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Garden Cottage For Two, Close To The Sea And With Views Of Ben Nevis and Parking

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Entrance porch
Loch Linnhe at Dawn.
Ard Daraich Garden Studio. Welcome to your home from home.
In a plantsmans garden.
Sitting room with lots of books and a wood burner.

Reviews

10 out of 10

Exceptional

1 bedroom1 bathroomSleeps 263 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Parking available
    Parking available
  • Washer
    Washer
  • Barbecue grill
    Barbecue grill
  • Pet-friendly
    Pet-friendly
  • Kitchen
    Kitchen
  • Fireplace
    Fireplace

Explore the area

Map
Fort William, Highland
  • Loch Linnhe
    1 min walk
  • Loch Leven
    16 min drive
  • Pixel Spirits Distillery
    17 min drive
  • Oban (OBN)
    57 min drive

Rooms & beds

1 bedroom (sleeps 2)

Bedroom 1

1 King Bed

1 bathroom

Bathroom 1

Soap · Towels provided · Bathtub or shower · Bathtub · Toilet · Hair dryer

Bathroom 2

Soap · Towels provided · Toilet · Shower only · Hair dryer

Spaces

Deck or patio
Kitchen
Garden
Dining Area

About this property

Garden Cottage For Two, Close To The Sea And With Views Of Ben Nevis and Parking

Garden Cottage For Two, Close To The Sea And With Views Of Ben Nevis and Parking

At the beginning of the Ardnamurchan Peninsular and in the centre of Lochaber,
this is one of the most unspoilt areas of the West Coast of Scotland. The mountains are so close you can almost touch them, and the sea is but a stone's throw away.

The Garden Studio is set within an eight acre plantsmans garden with an important collection of Rhododendrons, Acers and Sorbus as well as viewpoints and garden benches for far reaching views towards Ben Nevis and Glencoe. Off the beaten track of the main tourist attractions of Fort William, Glencoe and the Nevis Range you are still within each reach, with a twenty minute drive to find them all. The flowering season for the garden is April and May and we also have amazing Autumn colour during September and October. For Garden Lovers these are the months to visit.

Catch a ferry for a short five minute crossing and enter another world of peace and quiet away from the A82.

Walk for five minutes to a sandy beach with footpaths to the shipping way mark in the middle of Loch Linnhe and look south towards the isle of Lismore and beyond to the Firth of Lorn. Watch the seals on the rocky outcrops in the loch, reachable at low tide or go out at dusk to try and spot an otter returning from its evening feed.
Walk along the old drove road in Glen Gour between the hills towards Strontian where you might see and eagle, Golden or White tailed. There are several Corbetts within walking distance of the house so you can even spend a day climbing a hill without using your car.

Parking is for one car and there is access to a locked carpark if required.
With a self contained garden, this cottage is dog friendly for a maximum of two for a fee.

Architect designed to a high eco specification, the open plan living space has passive ventilation, large dining table for six and two french doors opening onto a private courtyard garden surrounded by a hedge of roses. There is a wood burner and underfloor central heating and an enormous bookshelf of books. Perfect for a winter holiday as well as the more conventional summer months, the Garden Studio is open throughout the year. Supplied with a smart TV and Free sat box it is the perfect place for a cosy winter retreat. There are two bathrooms, one ensuite with a double ended bath and on the ground floor, a wet room with walk in rain shower.

Wifi is provided on a community network. The water is from a private supply and goes through a UV treatment tube, ensuring delicious soft highland water with no chemicals.

Home grown produce is occasionally available with fresh herbs and salads grown in the polytunnel. Homemade marmalade and chutney are part of the welcome pack, inspired by the cookery book written by previous owner, Constance Spry. Free range eggs are provided from our hens and sometimes we have honey from our local beekeeper.

Property manager

Anna & Norrie Maclaren

Languages

English

Add dates for prices

Amenities

Kitchen
Washer
Dryer
Pet-friendly
Free WiFi
Outdoor space

Similar properties

House Rules

Check in after 4:30 PM
Minimum age to rent: 30
Check out before 10:00 AM

Children

Adults only

Events

No events allowed

Pets

Pets allowed: dogs less than 9 kg per pet (limit 2 pets total)
Fee £25 per pet x2 max and house rules

Smoking

Smoking is not permitted
No dogs left unattended at any time.
No antisocial hours. Quite between 10.30pm and 9am
No extra guests.

