: | 4 Bedrooms, 3 bathrooms of which 1 family bathroom, 1 en suite and 1 shower room |
| Furniture: | Single beds (8), Double beds (2), Cots (2), Dining seating for 12, Lounge seating for 12 |
| Other: | Linen and towels provided Highchair available |
| Outdoors: | Balcony / Terrace, Private garden, BBQ |
| Access: | Parking space |
Further details indoors:
The house which was built in 1999 is spacious (200 sq m) and light: white walls are complemented by local stone and wood. Downstairs, the living area is open plan. It comprises a well-equipped kitchen overlooking a large living room (with stone gable and large wood burning fire) and a maple floored dining area (so you can cook and still be part of the party!). There is a large selection of books, a 42" flatscreen TV, CDs, DVDs and games - even a Blutner piano. We provide free WiFi access.
The remainder of the downstairs is taken up with 2 bedrooms, a kingsize en suite and a twin, a further bathroom, a hall and an entry porch. The living room, dining room and bedrooms have 1-metre wide windows to floor level facing south over the terrace and wooded gardens to the loch.
The upstairs is entirely oak floored. There are 2 family bedrooms separated by a gallery above which is large picture window with views over the loch. The larger of these bedrooms has a emperor-sized pine bed and 3 single beds. The smaller bedroom has twin 3’ shaker-style pine beds. A new shower room was added in the Spring of 2011 ( a loo with a view!).
In summary, there are 4 rooms capable of sleeping 8 adults. In addition to this, there are 4 more beds for adults or children, 2 cots, a high chair, an off-road pram and a booster seat.
Further details outdoors:
There is a large terrace outside (1000 sq ft/100 sq m) with 2 wooden picnic benches. This faces south and the view. The land, which is fenced, is a mixture of lawn, deciduous planting, fruit trees & bushes, rhododendrons, perennials and wild areas. You are welcome to help yourselves sustainably to herbs and any fruit or vegetables that we may have planted and that are in season. There is also a barbecue and a selection of outdoor games equipment. There are generally a couple of bags of golf clubs, some fishing equipment and life jackets.
Further details
Rents run Friday to Friday and are inclusive of linen and towels.
Departure time by 10:00 hrs / Arrival time after 16:00.
Dogs (£20) allowed with prior notification.
Photos
The Central Scotland / Strathclyde / Argyll and Bute region
Ardfern is situated in Argyll on the West Coast in the Southern Highlands. Argyll is a region of lochs, mountains and islands - that though wild and beautiful - is only 2 hours from Glasgow - Scotland's largest city. Argyll offers unrivalled holiday opportunities to relax and to explore the castles, islands, beaches whilst sampling some of the country's finest whisky and seafood.
In Mid Argyll, there are more prehistoric sites, stone circles, standing stones, cup and ring marks in these few square miles than anywhere else in Scotland. The first Scots kings were crowned at Dunadd fort. St Columba arrived at Iona in 563 AD - this beautiful island and its monastry - are a popular destination.
The bustling port of Oban is the "Gateway to The Isles".
The Ardfern area
Ardfern is a wonderful centre for a holiday with short walks to the village and along the loch. At end of the Craignish Peninsula (4 miles), fantastic sunsets can be seen looking between Jura and Scarba, where lurks the infamous Corrievreckan whirlpool. A mile nearer the house, there is a beautiful little mediaeval chapel with its ancient burial stones and a shallow bay where you can swim. There are beautiful sandy beaches within an hour’s drive.
The focus of the village of Ardfern is the 200-year-old drovers’ pub - The Galley of Lorne (+44 01852 500 284) - with its open fires and easy atmosphere. There is a restaurant and bar meals are also served. On sunny days, one can drink outside while the kids play on the grass. Opposite the hotel is The Crafty Kitchen for coffee, cakes and crafts as well as, in season, lunch and dinner (closed Monday). The church service is at 10:15 a.m.. There is also a well stocked, licensed, village shop (+44 1852 500 350) and post office 08:00 (08:30 Sun) to 19:00hrs, and a thriving marina (+44 1852 500 247) from which daily boat excursions depart.
