Dog Friendly Holidays Argyll and Bute

Degnish Farmhouse sits proudly alone within a 1100-acre working hill farm at the western end of Loch Melfort and has spectacular panoramic sea and adjacent island views. Surrounded by abundant wildlife, including otters, seals and birdlife and with easy access to golf, horse riding, sea kayaking, fishing and sailing, this comfortable south-facing detached holiday property offers a perfect retreat in a glorious setting.
The house has been lovingly re-built to a very good standard, with underfloor heating, double glazing and an emphasis on the wonderful views.
Ideally based for exploring the west coast, there are plenty of ferry trips nearby to Mull, Arran, Gigha, Islay, Colonsay or Tiree. The bustling harbour town of Oban, known as the ‘Gateway to the Isles’, is a scenic drive north and is home to an array of shops and restaurants. Inveraray Castle, historic Kilmartin Glen, and the Crinan Canal make for wonderful days out. Ardmaddy Castle and Gardens are 3½ miles over the hill, and can be accessed on foot, by 4-wheel drive or via the road to Seil Island. Guests enjoy free access to the gardens and are also welcome to use the estate’s tennis court. Small motor boats can be hired at Ardmaddy. Free fishing can also be arranged on the estate’s well-stocked hill loch.
There are plenty of hill and forest trails for mountain biking and leisurely walks, or visit one of the magnificent local gardens. Whilst there is the farm and miles of coastline to explore, there is also an enclosed garden and covered outdoor BBQ area ensuring the safety of younger children whilst allowing the grown-ups to enjoy an al-fresco lunch. Shop and pub 5 miles.

Idyllically perched on a rocky outcrop overlooking the Firth of Lorne, just a stone’s throw from the Atlantic ocean, these stylish and romantic havens offer magnificent sea and island views. Each boasting its own suntrap patio, perfect for enjoying the spectacular sunsets, they sit in a little row in the delightful village of Ellenabeich beside a bar serving the excellent local beer and food (open daily all year, serving meals and takeaways). Connected to the mainland by the world famous ‘bridge over the Atlantic’, Seil Island lies 16 miles from Oban and its ferries to the Isles. Luing ferry is 5 miles. Walkers will find glorious scenery to explore, and from the nearby pier, seafaris with a marine biologist provide fascinating wildlife sightings. Pub adjacent. Shop 2 miles.
Misty Isles Cottage can be booked together with Old Brewery Cottage (S4576) to accommodate up to 4 guests.

Situated on the most accessible of the west coast islands and straddling the Highland Line, this spacious, detached, country house with large deck and its own hot tub, boasts stunning views over the open water and lies in a rural location, just a few yards from the shoreline. Most rooms enjoy sea views, the 6 bedrooms each have a TV, and some have a DVD player. Chandlers is full of elegance and charm and enjoys a cosy snug area with comfy sofas and a bar, which can be stocked to your requirements. The music room has a grand piano, guitars and amps for budding musicians, while the impressive dining room can easily seat 20.
A popular destination for fishing, the inland lochs are popular with anglers for coarse and game fishing. Loch Fad offers the opportunity to fish for rainbow trout, and is only 3 miles away. Relax as you explore the gently, undulating hills, catch glimpses of the wildlife and marvel at the vistas. For such a compact island, Bute offers varied landscapes from the lush, fertile and rolling hills of the island’s heart to the craggy, heather-covered moorlands of the north and the delightful sandy beaches around the coastline. A haven for walkers, cyclists and outdoor enthusiasts, Bute has a wealth of wildlife to spot including feral goats, buzzards and roe deer. Scalpsie Bay which is set against the magnificent backdrop of Arran, is the home of a large colony of seals.
There are many historical sites to visit including the standing stones at Ettrick Bay, the ancient chapel of St Blane, and the vitrified Iron Age Fort at Dunagoil. Visit the Victorian Gothic mansion of Mount Stuart, the ancestral home of the Marquesses of Bute, and is open to the public along with its beautiful gardens, Bute Museum, Rothesay Castle and the fabulous gardens of Ascog Hall and Ardencraig.
There are many events throughout the year, including the famous annual Jazz Festival, the spectacular Highland Games, traditional agricultural shows, concerts and art festivals; whatever your interest it can be found on the Isle of Bute.
Catch the ferry for the 5-minute trip to Colintraive on the Cowal Peninsula and explore Argyll’s Secret Coast where you have easy access to Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park, or head north to Inverary and beyond. Take the ferry from Portavadie over to Jura and Islay, and Tarbert where you can explore Kintyre. The house is licensed for weddings and many extras can be arranged such as catering, prior to arrival direct with the owner. Beach 40 yards. Shop, pub and restaurant 2 miles.There is also a loch/sea just 40 yards from the property.

This Grand, 1860 Victorian Villa features a living room with wood burner, two sofas, a baby grand piano and TV with Netflix & Prime TV. Also on the ground floor is a private office and separate dining room with table and chairs for eight people. The large kitchen with table and seating for six people is well-equipped with everything you could need during your stay, including a beer/juice fridge and wine fridge. Leading off the kitchen is the utility area with storage, sink, dishwasher, washing machine & tumble dryer. A separate door leads off the utility area to the Spa & Wellness centre.
On the first floor are three bedrooms, one with en-suite shower room and one large bathroom with bath big enough for two (the jets do not work, but with the addition of bubbles and candles, you will have a relaxing time). The second bedroom has a superking bed and the master bedroom has an Emperor bed. On the second floor is a top landing with open sky glass view platform. Up here you will find a further two double bedrooms and one twin bedroom and a shower room.
Spa & Wellness Centre: On entering there is a comfortable seating area. You then move into the large open plan area housing a table tennis table, A seven-foot pool table, a computerised soft-tip dart board and an 18’ (5.5m) Wellis Amazonas Swim-Spa for the perfect workout. After your fun in the Swim Spa, why not then try the Smart Sauna?
Please note that the owners are currently adding a new shower & separate toilet facility to this area, which will not interrupt your fun and relaxation. The owners are also creating two separate mezzanine areas with small cocktail bar, along with a games area. These areas are not yet ready and will not interfere with any of the other facilities currently on offer.
A spacious enclosed rear garden area provides ample opportunity to relax. There is a fire pit, barbecue and garden furniture, from where you will see yachts sailing past on the Clyde Estuary.
Island Seaview Villa with Swim Spa & Sauna is ideally situated to explore the island of Bute for it’s fantastic, sheltered beaches and the famous grand architecture of Mount Stuart. Drive out to the ruined chapel of St Blanes from the 12th-century and a Bronze Age stone circle. The island is also famous for its birdwatching, where you may be lucky enough to spot the Osprey’s around Loch Fad or even a white-tailed sea Eagle at Etterick Bay. There are basking sharks, humpback whales, dolphins and seals aplenty.
There are many walks around the island, including the popular West Island Way. Bute is a superb destination for cyclists. Fishing is available on the island and around it’s coastal waters, as well as loch Fad where boat hire is available to fish for rainbow and brown trout or pike. There are three golf courses on the island, along with a putting green in Rothesay town.