Important information

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
This property uses eco-friendly cleaning products
Host has indicated that there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher and a first aid kit
Property Registration Number HI-40019-F, HI-40019-F

About the area

Fort William

Located in Fort William, this cottage is in a rural area and near the beach. Inverlochy Castle and Glenfinnan Viaduct are local landmarks, and some of the area's activities can be experienced at Pixel Spirits Distillery and The Dragons Tooth Golf Course. Rafting and sailing offer great chances to get out on the surrounding water, or you can seek out an adventure with ecotours and mountain biking nearby.
Map
Fort William, Highland

What's nearby

  • Loch Leven - 16 min drive
  • The Dragons Tooth Golf Course - 18 min drive
  • Inverlochy Castle - 27 min drive
  • Highland Titles Nature Reserve - 29 min drive
  • Ben Nevis - 33 min drive

Getting around

  • Fort William Station - 26 min drive
  • Inverness (INV) - 143 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Bulas Bar & Bistro at Ballachulish House - ‬17 min drive
  • ‪Ardgour Bar and Restaurant - ‬4 min drive
  • ‪Four Seasons - ‬11 min drive
  • ‪Seafood Restaurant and Bistro - ‬20 min drive
  • ‪The Club House, Dragon's Tooth Golf Course - ‬18 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Garden Cottage For Two, Close To The Sea And With Views Of Ben Nevis and Parking pet-friendly?

Yes, this property allows dogs (limit 2 total) with a maximum weight of up to 9 kg per pet.

What time is check-in at Garden Cottage For Two, Close To The Sea And With Views Of Ben Nevis and Parking?

Check-in begins at 4:30 PM.

What time is check-out at Garden Cottage For Two, Close To The Sea And With Views Of Ben Nevis and Parking?

Checkout is at 10:00 AM.

Where is Garden Cottage For Two, Close To The Sea And With Views Of Ben Nevis and Parking located?

Situated by the sea, this cottage is steps away from Loch Linnhe and Lochaber Geopark. Loch Leven and Pixel Spirits Distillery are also within 9 miles (15 km).

Reviews

10

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
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Rating 10 - Excellent. 92 out of 97 reviews" "
Rating 8 - Good. 5 out of 97 reviews" "
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 97 reviews" "
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 97 reviews" "
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 97 reviews" "

9.6/10

Cleanliness

9.8/10

Check-in

9.8/10

Communication

9.8/10

Location

9.6/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Justin R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Beautiful tranquil cottage
Lovely little gem off the beaten path of more touristy areas but good location to explore area of Glenfinnan, Ben Nevis and Glen Coe etc. We really enjoyed are stay in this beautiful little property which was so peaceful and quiet with lovely garden to explore, and that had lovely view from the top. Norries tip for drink on seat up top a very good idea :) Thank you so much Anna and Norrie for our stay, we were very sad it went to quick so hope to be back again soon. Justin and Gwen :)
Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

MK W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Singular cottage
Quirky cottage . Very quiet. Good location. Lovely gardens.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Eva S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Urlaubsglück
Ein wunderschönes Haus, sehr geschmackvoll und gemütlich. Super nette Gastgeber. Eine herrliche Landschaft, einsame Wanderungen in den Bergen oder am Wasser. Wir haben uns sehr wohl gefühlt.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

Robert d.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Comfortable, well equipped, nicely decorated and beautifully set
Highly recommended! We were very warmly welcomed and felt at home immediately. The Garden Studio is comfortable, well equipped and nicely decorated. Avid readers will happily spend an occasional rainy day browsing the eclectic collection of books provided. The guide books and maps provided offer many ideas to explore the area.
Stayed 14 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Marianne C.

Disliked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
A Lovely Stay
Anna & Norrie have created a jewel in the peaceful countryside along Loch Linnhe. We enjoyed every minute and the Garden Cottage was everything we wanted and more for our stay in the Highlands. Highly recommended!
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Richard H., Liss, Hampshire

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
A lovely studio in a beautiful part of the highlands.The
We enjoyed our stay very much. The studio was lovely in a beautiful setting
Stayed 6 nights in Apr 2023

10/10 Excellent

matt o.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Beautiful and peaceful location.
The cottage is perfect for a relaxing break. Set in beautiful surroundings the accommodation has everything needed. Hosts Anna and Norrie are warm and welcoming, theres plenty to do and see right from the doorstep or lots on offer further afield. Highly recommended if looking to visit Scotland.
Stayed 7 nights in Apr 2023