Ardfern and its sister village of Croabh Haven boast an excellent riding centre with Appaloosa horses, daily boat trips and a watersports centre with canoeing, windsurfing and sailing. There are golf courses at Lochgilphead, Seil and Oban.
If canoeing and riding is all a bit too energetic, then you can just soak up the beautiful scenery or enjoy the many lovely local walks and gardens. The area is ideal for photographers and artists and there is also plenty of bird and sea life to be seen. Should you wish to venture further afield you are well placed for touring Argyll and the islands.
Mid Argyll is one of the most fascinating parts of Scotland to explore. There are more prehistoric sites, stone circles, standing stones, cup and ring marks in these few square miles than anywhere else in Scotland. The first Scots kings were crowned at Dunadd fort. Archaeological exploration is centred on the village of Kilmartin (15 minutes drive from the house) and its Museum of Ancient Culture. The adjoining café is a family favourite.
The bustling port town of Oban is the embarkation point for many islands including Kerrera, Mull, Coll, Tiree, Colonsay and the Outer Hebrides. Mull is an easy day trip. Its attractions include: Duart Castle, the fishing and distillery town of Tobermory, and Toronsay House and gardens (linked to Craignure by a narrow gauge steam railway). From Mull, it is a short hop to Iona (where St Columba landed in 563 AD) with its famous Abbey and white sandy beaches; and to the geological spectacle of Staffa and Fingal’s Cave which inspired Mendlesohn’s Hebridean Overture. There are several organised full day excursions from Oban which include Mull, Staffa and Iona.
North of Oban, via the Connell bridge, is the village of Port Appin; embarkation point for the island of Lismore and/or lunch stop at The Pier Restaurant - if you want to push the boat out – try the Michelin-starred Airds Hotel. Just to the north is Castle Stalker. On wet days, children might prefer the Sealife Centre at Benderloch (1 hour from Ardfern) or the subterranean Ben Cruachan Hydro Electric Visitor Centre. On hot days there are beaches and diving at Gannavan and Tralee. Around Taynuilt there is the Bonawe Iron Foundry museum (Apr – Sep) and cruises on the Loch Etive. Other attractions include: Kilchurn castle, Oban Rare Breeds Park and Oban Distillery.
The Island of Seil is halfway between Oban and Ardfern, and accessed by the 1793 Thomas Telford “Bridge over the Atlantic”, where lunch can be had at Tigh na Truish (House of the Troussers!). Further on, at Ballvicar, there is a rough-and-ready 9-hole golf course and next to the Inshaig hotel, the beautiful gardens of An Cala (Apr – Oct). The road ends at Ellanbeich from where the tiny car-free island of Easdale with its historic slate quarries and fascinating museum is reached in 3 minutes by ferry.
Half an hour south of the house is Crinan, a busy hamlet (with upmarket hotel and coffee shop) by the lock gates at the seaward end of the Crinan Canal. From here, excursions run to the remote north end of Jura (where Orwell wrote 1984). Beyond Crinan, at Kilmory lie beautiful large white sandy beaches (a sinuous 1-hour from the house). There is a small beach at Carsaig (30 mins). If the sea is too cold(!) then you can try the warmer hill lochens above the house or the swimming pool at Lochgilphead. Further down the Kintyre peninsula, the island of Gigha (house, gardens and hotel) makes a great day trip. Islay and Jura are reached from Kennacraig and Ireland from Campbeltown.
Argyll is walking country with 25 Munros within 90 minutes including Ben Cruachan, Ben Lui and Glencoe (where one can also ski). Sea fishing can be arranged from Oban and Croabh, and there is good fresh water fishing in Loch Awe and in other smaller lochs. There are fine gardens: Arduaine NTS (15 minutes) and Old Portalloch (20 minutes),
It is 1 hour south to Inverarey with its beautiful white houses, castle (home to the Duke of Argyll) and historic jail. The Auchindrain Crofting Village Museum, Crarae gardens and a wildlife park are on the way. Glasgow and its museums/shopping is 1 hour further.
