Alastair Sawday's Special Escapes: Self-catering in the UK

The Ruin

The Ruin, Ardslignish, Acharacle, Argyll, Scotland

Over the lip of Loch Sunart, tucked into the land of old oak, asphodel and heather, crouches The Ruin. From its windows not a trace of development can be spied; within its ancient walls, stone work blends with pine beams and panelling. This is a place for two to roost, with crafty lighting, willow pattern china, dried flowers. It is open-plan, almost one big room: pad across the tiles in your socks (there's underfloor heating), bake bread in the kitchen, bathe in the enclosed shower and tub with towels-a-plenty, doze on the plump bed. A whisper away from the house is the Byre with handmade bunks, second bathroom, TV/DVD, croquet and outdoor badminton. This dinky abode can securely sleep two youngsters yet fill their minds with freedom. Grab binoculars and stride off for the mountains or the silken shore, bird-spot until sundown... Browse the wildlife books back at base and, when the tide ebbs, poke around to see what gems the rock pools have offered up. Logs, linen, games, an old film on DVD - all are yours as you settle in by the wood-burning stove. Once the stillness of 80 acres descends, hear seals and pups calling, growling to each other, slipping into the loch. Sit on the terrace while locally caught lobster spits on the barbecue, watch guillemots come and go out on the wide cerulean water. Soothingly wild.

Snooker, table-tennis, mini gym and darts available at Greenwood, 150 metres away.

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from Lois & Richard Livett

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Details

The Ruin

Contact: Lois & Richard Livett

• Tel: 01972 500201
• Fax: 01972 500701
• Sleeps: 2 (4 with 2 youngsters in The Byre).
• Rooms: The Ruin (sleeps 2): 1 double; bath/shower room. The Byre (sleeps 2 youngsters): 1 room with bunkbeds.
• Price: £410 Plus £90 per week if the Byre is required.
• Closed: Rarely.

Checklist

• Dishwasher
• Electricity included
• Washing machine
• Microwave oven
• Central heating
• Mobile reception
• Television
• BBQ
• Beach within 3 miles
• Cooked meals available
• Restaurant nearby
• Short breaks possible
• Extra bed/cot available
• Shop within 3 miles

Points of interest

• Golden Eagle watch at Natural History Centre 1 1/2 miles away.
• Delecious Homebaking and Light lunches at Natural History Centre, easy walking distance
• Castle Tioram, ancient ruined stronghold of the Clan Ranald, 11 miles away.
• Pristine white shell sand beaches, Sanna and Portuairk, 1/2 an hours drive away.
• Ardnamurchan Lighthouse, the most westerly point of the British mainland, 19 miles west.
• Catch a ferry to Tobermory, excellent day out leaving the car at Kilchoan.

This information is provided by owners and is not endorsed by ASP. If you have questions about it, please contact the owners.