10/10 Excellent

Martin S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Großartiges Cottage in fantastischer Umgebung
Das Garden Studio ist toll eingerichtet und bietet für zwei Personen sehr viel Raum. Es ist so gemütlich, dass man bei Regentagen auch gerne zuhause bleibt. Anna und Norrie sind äußerst freundliche und hilfsbereite Gastgeber. Die Landschaft und die Natur der Umgebung sind schlicht atemberaubend. Nur zu empfehlen!
Stayed 10 nights in Aug 2022

10/10 Excellent

Robert H., Berlin, Deutschland

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Sehr zu empfehlen!
Anna und Nortie sind hervorragende Gastgeber, immer verfügbar, hilfsbereit, voller Tipps und super freundlich ohne aufdringlich zu sein. Der Garten und die Umgebung sind traumhaft schön, wenn man die Abgeschiedenheit mag oder einfach mal dem Großstadtrummel entkommen möchte. Fußläufig gibt es einen steinigen aber wunderschönen einsamen Strand mit eigener Robbenkolonie auf eine nahen Insel.
Stayed 14 nights in Jul 2022

10/10 Excellent

David A.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Very pleasant stay
Lovely cottage and friendly and helpful hosts. Beautiful location
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2022

10/10 Excellent

Jessica R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Cosy cottage and relaxing break
We had a lovely time staying here. The cottage was lovely and we felt right at home. The location is great and we were able to see so many beautiful sights throughout our stay.
Stayed 7 nights in Apr 2022

10/10 Excellent

MARK H., Lancashire

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Studio Retreat
Exactly as described, couldn't have asked for a nicer out of the way location for a relaxing holiday Anna and Norrie are lovely people, the studio was spotless, cosy and had everything you could need including a lovely welcome pack of goodies Plenty of walking, Cycling and driving routes right on your doorstep with jaw dropping views The crossing from Corran over to Ardgour is a tad pricy at £10.00 each way if doing regular trips across in the car f.o.c for foot passengers, we decided to buy a book of 30 tickets for £76.80 which in the long run saved us quite a lot and still have some tickets left over so we will be returning within the 12 month Month (got to get your monies worth) Thank you Anna and Norrie for sharing your lovely Studio look forward to a return visit Kind Regards Mark & Sharon
Stayed 7 nights in Apr 2022

10/10 Excellent

Garry K.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Tranquil
When booking the property: communicated all information needed to facilitate our stay clarified Covid precautions etc. Situated close to the loch and river the property is simple and cosy but provides everything you need for a comfortable stay including internet, Netflix! and an extensive, fairly eclectic book collection. Annie and Norrie happy to help but not intrusive. Loved it !!!!
Stayed 7 nights in Feb 2022

10/10 Excellent

Claire W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Peace and tranquility
Garden studio is a fantastic place to stay. Remote, quite location but within easy reach of the Corran ferry ( 5 mins). After a day exploring on the pebble beach at the end of the lane or going bit further to glen finnan or down to the wildlife hide , if was lovely to come back to the snug cottage and lite the log burner. The Cottage was warm with underfloor heating, bright with double patio doors and cosy with 2 lovely big couches to relax on. Loved hearing the owls in the night in the tree in the garden. The hillside garden is a wonderful haven with great views of the Loch from the benches at the top. Brewery 5 mins down road does fresh baked bread 2 mornings a week and pizza on a Friday. All fab. Have a pint while waiting for your pizza. Recommend this cottage if you want to get away from it all and enjoy proper Scotland. Thanks to Anna and Norrie for a great welcome .
Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2021

10/10 Excellent

fiona d.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Glorious, flora and fauna everywhere
What a wonderful tardis of a house. It felt like home away from home and Anna and Norrie had thought of everything, even down to a wee dram of the best whisky we've ever had. I loved watching the huge array of birds pm the feeder, and the sight of a greater spotted woodpecker each day was such a treat. The garden is inspiring, stunning and slightly mind boggling in its scale and intricacy. Wonderful.
Stayed 8 nights in Jun 2021

10/10 Excellent

Steve S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Home from home
With all this madness going on in the world, I can safely say we had a lovely time away with the holiday. Our best wishes to all at ard daraich In this difficult time. The holiday was out of this world
Stayed 7 nights in Mar 2020

10/10 Excellent

richard l., huntington woods

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
The best in the UK
Anna and Nori are the finest house available. The cottage and garden have no equal. Nori and Anna certainly have attention to detail and have all the bases covered. The location is spectacular and The warmth of the hosts simply adds to the adventure. We would come back again at a moments notice. Let’s read this one a five star

