Dog Friendly Lodges Argyll and Bute

Sunset View is a spectacular barn conversion located on the South Cowal Peninsula, when it comes to scenery and surroundings this property doesn’t disappoint. Each room has fantastic views either overlooking the beautiful Isle of Bute, the Arran hills or over Loch Striven.

This holiday accommodation is finished to the highest standard with beautiful oak doors and a bespoke oak and glass staircase is set off by the lovely Amtico flooring throughout. The living area has a smart curved TV and comfortable leather sofas. The sun room has a superb panoramic view over the water ideal for relaxing or reading a book.

The modern and stylish open plan living area blends into a beautifully finished kitchen with a stone topped island that takes centre stage, with modern appliances on hand and a large solid wooden table to gather around at meal times.

The bedrooms are fully furnished with solid oak furniture, hairdryers, kingsize beds and Smart TVs. The family room also has two single beds, and both upstairs bedrooms are en-suite. The ground floor bedroom has a bathroom adjacent to it, and all have underfloor heating.

Access to the shoreline is only 300 yards away, ideal for kayaks, canoes and fishing, or you can just relax and watch the boats as they sail past and take in the wildlife, which includes grey seals, birds of prey, swans, otters, dolphins and the occasional Orca has been spotted in the Cowal waters. However, if the water is not for you, there is some amazing forest walks and cycling and mountain bike tracks. Or why not explore the local area, with its botanic gardens, Puck’s Glen, local crafts, museums and shopping? Beach 300 yards. Shop, pub and restaurant 5 miles.

This stunning detached house with landscaped gardens, sits at the water’s edge and boasts fantastic views over Holy Loch and the Firth of Clyde to the hills beyond. The living room has floor-to-ceiling windows and panoramic views, and a wood burner to keep you warm on chilly nights. The spacious en-suite master bedroom boasts a private balcony, perfect for enjoying the far reaching views. This is the perfect tranquil location to relax in and escape from the trials of everyday life, and to explore the spectacular scenery and history of the area.
The deep glens and narrow sea lochs are typical of the west coast, and there you can find a huge selection of Scottish wildlife: red deer, roe deer, buzzards and golden eagles to name but a few. The area is also full of history, where standing stones, burial cairns and rock carvings abound.
The town of Dunoon is within easy reach and has a good selection of shops, pubs and restaurants. Take a steamer cruise and explore the hills and lochs of the Cowal Peninsula. There is an abundance of outdoor activities on offer with sailing, sea fishing, windsurfing, fast speed RIB boat tours, quad bikes, clay shooting and much more. Nearby, the magnificent woodland gardens at Benmore Botanic Gardens are well worth a visit. Located within the Loch Lomond National Park, the area is ideal for walkers and cyclists of all abilities and boasts a magnificent diversity of scenery with dramatic peaks, waterfalls, hidden caves and mysterious, forest covered slopes. Shop 300 yards, pub and restaurant 400 yards.

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.

Tucked away in a small corner of Argyll’s Secret Coast, one of the most enchanting parts of the west of Scotland, is Tigh-na-Creige - the ‘house on the crag.’ This recently renovated property in 2019 is the perfect way to live the dream of a secret cottage by the sea.

Warm, welcoming and contemporary, the cottage commands breathtaking views of the sea on Loch Riddon just north of the celebrated Kyles of Bute. Nestling within the mountains of the Cowal Peninsula and 5 acres of landscaped grounds, this is a captivating waterfront location with its own sheltered beach and private grass slipway.

Built on one level, the owner has remodelled the space so the kitchen flows seamlessly into the dining area, creating a wonderfully hospitable place. It offers roomy open-plan living, perfect for enjoying a good book or a favourite film in front of the cosy log-burning fire. Tigh-na-Creige’s kitchen is very comprehensively equipped and upgraded in 2021, with superb kitchenware and an inspirational chef’s library. Enthusiastic cooks will also be impressed by very high quality local produce which includes meat from the Isle of Bute and real ale, as well as seafood from Loch Fyne. The oak laminate floor, oak doors and pale walls create a relaxing contemporary feel, blended with the warmth of a traditional cosiness. There is atmospheric lighting, while numerous pieces from the owner’s private art collection add colour, individuality and quirkiness.

Guests enjoy uninterrupted views of the sea and the spectacular scenery of the cottage’s gardens and woodland. Loch Riddon is a designated National Scenic Area with a famous viewing platform on the opposite shore. The area has featured in many Visit Scotland commercials because of its beauty. Which is why the outside is now an extension of the interior space, so guests feel part of the spectacular seaside environment. Just beside the kitchen there is a stylish sun trap deck area with its own dry-stone walling and terraced gardens providing a secluded spot for dining, with a log-burning chiminea for the cooler evenings.

The front balcony provides the ideal spot to watch the sun go down over the glen whilst enjoying a glass of whisky. You may see some of the wildlife that Scotland is also famous for, including nesting ospreys, golden and sea eagles, red deer and red squirrels. The seas are home to otters, seals, sea lions, porpoises, dolphins, sharks and even whales. Binoculars are thoughtfully provided.

Set on the shoreline, this cottage has access to a mooring (by arrangement), and is perfect for joggers, walkers and cyclists wanting to take in the views. The sea welcomes kayakers, sailors and fishermen, while stalking and coarse angling are available locally.

Immediate local history covers a Viking battle in the glen, the destruction of the neighbouring castle in the Argyll Rising and training grounds for World War II’s Dambusters and mini submarines!

