Oban holiday home rental, Ardfern with walking, beach/lake nearby, log fire, disabled access, balcony/terrace, telephone, rural retreat

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Drumalban (house)

Home description

Drumalban is a comfortable, well-equipped, family home set in 5 acres of lawns and wild garden with sensational views over Loch Craignish and its islands to the Atlantic beyond. It combines the benefits of complete privacy and a rugged, unspoilt outlook with an easy 10-minute walk to the village of Ardfern with its 200-year old drovers' inn, coffee and craft shop, well stocked local store, and thriving marina with daily boat trips.

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. We have a large selection of books, CDs, DVDs and games - even a Blütner piano. There are 2 bedrooms downstairs (a kingsize en suite and a twin), which, together with the living area, have large windows facing south and the view. Upstairs, there is a family bedroom (a emperor-sized bed and 2 singles) and a quadruple room separated by a gallery with a large picture window. The house sleeps 8 adults and 4 children. Ardfern is 2.5 hrs drive from Glasgow, and lies between the busy port/rail head of Oban (24 miles) and Lochgilphead (16 miles). Drumalban is ideal for both relaxing and active land- or water-based holidays. Weekly and weekend rents.

View from terrace over Loch Craignish	Drumalban
Living room and kitchen from dining room	View to Ardfern village from the garden

To see more photos please visit http://www.holidaylettings.co.uk/36568

The Highlands 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".

Oban / 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 - 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, and in season, meals on Friday and Saturday evenings. On Sunday there is a small market selling local lamb and organic vegetables. The church service is at 10:15 a.m.. There is also a well stocked, licensed, village shop (7 days/7:30 a.m. – 8 p.m.) and a thriving marina 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 which was awarded the "Scottish Museum of the Year" in 1998. 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

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 Oban

Facilities

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, CDs, DVDs and games - even a Blutner piano.

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 pine 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 2 single beds. The smaller bedroom has twin 3’ shaker-style pine beds and a single bed with bed under.

In summary, there are 4 rooms capable of sleeping 8 adults. In addition there are beds for 4 children, 2 cots 2 high chairs 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: badmington, cricket/rounders, swing-ball and boules. There are generally a couple of bags of golf clubs, some fishing equipment, bikes 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.
Pets allowed with prior notification.

Rental rates

Prices for group size 12
Period	From	To	Weekly	Nightly rate		Minimum  stay
				Weekday	Weekend
Low Season	5 Jan 09	21 Mar 09	730£ 730	0-	165165	3 Nights
Mid Season (Easter)	21 Mar 09	17 Apr 09	790£ 790	0-	225225	3 Nights
Mid/Low Season	17 Apr 09	1 May 09	820£ 820	0-	185185	3 Nights
Mid Season	1 May 09	4 Jul 09	970£ 970	0-	225225	3 Nights
High Season	4 Jul 09	4 Sep 09	1130£ 1,130	0-	0-	1 Week
Mid Season	4 Sep 09	25 Sep 09	790£ 790	0-	225225	3 Nights
Mid/Low Season	25 Sep 09	9 Oct 09	820£ 820	0-	185185	3 Nights
Mid Season (Oct Hols)	9 Oct 09	30 Oct 09	970£ 970	0-	225225	3 Nights
Low Season	30 Oct 09	21 Dec 09	730£ 730	0-	165165	3 Nights
Christmas	21 Dec 09	28 Dec 09	970£ 970	0-	0-	1 Week
New Year	28 Dec 09	5 Jan 10	1490£ 1,490	0-	0-	1 Week
Winter	5 Jan 10	5 Mar 10	760£ 760	185185	205205	Flexible
Early Spring	5 Mar 10	26 Mar 10	860£ 860	215215	240240	Flexible
Spring	26 Mar 10	2 Jul 10	1030£ 1,030	255255	285285	3 Nights
Summer	2 Jul 10	3 Sep 10	1290£ 1,290	0-	0-	1 Week
Autumn	3 Sep 10	29 Oct 10	1030£ 1,030	215215	240240	3 Nights
Winter	29 Oct 10	21 Dec 10	760£ 760	185185	205205	Flexible
Christmas	21 Dec 10	28 Dec 10	1170£ 1,170	0-	0-	1 Week
New Year	28 Dec 10	4 Jan 11	1490£ 1,490	0-	0-	1 Week

