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Forester's Cottage

(Ref. 15716)

Kilmartin, Argyll & The Isles Show on map

4.8

Sykes rating

  • 3 Guests

  • 2 Bedrooms

  • 1 Bathroom

  • Pets No

Features

  • Off road parking
  • Ground floor bedroom
  • Open fire
  • Garden / Patio
  • Washing machine
  • Dishwasher
  • Broadband / WiFi

Reviews & Ratings

Accuracy of the listing
Cleanliness
Comfort
Facilities and Maintenance
  • All reviews
  • cottage (40)
  • location (18)
  • lovely (17)
  • comfortable (17)
  • area (15)
  • everything (15)

51 Customer Reviews

  • "We had a lovely stay at Foresters cottage, the cottage is beautifully remote, perfect for peace and quiet and heading out on day trips into the Highlands."

    The location is perfect for stargazing, unfortunately we had a lot of cloud this week but happily repurposed the telescope to watch the huge array of birds that visit the garden. Picture-esque scenes over the loch, the cottage is charming and full of everything you could need. Personally found the water made a fab cuppa and has left my hair feeling beautifully soft.

    Reviewed by Kaitlyn5.0Oct 2024

  • "Clean and cosy property in a very quiet location with great views over the loch to the mountains beyond."

    Good base for exploring this delightful part of Argyll. The owners, who clearly care about their properties, are very welcoming.

    Reviewed by Paul5.0Sep 2024

  • "Superb cosy cottage in a quiet location."

    We had everything needed for a relaxing stay. Quality kitchen equipment and comfortable bed and sofas. Lots to do in the area and beautiful scenery even when wet. Highly recommend. Thank you Elspeth and Ian for your hospitality Bev and Andrew

    Reviewed by Bev5.0Aug 2024

  • "Forester's Cottage is lovely, clean, cozy and comfortable."

    The cottage is in a remote location with fantastic views down to the loch. Very peaceful with an array of wildlife and birds. The hosts are very friendly and we would like to Thank them for a very enjoyable week

    Reviewed by Vikki5.0Jul 2024

  • "One of the most comfortable properties we have stayed in."

    Within a stunning location, it gave us the chance to explore the area around Loch Awe. We shall certainly return.

    Reviewed by Alan5.0Jun 2024

  • "Fantastic cottage with absolutely everything you could possibly need."

    It was lovely and warm too. The wildlife right on the doorstep was an unexpected bonus and so peaceful. Great location. Ian and Elspeth were welcoming and there if needed but inobtrusive. Would 100% recommend this cottage.

    Reviewed by Marilyn5.0Apr 2024

  • "Another wonderful break at the cottage, so relaxing and peaceful, we will of course be returning again ."

    Also a big thanks to Ian and Elspeth for their kind hospitality. David and Alison.

    Reviewed by David5.0Apr 2024

  • "We loved our stay at Forester’s Cottage."

    The location is glorious and the cottage was perfect. The kitchen had everything we needed and it was great to have all the cleaning equipment provided. We loved using the open fire which was as also supplied with wood for burning. The view of Loch Awe and the surrounding countryside from the cottage is wonderful and it was very special to see the red squirrels in the garden each morning. The owners were friendly and helpful upon our arrival. We would highly recommend this property. It is off the beaten track and it takes time to get back to the main roads but that’s what makes it so special. The cottage is very good value for money and I wish we could have stayed for longer.

    Reviewed by Adele5.0Mar 2024

  • "Wonderful stay."

    First time I have ever seen a red squirrel feeding up close on a peanut feeder. Dark sky heaven and glorious scenery with a waterfall not far from the front door. Hosts very welcoming and kindly thought of their guests needs on arrival - including a laid woodburner fire.

    Reviewed by Jennifer5.0Mar 2024

  • "I can honestly say I had the best time with my son and my Uncle."

