The Old House, Glen Orchy

Arichastlich, Argyll & Bute, Scotland

You drive for six miles along a leafy track that hugs the rushing river. Salmon leap and Caledonian pine tower above. Yet the train from London chugs into the local village; why not leave the car at home, take the train to Dalmally and let your hosts collect you? The house was the Earl of Breadalbane’s sporting lodge and has been renovated from top to toe with sensitivity and flair. The golden yellow sitting room has a large log fire with a railway-sleeper mantelpiece and old saddle hooks in the walls. The four-poster bedroom is on the ground floor, too - along with a utility room and Belfast sink for washing your day’s catch. The large 'wet room' has such a purposeful-looking shower that the whole family could scrub up at once. There are two pleasingly simple twin rooms upstairs, with valley views and lots of light. Hikers are spoilt for choice: walk up the hill on the other side of the river to a natural clearing in the trees where the play of sunlight through woodland is magical, or climb 2,500 feet up Ben Udlaidh (it’s known as a Corbett, a mini-munro) for views towards the islands. The pretty garden slopes towards the river: cluster round the table on the decking or you may cut veggies from the veg garden. In the bathrooms are your lovely hosts' excellent cosmetics; their company harvests seaweed from the islands off the west coast. An extremely comfortable home for a family holiday - and if you need supplies from the local grocers, the postman can be persuaded to bring them up with the morning mail.

Details for The Old House

Contact Mr & Mrs John F Kerr tel: 01838 200399 Send E-mail Enquiry Visit Web Site sleeps: 6 (8 with sofabed). rooms: 1 four-poster with bath; 2 twins; sofabed; bath/shower room; shower room. price: (per unit) £350 – £1,000. £75.00 per person per week closed: Never. changeover: Saturday.

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Why come here?

Checklist Dishwasher Electricity included Washing machine Music system*** Television Short breaks possible Central heating Welcome hamper Mobile reception* Microwave oven Iron & ironing board Extra bed/cot available Land line telephone** Public transport *** Not necessarily including CD player * For some networks ** May only be for incoming calls

Owner's Highlights Ice climb open all year at Kinlochleven, a 45-minute drive Seafood restaurants in nearby Oban Marine life and seal-watching boat trips from the Argyll coast Skiing and snowboarding, a 20-minute drive away Within walking distance of the Caledonian Pine Forest Smokehouse and Hollow Mountain, both within a short drive These highlights are written by the owner and are not endorsed by ASP. If you have questions about them, please contact the owner.