Kilfinan House, Cowal Peninsula, Argyll

Self-catering escapes in Scotland have never been more popular and it is easy to see why at Kilfinan House. This is the ideal place to hide away from the world and indeed from the vagaries of the wild weather than often ravages through this remote corner of Argyll. The brilliant thing for me about this sort of bolthole is that it works for everyone, from twenty-something couples looking to get active in the surrounding Cowal Peninsula, through to families trying to keep kids and big kids alike entertained, right through to more mature travellers looking to bring together a few couples or celebrate a special anniversary.

Kilfinan House –  A Brilliant Conversion

The house itself has been brilliantly converted and modernised. The owners have thrown a wealth of creative ideas into the project and really thought about what people want these days, with neat little touches like iPod docks in the bedrooms and lots of information on what there is to see and do all round.

Outdoor Attractions at Kilfinan House

Outside a bubbling Villeroy and Boch hot tub awaits in the massive garden, which can be enjoyed year round – champagne with frozen hair is a sublimely surreal experience that we absolutely loved! Then there is the swing and large trampoline for children (watch out here as there are no protective side nets), as well as a flurry of toys in the massive garden.

Inside Kilfinan House

Inside six bedrooms await across three levels. The whole feel is luxurious, but also homely with wood burning stoves and a games room on hand complete with a pool table and air hockey table. The sauna is also there to warm the cockles after a wild walk in the rugged local hills or along the banks of Loch Fyne. The finish throughout is impressive and this is a space you almost want a rainy day for as any excuse to stay indoors.

Beyond Kilfinan House

The tiny village of Kilfinan sits on the western fringes of the Cowal Peninsula. This may not be the Highlands or the isles, but it still feels impressively remote. This was not always the case as a network of boats used to connect all the tiny communities before the arrival of tarmac and rail around Scotland left Cowal isolated. Today this gives it a charmingly sleepy feel, but mercifully there are also plenty of great places to eat. Just down the road is the ultra modern Portavadie Marina (see our full review here), Head up Loch Fyne and the Oystercatcher in Otter Ferry and even better Creggans Inn await. At the very top of the loch is the original and best Loch Fyne Oyster Bar.

Kilfinan House – Hard to Beat

If you are looking for a self-catering estate in an ultra remote location to celebrate a special occasion or just to get away from it all then Kilfinan House is spot on. We’ve stayed in a lot of self-catering places, but we’ve left few feeling as refreshed and relaxed as we were after a weekend in the cosseted arms of Kilfinan House.

Kilfinan House, Kilfinan, Nr. Tighnabruaich, Argyll, PA21 2EP, www.kilfinanhouse.co.uk

For more information contact:

Cottages & Castles, www.cottages-and-castles.co.uk/cottages/kilfinan-housecottages/kilfinan-house