    The home from home was just beautiful and charming and very clean. The beds wheat fantastic and the kitchen was wonderful. The view are breath taking and I really could of stayed a little longer. I loved every minute of our holiday and will be coming back again. Scotland treated us well and the cottage was everything I wanted. Thank you for all the hard work you guys put into making us feel welcomed and comfortable. Looking forward to coming back to the cottage again soon. I feel as if I have found a real gem. And definitely a place I can just decompress and enjoy the natural beauty that surrounded the cottage. All I can say is its views are utterly breath taking and the cottage is a real home from home.

    Reviewed by Zoe5.0Nov 2023

  • "Lovely cosy cottage in the most beautiful setting… so well equipped had everything you need - like home from home !"

    Wildlife in abundance .. could have watched the birds all day feeding .. and to make our holiday even more special we saw a Red Squirrel most days in the garden enjoying the nuts in the bird feeders .. just perfect !!!! Thank-you Elspeth and Ian for a week of pure joy and treasured memories..

    Reviewed by Judy5.0Sep 2023

  • "Elspeth, the owner, met us on arrival and had a chat with us."

    She was a lovely lady and explained the workings of the house. The cottage was a very clean and cosy place with everything you would want for your stay. The garden and decking area were one of the highlights of the stay with an abundance of wildlife including a pine martin, red squirrel, woodpecker, nut hatch and several varieties of garden birds. These made a great watch. There was plenty of parking space. We would definitely recommend this property and would have no hesitation staying again in the future

    Reviewed by Michael5.0Sep 2023

  • "No description of the location of the property etc has alreadu been complained about to Sykes who said they will be contacting me in the near future."

    Reviewed by Annette3.1Sep 2023

  • "A very comfortable property well equipped, quiet location to unwind, air is very clean, abundance of wildlife, we saw numerous red squirrels at the property and driving up and down loch awe, we also saw a Pine Martin at the property amazing."

    This has been a wonderful break and the owners are lively.

    Reviewed by Sally-ann4.7Aug 2023

  • "Absolutely wonderful!"

    Everything you could want is there. Very clean and comfy. It's quite remote and there's little or no phone signal but personally that didn't bother me. If you want peace and quiet this is ideal. The tinge to the water is a little strange but it made the best cuppa I've had in years and perfect straight from the tap. Would deff stay here again

    Reviewed by Sarah5.0Aug 2023

  • "The perfect location to get away from it all."

    The cottage has everything you need for a comfortable stay. The views from the cottage is outstanding and the wildlife that visit the garden is an added bonus. This is the second time we have stayed here and will definitely be back in the future. I would recommend this cottage to anyone who wants a quiet away from it all break.

    Reviewed by John5.0Aug 2023

  • "Lovely little cottage."

    Peaceful because very isolated so plan for long drives to get anywhere, however you will see lots of wildlife. The yellow water from private supply is a bit of a shock at first but you soon get used to it. Owners supply some bottled water for drinking.

    Reviewed by Christine5.0Jul 2023

  • "Elspeth welcomed us and we had a fab 7 day break visiting various parts of the Highland Nice idyllic spot."

    Would recommend it.

    Reviewed by Dipak5.0Jul 2023

  • "The cottage was lovely."

    We had a nice and relaxing holiday.The surrounding area was wonderful to see and we saw lots of wildlife.

    Reviewed by Mr A5.0Jul 2023

  • "Thank you for a wonderful stay."

    The cottage was exactly as listed. We had a very warm welcome from Elspeth, Location was outstanding, peaceful and the views from the cottage are fantastic, We will most certainly be going back soon. Thank You so much for a relaxing and unrushed holiday.

    Reviewed by Sue5.0May 2023

  • "Comfortable cottage oat a wonderful site!"

    Reviewed by Jelle5.0May 2023

  • "Cosy property, incredibly comfortable and clean."

    Stunning views and so tranquil.

    Reviewed by Alan5.0Apr 2023

  • "An amazing holiday in a beautiful cottage that was spotless and had great facilities."

    Loved the seclusion. Very thankful for my husband doing the driving down single track roads but all part of the adventure. Elspeth was so friendly and helpful and gave great advice on where to visit. Definitely somewhere I want to stay again. Probably the best property we have stayed in!