How to get there
Click map icons for more information
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| Nearest Travel Links | |
| Airport: | Glasgow: 150 km |
| Railway: | Oban: 40 km |
| Ferry: | Oban: 39 km |
Glasgow (160 km - 2.5 hrs) and Edinburgh (215 km - 3.25 hrs) are the closest cities to our house - both have international airports
Budget airlines - Easyjet, Flybe, RyanAir and Globespan fly to Glasgow , Glasgow Prestwick and Edinburgh Airports from all over Europe, with FlyZoom, Canadian Affair and Air Transat providing direct flights from Canada. There are scheduled flights from the USA with Continental, US Airways and Virgin. British Airways, BMI, SAS and Aer Lingus also fly to Glasgow and Edinburgh.
The nearest towns are Oban (40 km - 0.75 hrs) and Lochgilphead (25 km - 0.5 hrs). Oban is well connected by rail from Glasgow and Edinburgh (4 trains/day) and by road (4 buses/day - 2 direct from Glasgow airport). 3 buses/day run from Glasgow to Lochgilphead. There is a local bus service connecting Lochgilphead and Oban to the village of Ardfern - where our house in situated.
Cars can be hired in Glasgow (7 companies at airport) for the scenic drive west along Loch Lomond and Loch Fyne to Ardfern. There are 3 car hire firms in Oban.
The port of Oban is known as "The Gateway to the Isles" - with ferries serving 15 islands, including: Mull (Iona and Staffa), Colonsay, Tiree and the Outer Hebrides. Ferries also run from Kennacraig to Jura and Islay - with their 8 whisky distilleries.
Of interest may be the nightly sleeper from London Euston which arrives in Crianlarich at 07:40 hrs and Fort William at 10:00 hrs, or, for the adventurous, the seaplane from Glasgow to Oban.
Activities near Ardfern
Watersports
Horse Riding
Golf within 30 mins drive
Fishing
Walking holidays
Rural / countryside retreats
Beach or lakeside relaxation
Cycling holidays
Reviews
 04 Jan 2012 |
Drumalban has everything you would want from a holiday home. It is a home from home, in the most magical and stunning setting on the West Coast of Scotland, yet close to local amenities. The house is well maintained and has everything you could possibly need for your stay. There is lots to do for those who like outdoor activities: walking, sailing, canoeing, fishing as well as a marina within half a mile of the house. |
23 Dec 2011 |
My wife, sister, and brother-in-law had the good fortune to stay at Drumalban for the week following the 2010 Open and had a GREAT time. The house was very well appointed and suited our every need. The village nearby offered all of the ammenities we required from groceries to eateries and the house management was exceptional. Ms. Richardson was quite helpful in supplying us with information regarding local and regional activities and sites. We will certainly return! |
05 Dec 2011 |
We always struggle to find a property big enouth for our annual extended family holiday but Drumalban fitted the bill in every aspect. The rooms are vast and the patio adds even more space for alfresco eating. |
Guestbook for Drumalban
The best bit is arriving, the worst bit departing. Another superb week at Drumalban, such peace and tranquility.The Davies.
... aaaaaand......Relax! Fabulous place with an amazing ever-changing view. Robert & Hannah Logie.
Wow! Beautiful place! Gorgeous weather too. Very impressed with the house. Very child friendly. Great to see deer in the garden. Saw otters in the sea too! The Hiders.
What a place - stunning - a real home from home - loved it! The Lows and The Sutherlands.
A wonderful place to stay for our friends' wedding. 2 from Australia, 2 from Singapore plus 8 happy English.
The house is stunning. we had such a relaxed break, weather was spot on! Will definitely return, Ardfern is beautiful. The Shields
...and a grand time was had by all! Great weather, great friends, great views....Just a comfy place & feel. Love the rocks! The Biggars - San Francisco, USA.
