Port-An-Eillean

The Cowal Peninsula draws walkers, cyclists and water-sports enthusiasts to its lochs and glens. Port-An-Eillean is a stone cottage standing on a croft that slopes down to Loch Riddon, with the hills rising across the water. The building is over a century old with thick walls; every room frames a view towards the loch and beyond.

Downstairs holds a living room with a woodburner, a kitchen and dining area with electric cooking, and a shower room. Two bedrooms are upstairs, one with a double bed, the other with two singles and a pull-out single. The essentials—heating, electricity, bed linen, towels and wifi—are included, along with the first load of wood for the fire. An enclosed lawn at the front and decked area at the rear both provide outdoor space. Parking is available for two cars.

The croft spreads across fourteen acres of rough ground running down to the shore, unfenced towards the water and crossed by a stream. This setting suits families who want access to the loch for fishing or launching a canoe, and those drawn to the area for cycling. Children need supervising around the water and the stream. One pet stays free. No smoking in the cottage.