    Reviewed by Rachel5.0Oct 2022

  • "We had a wonderful holiday at this property."

    It's about half way down Loch Awe on a single track road which is no problem because there are plenty of passing places and the road is very well maintained - no pot holes. The scenery all around is out of this word - breathtaking. We love Scotland and this is an area we have never been to - so glad we did. Forester's has everything you could possibly need and is very clean and comfortable. Elspeth had left us some goodies and was so kind and helpful recommending lovely places to eat including the Smiddy at Lochgilphead. Had lovely meal there and took away some of their lovely cullen skink. Saw a red squirrel and a roe deer as well. Weather was very changeabe but this didn't stop us having a wonderful week

    Reviewed by Anne5.0Oct 2022

  • "The instructions to find the property where poor."

    A particular mileage from an established point would help.

    Reviewed by S5.0Sep 2022

  • "A quality cottage, comfortably, clean and a peaceful place to stay, to get away from the hustle and bustle of work."

    Myself, hubby and son would definitely be interested in stopping there again, as I believe there is plenty more for us see in there area. The owners were very helpful and knowledgeable on the history of the cottage and the area, it's location is in the middle of nowhere, but that was the plan and our preference.

    Reviewed by Tracey5.0Aug 2022

  • "We've had a lovely time at the cottage."

    We did lots of different things: walking, visiting Oban, going to the market in Ardrishaig, some archeological siteseeing, and swimming in Loch Awe! It is a beautifull environment. The owners were very nice and helpfull.

    Reviewed by Piet4.1Aug 2022

  • "A very very good stay."

    Beautiful surroundings, fully equipped cottage and a very friendly landlady. In one word: a perfect holiday-location. Very recommended!

    Reviewed by Leo5.0Jul 2022

  • "Comfortable cottage, in a quiet, secluded beautiful area on the East side of Loch Awe."

    Wonderful wildlife including red squirrels and pine martens visited the balcony when encouraged by food. Hosts were welcoming and very accomodating thank you. Would recommend staying at this cottage without hesitation.

    Reviewed by Anthony5.0May 2022

  • "The Cottage was lovely and had all you needed for your stay."

    The view from the decked area was outstanding and the local wildlife stunning with regular visits from a red Squirrel and Pine Martins . Ideal spot for a quiet holiday away from the hussel and bussel.Will definitely be returning in the future.

    Reviewed by John5.0Apr 2022

  • "Ineffable. Some things cannot be expressed in words alone but I will try."

    Heaven. Loch Awe is truly magnificent and although I’ve stayed in the Highlands many times before I’ve never experienced it like this. We loved the remoteness, the stunning views from the living and bedroom windows, the wildlife that surrounds you wherever you roam, the many species of birds that peer through the window or bathe in the pools of rainwater on the garden chairs to the deer that dart across the road for a loch dip. The cottage felt like home and had everything you could possibly need and the owners on hand if you needed anything. It was a perfect week and my wife and I were very sad to leave. I don’t know why people complained about the water, location or the road. The water tasted better than our own in our home town (nasty chalky stuff), you can see the loch from the living room and the road leading to the cottage is not only well maintained it’s part of the experience - a slow snaking drive around the still loch waters and pines was another way to appreciate the areas beauty. I would wholeheartedly recommend Forester’s Cottage to anyone looking for a quiet slice of rural Highland life, and looking forward to returning one day.

    Reviewed by Mark5.0Apr 2022

  • "We was expecting to be next to the loch awe but we were to far away to be able to see the loch easily."

    We also thought we were not going be far away from the nearest shops but it was over an hour round trip. Also there was no write up about the water in the cottage this comes from the nearest stream which is then filtered 3 times then through a UV but the water colour was still brown.After having a shower or wash you still felt dirty. The holiday in the cottage was not what we expected. The road in and out was a single track and long and windy and took forever

    Thank you for your feedback for Forester's Cottage. Loch Awe can be seen from the cottage. We had a lot of rain the week of your stay and this may have impacted the view unfortunately. If you catch us on a clear day the views are lovely. The property is in a rural location and I have asked Sykes to add a note to the website to make this clear to guests. Our water supply is checked and signed off by our Local Council annually. It is regularly monitored and maintained on site throughout the year. I am sorry the holiday wasn't what you expected but I hope it hasn't put you off visiting rural areas in the future. Property Owner

    Reviewed by John3.1Sep 2021

  • "The reason that you were marked down on accuracy is because of the location of the cottage."