Rental prices
| Rental prices originally quoted in: British £ | Convert to: |
| Prices for group size 4 | ||||||
| Period | From | To | Weekly | Nightly rate | Minimum stay | |
| Weekday | Weekend | |||||
| Low Season | 6 Jan 12 | 14 Jan 12 | £ 400 | - | - | Flexible |
| Low Season | 14 Jan 12 | 30 Mar 12 | £ 535 | - | - | 2 Nights |
| Mid Season | 30 Mar 12 | 29 Jun 12 | £ 700 | - | - | 2 Nights |
| High Season | 29 Jun 12 | 7 Sep 12 | £ 915 | - | - | 2 Weeks |
| Mid Season | 7 Sep 12 | 26 Oct 12 | £ 700 | - | - | 2 Nights |
| Low Season | 26 Oct 12 | 21 Dec 12 | £ 535 | - | - | 2 Nights |
| Prices for group size 8 | ||||||
| Period | From | To | Weekly | Nightly rate | Minimum stay | |
| Weekday | Weekend | |||||
| Low Season | 6 Jan 12 | 30 Mar 12 | £ 650 | - | - | 2 Nights |
| Mid Season | 30 Mar 12 | 29 Jun 12 | £ 850 | - | - | 2 Nights |
| High Season | 29 Jun 12 | 7 Sep 12 | £ 1175 | - | - | 1 Week |
| Mid Season | 7 Sep 12 | 26 Oct 12 | £ 850 | - | - | 2 Nights |
| Low Season | 26 Oct 12 | 21 Dec 12 | £ 650 | - | - | 2 Nights |
| Christmas | 21 Dec 12 | 28 Dec 12 | £ 990 | - | - | 1 Week |
| New Year | 28 Dec 12 | 4 Jan 13 | £ 1300 | - | - | 1 Week |
| Prices for group size 12 | ||||||
| Period | From | To | Weekly | Nightly rate | Minimum stay | |
| Weekday | Weekend | |||||
| Low Season | 6 Jan 12 | 30 Mar 12 | £ 790 | - | - | 2 Nights |
| Mid Season | 30 Mar 12 | 29 Jun 12 | £ 1030 | - | - | 2 Nights |
| High Season | 29 Jun 12 | 7 Sep 12 | £ 1375 | - | - | 1 Week |
| Mid Season | 7 Sep 12 | 26 Oct 12 | £ 1030 | - | - | 2 Nights |
| Low Season | 26 Oct 12 | 21 Dec 12 | £ 790 | - | - | 2 Nights |
| Christmas | 21 Dec 12 | 28 Dec 12 | £ 1170 | - | - | 1 Week |
NB: Prices may be subject to change at the advertiser's discretion.
All rentals are inclusive of linen and towels. Free WiFi. Electricity and phone use are charged at cost.
The 3 price tables (above) cover:
Rental Rates for 4. Families or groups of 3 -4 occupying only the downstairs bedrooms.
Rental Rates for 8. This is our standard occupancy of the house, namely 5 to 8 people.
Rental Rates for 12. This is our maximum occupancy of 8 adults and 4 children. For party sizes of
9,10 and 11 the price is pro-rated between the 12 person and 8 person price tables.
We also offer rates for couples.
We also offer long weekend bookings and short week day (typically from 4 weeks prior to the dates required). Rates on our website. Weekend bookings are not available in July to August and at New Year/ Christmas.
We request a 25% deposit, receipt of which makes the booking firm.
Dogs are welcome by prior arrangement at a cost of £20 per week.
The balance should be paid 4 weeks prior to your rental together with a separate security cheque for £100. This is refunded once the house has been checked after your stay.
Please e-mail us/call us if you have any questions.
Availability
See below for next 9 months' availability - to see the next 24 months click here
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Contact the owner
* Required fields Please check the following errors: | 4 years listed You are contacting Kirsty Richardson
Languages spoken   The owner is based in the United Kingdom and has advertised with Holiday Lettings since 2007. This house has received 7 reviews from previous guests.  |
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