10/10 Excellent

Peter D.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Garden Studio Ard Dairach
Perfecte locatie en gastvrijheid voor mensen die wel van rust houden en op een afgelegen plek logeren niet als bezwaarlijk vinden.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2019

10/10 Excellent

Sabine T.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Fein!
Das Haus war klasse. Ebenso die sehr netten Eigentümer. :-) Konfusion gab es nur mit Ihnen, mit HomeAway. Nach der Online-Buchung einer Woche Aufenthalt stand in Ihrer schriftlichen Bestätigung leider eine Nacht zu wenig. Diese Abweichung musste ich dann mit der Eigentümerin per E-Mail klären.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2019

10/10 Excellent

Carmen S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Loch Linnhe
Sehr chramanter Vermieter, der immer ein ofenes Ohr hat und mit Rat und Tat behilflich ist !!!

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Wonderful
We spent a wonderful week in this property. It is well equipped and comfortable, and in a beautiful part of Scotland.

10/10 Excellent

Nick B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
A fantastic place for a Highland retreat
The Garden Studio is a fantastic place for a couple (and dog) to spend a weekend relaxing and enjoying the outdoors. There is a well-equipped kitchen (fridge, freezer, oven and hob; no microwave) and a living area with huge bookcase, stove and comfy sofas. Upstairs the bedroom is bright and airy and the bath (no shower) is ideal for soaking in after a long day. The Studio also has a mudroom to keep your outdoor stuff stashed in and a private patio with furniture. From the Studio you have a great view out to a distant Ben Nevis as well as some of the closer hilltops. Leaving the Studio, within just a few seconds you can either be down at a pebble-and-shell beach or walking down a glen track that soon brings you to mountainous views across a wide green loch. It is a lovely part of the world and the Studio serves as an excellent base from which to explore the Ardgour area and out west to the Ardnamurchan peninsula.

8/10 Good

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Wonderful cottage for two!
A beautiful cottage for two located in a hillside garden just a few miles from the Corran ferry. The cottage provides everything you need!

8/10 Good

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Beautiful, stylish but not very practical
Everything about our stay was perfect apart from the fact that the bathroom was very impractical. There were no shelves, only one hook, and most importantly, only a bathtub without grips for getting in and out of, and no shower, even hand-held, and two separate taps in the basin. It meant we had to run four baths a day! What a waste of water! On the other hand, the garden was magical! It helped we were there when the rhododendrons were in flower.

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Good choice
Cozy cottage, comfortably furnished and very spacious for a couple. A large and well-equipped kitchen, spacious living room with a wood burner and a large library for rainy days. Anna and Norrie are both very welcoming hosts who can give many tips about the area. Our favorite moment during our stay was to walk through the beautiful garden after diner or at dusk to spot deer in the valley just behind the cottage.

About the host

Hosted by Anna & Norrie Maclaren

Host profile image
Artist and Gardener, Anna Raven and her husband Norrie Maclaren have lived at Ard daraich for over 20 years. Norrie took over the Hill Garden and Shrub Nursery in 1999 from his parents who bought Ard Daraich in 1969. Once the holiday home of Constance Spry, The Maclarens, both father and sons, developed a garden that is now of special interest. On her arrival, Anna converted the potting shed into a self catering cottage within the garden making it an ideal retreat for garden lovers. The main house is lived in by the owners and Anna paints in her Studio whilst Norrie had a career in photography, film and television. The house is full of art and personal memorabilia and The Maclarens welcome everyone as friends. In the spirit of Highland hospitality!

Why they chose this property

Situated at the beginning of the Ardnamurchan penninsula, Ard Daraich is perfectly situated to get the best Lochaber can offer. Within easy reach of the popular attractions of Glen Coe and the Nevis Range we are a step away from the busy roads and tourist attractions. Ardnamurchan (of shipping forecast fame) is the most westerly point on the British mainland and has a quieter pace of life. With a Stevenson lighthouse, white sandy beaches, ruined castles and few people, you can find all the peace you need for solitude and tranquility. The Garden Studio is set within a plantsmans garden with an interesting collection of Rhododendrons and other ericasious plants with complete access to all our guests.

What makes this property unique

A Garden Lovers paradise with full access to the plantsmans garden.
Easy access to stunning Highland landscape at the door.
High quality designed interior with contemporary artwork.
Eco specification with passive ventilation, underfloor heating and a wood burner.
Dog friendly with self contained terrace garden and hedge of roses.

Languages:

English
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