    You said that it was in Kilmartin. In actual fact it was 11 miles away down a difficult single track road. This did spoil the holiday a little bit for me. Please in future be more precise in your location description.

    Reviewed by Jim4.1Jul 2021

  • "Lovely comfortable, warm cottage in beautiful quiet surroundings."

    The cottage had everything we needed for a wonderful holiday. Surrounded area steeped in history and the views were spectacular

    Reviewed by Muriel5.0Jun 2021

  • "If you want to get away from it all, this is the place to come."

    The views are amazing from the sitting room and the bedroom. The water does have a strange colour to it, as it is a private water company. However, this did not spoil our holiday at all. The area is wonderful trees, lakes and mountains. While here you must visit Lucy's cafe and Poppies garden centre cafe. We could not get a phone signal at the cottage. This only added to the peace and quiet. We had no problem with the WiFi. I would highly recommend this cottage if you are looking for solitude and a relaxing holiday.

    Thank you for your feedback. We are glad you had a great time. Sorry you couldn't get a phone signal, due to the geography of the property vodaphone is the best network . Thank you again for your comments Property Owner

    Reviewed by Tina4.7Jun 2021

  • "A fantastic cottage in a beautiful and tranquil part of Scotland."

    Comfortable and peaceful. Great place to get away from the hustle and bustle of normal life. Relax. Only slight improvement would be the provision of a wardrobe in the main bedroom instead of the rail in the hallway.

    Reviewed by William5.0May 2021

  • "I recommend a stay in Forester's cottage if you enjoy peace, tranquility and wildlife."

    Though the cottage is a little remote; it is better if you have a car; the areas close by are steeped in history and intrigue. Locally are ancient sites of standing stones and burial sites, castles, wildlife centres and the famous Crinan canal. The surrounding area is full of areas to walk, through woodlands, or National Trust landscaped gardens and beautiful lochs and stunning views. Lochgilphead is a great place to get provisions and fuel for the car. Further afield in Oban and Inveraray there are larger supermarkets and other stores. There are also restaurants and cafes and pubs in all the local towns. It is a very comfortable and well looked after cottage with friendly and approachable hosts.

    Reviewed by Marianne5.0May 2021

  • "The peaceful surroundings, all we could hear was the small waterfall next to the path at the front of the cottage."

    Beautiful!

    Reviewed by David5.0Aug 2020

  • "We had a fantastic week at Forester's Cottage and didn't want to come home!"

    The owners came to see us when we arrived and made sure we had all we needed. The cottage was spotlessly clean and really comfortable, it was also better equipped than we had expected - there were plates etc for our toddler as well as for us. The area is beautiful and we loved the view from the cottage and the seating area outside. We all slept really well in the comfortable beds and the peace of the surroundings. We also enjoyed exploring the surrounding area and look forward to going back and doing all that we didn't have time to do!

    Reviewed by Ruth5.0Aug 2019

  • "The cottage is in a really isolated area, linked to the region only by a very long and slow driving single track road, that doesn't allow comfortable access for visiting the region."

    The description of the cottage indicates private water supply, however this indication remains quite unclear for many people I think, so it was a surprise for us to see a yellow water to drink. Thanks for the bottles of mineral water provided ! You should indicate that mineral water could be necessary for people who might be disturbed by the color and taste of this private water supply. The cottage is quite comfortable but needs refurbishment in some points (floors in kitchen and bathroom, organisation of the living room leaving the table for eating in a blind corner, very old fashioned cooker in the kitchen. Eventually this cottage is too expensive regarding its situation and level of equipment/comfort. The arrival was very welcoming, because I had found the direct phone number of the person taking care of the cottage. However the abritel site leads to a phone number of sykes cottages, without anybody answering in case of problem. That should be fixed too.