Argyll’s Secret Coast boasts isolated beaches, pretty villages, delightful fishing ports and some great local dining in pubs or the celebrated Botanica or Inver restaurants. Popular tourist attractions include the spectacular Portavadie Marina, Mount Stuart, Inverary Castle, the towering trees of Ardkinglass, Benmore Botanical Gardens and seasonal visits to Rothesay and Tighnabruaich from the world’s only ocean-going paddle steamer, ‘The Waverley’. The Isles of Bute, Arran, Jura and Islay are all easily reached by ferry.

Guests will find tranquillity, wildlife, stunning scenery, historic locations and a real home from home here in this gem of a secret cottage. Shop, pub/restaurant 2½ miles.

A cosy chalet bungalow, overlooking Asknish Bay, in the wee hamlet of Arduaine, with stunning views south and west over the islands of Shuna, Scarba and Jura. Climb the small hill behind the chalet for even more far-reaching views to Luing, the Garvellachs and beyond or just relax on the decked veranda and enjoy the magnificent sunsets. There’s a pub/restaurant at the nearby yacht marina, a walk of about 20 minutes along the coast road, or take a 10 minute stroll to the local hotel, with, arguably, the best views on the west coast of Scotland. Shop 4 miles, pub and restaurant ½ miles.

Rosmuire is a fully detached, secluded and spacious four bedroom house located on a quiet farm road with its own grounds, including garden, woods and fields of over 3 acres. This house lies a mile from the Loch Lomond National Park, and from a beautiful hillside position it enjoys sea views over the Gare Loch and the rugged hills of the Argyll Forest Park to the west. Rosmuire provides an excellent base to explore the natural beauty of the west of Scotland, as well as easy access by train or car to Glasgow, Stirling or Edinburgh.
The cottage is bright, spacious and warm, and is furnished with distinctive charm as a home from home, with stunning views over the loch and hills. Its tranquil surroundings include a large landscaped garden with a large south-facing area of decking directly off the kitchen; enjoy eating alfresco or relaxing outside, perfect for watching the sun set on the hills behind the loch. There is a fully enclosed garden area and grounds of 3 acres with streams, fields, and woodland, which is perfect for children and dogs to explore. Pets are especially welcome without charge and there are excellent dog-friendly walks straight from the cottage door. There is also a garage/games room with table football and a badminton court with racquets provided; the driveway has parking for six cars.
The area offers a wide range of areas of interest and activities for all ages. The seaside town of Helensburgh is a short 10-minute drive away with restaurants, gift shops, supermarkets, a swimming pool, and a small boutique cinema. There are various boat trips available including the Waverly vintage paddle steamer from Helensburgh pier as well as boat or seaplane trips from nearby Loch Lomond.
There are excellent outdoor activities including walking, cycling, fishing, horse riding and pony trekking, and water sports nearby. Walk a stretch of the famous West Highland Way or cycle through the dramatic scenery of nearby Glen Fruin, the site of a clan battle in 1603, or explore some of Scotland’s most picturesque areas. There are numerous hill and mountain walks, with about 20 hills above 3000ft, as well as winter skiing and mountain biking at the Glencoe Mountain Resort all within an hour’s drive.
The cottage has good access to a wide range of places of interest, with direct train or car to Glasgow and Edinburgh, which offer theatres, restaurants, festivals and shopping. There is also easy access to many golf courses including the Loch Lomond championship course. The Loch Lomond Shores centre offers shopping, restaurants and cafés, and loch cruises and a sea life aquarium and are about 15 minutes away. There are various nearby distilleries which offer tours, including the famous Glengoyne Distillery. Shop, pub and restaurant 1½ miles.

"Stunning locations in breathtaking scenery..."

In a magnificent setting by the sea, Ardmaddy Castle sits in its own bay with unrivalled views over Seil Sound and the world famous local Slate Islands, designated one of Scotland’s National Scenic Areas. Graded ‘4 Star’ by the Scottish Tourist Board, these four cottages (SBZ, SRW and SRY) and Caddleton Farmhouse (UNP) are set in secluded, peaceful locations around the estate and offer an ideal base for exploring this stunning part of the West Coast of Scotland.
The Stables (SBZ) is and immaculate and sensitive conversion of the former stables overlooks Ardmaddy Bay and is furnished to Visit Scotland ‘4 Star’ standard. Modern and comfortable, it still retains much of its traditional character and warmth, and has patio doors overlooking the sea. All four bedrooms are tastefully furnished and have fitted cupboards.
The castle’s spectacular gardens are open all year round through Scotland’s Gardens Scheme and are a delight for gardening enthusiasts. The area is renowned for its abundant wildlife with porpoise, dolphins, basking sharks, otters, deer, eagles and wealth of seabirds often seen. Sailing, rowing and motor boats are all available for guests to hire, and there is free fishing on Ardmaddy’s stocked hill loch. Guests can also use the castle’s tennis court.
The bustling harbour town of Oban known as the ‘Gateway to the Islands’ is only 12 miles away and has wonderful seafood restaurants, shops and bars. From Oban there are boat trips to the Inner Hebridean Isles, including Mull, Iona, Staffa, Colonsay and Tiree. For the outdoor enthusiast, local activities include horse riding, coasteering, canyoning, canoeing, sailing, diving and golf. Fort William and Glencoe are a short drive away offering very popular climbing and skiing. Explore beautiful gardens and ruined castles in an area rich in historical legacy or take a leisurely walk or cycle along one of the many forest tracks. Visit Bonawe Iron Works, Cruachan Hollow Mountain, the Sealife Centre and Inveraray Jail. Or relax and enjoy the unspoilt natural beauty surrounding the cottages at Ardmaddy. Shops 12 miles, pub/restaurant 2½ 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.