Prices for group size 8
Period	From	To	Weekly	Nightly rate		Minimum  stay
				Weekday	Weekend
Low Season	5 Jan 09	20 Mar 09	590£ 590	0-	140140	3 Nights
Mid Season (Easter)	20 Mar 09	17 Apr 09	790£ 790	0-	185185	3 Nights
Mid/Low Season	17 Apr 09	1 May 09	660£ 660	0-	155155	3 Nights
Mid Season	1 May 09	3 Jul 09	790£ 790	0-	185185	3 Nights
High Season	3 Jul 09	4 Sep 09	930£ 930	0-	0-	1 Week
Mid Season	4 Sep 09	25 Sep 09	790£ 790	0-	185185	3 Nights
Mid/Low Season	25 Sep 09	9 Oct 09	660£ 660	0-	155155	3 Nights
Mid Season (Oct Hols)	9 Oct 09	30 Oct 09	790£ 790	0-	185185	3 Nights
Low Season	30 Oct 09	20 Dec 09	590£ 590	0-	140140	3 Nights
Christmas	20 Dec 09	28 Dec 09	790£ 790	0-	0-	1 Week
New Year	28 Dec 09	5 Jan 10	1290£ 1,290	0-	0-	1 Week
Winter	5 Jan 10	5 Mar 10	620£ 620	145145	165165	Flexible
Early Spring	5 Mar 10	26 Mar 10	720£ 720	180180	200200	3 Nights
Spring	26 Mar 10	2 Jul 10	850£ 850	210210	235235	3 Nights
Summer	2 Jul 10	3 Sep 10	1090£ 1,090	0-	0-	1 Week
Autumn	3 Sep 10	29 Oct 10	850£ 850	210210	235235	3 Nights
Winter	29 Oct 10	21 Dec 10	620£ 620	145145	165165	Flexible
Christmas	21 Dec 10	28 Dec 10	990£ 990	0-	0-	1 Week
New Year	28 Dec 10	4 Jan 11	1290£ 1,290	0-	0-	1 Week

The property's weekend rates apply to: Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights

NB: Prices may be subject to change at the advertiser's discretion.

The 2 price tables above cover the maximum occupancy of the house (namely 12) and the standard occupancy of the house (5 to 8 people).

Please note that we offer much cheaper rates for couples and for families/groups of 4 occupying only the downstairs bedrooms. These rates are best viewed on our own website.

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.

For party sizes of 9, 10 and 11 the price is pro-rated between the 12 person and 8 person price tables given above.

All rentals are inclusive of linen and towels. Electricity and phone use are charged at cost.

We request a 25% deposit, receipt of which makes the booking firm.

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.

Guestbook for Drumalban

1 happy architect, 1 happy musician (& mum), 4 happy children and 2 happy dogs. Great house and great scenery. The Hawkins family, Brighton, Sussex.

So good to be back in this amazing house. Our "other Eden", thanks again.
Margaret and Geoff Kirkwood, East Yorkshire

4 mums and 8 kids came to escape husbands, homework and housework! Have all had a fabulous time. Ate, drank, played games and had talent shows. Your home's amazing. We are honoured to have stayed here!
Minto, Vaughan, Gilchrist and Murdoch Families, Perth, Scotland.

The 2 Ps - Perfect Paradise!
Den and Anthea Shears, Kendall, England.

No wonder our friends (Anthea and Den Shears) enthused about this beautiful place - they didn't exaggerate at all - it's heavenly!
Joyce Taylor, Kendall, England.

Just gorgeous. This place promotes a sense of well-being. Thank you!
Peter and Deri, Glasgow, Scotland.

Availability

See below for next 9 months' availability - to see the next 24 months click here

Send Enquiry

To contact this advertiser please visit: http://www.holidaylettings.co.uk/36568

Contact details for the advertiser of home 36568
Name:	Kirsty Richardson
Tel:	+44 (0)8520 500 207
Mobile:	+44 (0)7796 407 469
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Advertiser joined: Sep 2007