    Reviewed by Serkan3.8Aug 2019

  • "This cottage is beautifully placed with wonderful views."

    It delighted with visits from Pine Martens and birds to garden who ate the nuts left for them. It could only be better with the addition of a wardrobe in the master bedroom. The garden furniture was in need of a change also. The single track road was maintained during the stay which did cause disruption to the holiday on two separate days. It would have been good to know about this before I booked. Additionally having alternative route information on arrival would have been helpful. Met by the friendly owners who left welcome treats and bottled water. Overall a lovely stay.

    Reviewed by Gillian4.4Jul 2019

  • "The first evening we were there, we saw a pine marten on the patio!"

    Despite buying some peanuts to tempt it to come back we didn't see it again but lots of wee birds visited us instead. The cottage had everything we could possibly need with a vase of flowers as well as some "welcome" goodies to eat. Ian and Elspeth, our hosts, were friendly and helpful and gladly answered our many questions about the area. Just as long as you don't mind driving on quiet, single-track roads with ample passing places, this is an ideal spot for exploring a beautiful area which has a huge number of ancient pre-historic sites to visit. Good places for coffee and lunches too. Kilmartin Museum and restaurant, Loch Melfort hotel beside the National Trust garden at Arduaine and Tayvallich Inn are recommended. If you want to see cup and ring marked stones, wear boots or waterproof shoes and go to the further stone up the wee path beside Cairnbaan Hotel. Don't miss Dunadd hill. It's a short steep climb but the views are amazing. from Rosemary and Laura

    Reviewed by Rosemary5.0Jul 2019

  • "Cracking little cottage which after a short lovely drive along the loch is a great base for exploring this part of western Scotland."

    The hosts were v helpful and friendly and location lovely and peasceful with a pretty garden. The cleanliness of the whole property and comfort of the beds were a real highlight.

    Reviewed by Mark4.7Apr 2019

  • "Very remote but very lovely, quiet and picturesque the cottage is reached via a ..."

    Very remote but very lovely, quiet and picturesque the cottage is reached via a very long road alongside the loch so make sure you have everything you need before you arrive as a trip to the supplies is 11 miles, the cottage is cosy and very well stocked, thankyou for the fresh water and Scottish goodies

    Reviewed by Tracey4.7Aug 2018

  • "The expectations was just as we were told,,the area was magnificent beautiful scenery,everything lay on for us,it could,nt have been better but for the funny odour in the bathroom which did,nt seem to go away,the couple were nice and friendly,the only major problem was the condition of the roads which you had to travel on day after day deep pot holes ."

    Thank you very much for your feedback. The order issue in the bathroom is fixed now and some of the road have been resurfaced by the council. I am always available for my guests if they have any issues. Thank you very much for your comments. Property Owner

    Reviewed by Charles5.0May 2018

  • "The given description of theCottage was spot-on."

    The pictures looked very good, but the actual cottage met the expectations easily. The emails that were sent some times before the final payment and some time before the holiday itself with all the details that you might need were very helpful. I will certainly check here first for our next holiday.

    Reviewed by Ralf4.7Apr 2018

  • "Although I have replied no to re-booking this is not a reflection of our holiday, just that we like to go to different locations."

    We would certainly consider this cottage in future.

    Reviewed by David4.8Jun 2017

  • "There is no Wifi in the cottage and no mobile phone signal."

    This could be a problem for many people but ideal if you are like me and enjoy getting away from it all.

    Reviewed by Patricia5.0Apr 2017

  • "Lovely cosy well equipped cottage."

    Beautiful peaceful location. Owners very friendly and helpful.

    Reviewed by Katharine5.0Dec 2016

  • "The owners are lovely and very ameanable."

    Some lovely welcome gifts on arrival. Stunning location and cottage immaculate and extremely comfortable. No phone signal or wifi- could be a problem for some but it was no issue for us.

    Reviewed by Claire4.6Dec 2016

  • "Great location, but may be a bit off the beaten track for some."

    Lovely quiet setting and views, with good access to the south. The cottage is comfortable, very well equipped and was spotless.

    Reviewed by Adrian4.0Oct 2016

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Summary

  • All ground floor
  • Two bedrooms: 1 x king-size double, 1 x twin
  • Bathroom with bath, shower over, basin and WC
  • Fitted kitchen
  • Sitting room with dining area, woodburning stove and French doors to decked area.
  • Electric central heating with woodburning stove in sitting room
  • Electric oven and hob, microwave, fridge/freezer, washing machine, dishwasher, WiFi, TV with FreeSat, DVD, selection of books, games and DVDs
  • Fuel, power and starter pack for woodburning stove inc. in rent
  • Bed linen and towels inc. in rent
  • Off road parking for 2 cars
  • Lockable bike storage
  • Enclosed lawned rear garden
  • Lawned front garden with decked area, furniture and BBQ
  • Sorry, no pets and no smoking (this include the use of E-cigarettes)
  • Shop and pub 11 miles
  • Note: This property has a private water supply
  • Note: Sorry, this property does not accept infants
  • Please Note: the property is in a rural location
  • Note: Although this property does show beds for 4 people, the maximum occupancy is 3
  • Note : This property only accepts bookings for a minimum of 3 nights

The property

Kilmartin 11 miles. A charming fully refurbished semi-detached cottage in the hamlet of Durran overlooking Loch Awe in the heart of beautiful Argyll.

With spectacular loch and hill views, this Loch Awe cottage is ideal for a family or a couple seeking a relaxing break amidst wonderful scenery.

All ground floor and refurbished throughout to a high standard, this Loch Awe cottage features two bedrooms, a king-size double and a twin.

There is also a well-equipped fitted kitchen and a sitting room with a woodburning stove and French doors opening onto a sunny decked area with seating and garden.

Loch Awe and the surrounding area offer superb walking, boating and fishing (permit required) as well as cycling direct from your door.

The ruined Kilchurn Castle guards the north end of Loch Awe and the impressive Cruachan hydroelectric power station affords a trip inside a mountain.

A wonderful Loch Awe cottage offering a relaxing and inspiring break.

Note: This property is near Ref, 2758, and together they sleep 6.

EPC Rating: Band D

EPC Rating: Band D

Short-term Holiday Let Licence No: AR-00873-F

View on map

About the location

KILMARTIN

Crinan 7 miles; Lochgilphead 8 miles; Tarbert 21 miles; Oban 30 miles.

The village of Kilmartin sits at the heart of Kilmartin Glen, one of the most important prehistoric sites on the Scottish mainland. In the area there are rock carvings, standing stones, burial cairns and the remains of the Iron-Age fort at Dunadd, the home of the first kings of Scotland. Kilmartin is home to a church, pub, a castle and the Kilmartin House Museum with visitor centre next door, housing a café. The town of Lochgilphead is eight miles away, offering a good selection of cafes and small shops selling a range of goods, foods and crafts, while the village of Inveraray, home to the Duke and Duchess of Argyll, is within driving distance. Close by is Crinan Canal, which is surrounded by the stunning scenery of Argyll and Bute. From end to end the canal is nine miles long, and its sheltered waters make it an ideal place for beginners and the more experienced paddlers to explore. There are beautiful walks to be enjoyed throughout the area from Kilmichael Forest, to those at Port Ann and Dunardry and up over the hill from the stoney beach at Crinan Ferry, from where you can look out over Jura and north towards Mull. A trip to the Scottish Beaver Trail in Knapdale Forest also provides a fun family day out, plus the fishing village of Tarbert gives you superb access to all the ferry points across Kintyre that travel to Gigha, Arran, Islay and Portavadie.

Note: Sorry, this property does not accept infants.
Note: Although this property does show beds for 4 people, the maximum occupancy is 3.

Please note: This property only accepts a min of 3 night bookings.

This property offers the following short breaks:

  • Off-season
  • Last minute
  • Christmas