Glenbranter Cottage
Near Strachur
Sleeps 2
There was once a little white cottage situated near a river, sheltered by surrounding hills, and about a mile up a lovely peaceful glen. So might begin the description of Glenbranter Cottage. The setting is quite magical and the former farm bothy, which had been slowly disintegrating, has been transformed by its Fairy Godmother owner into the most charming holiday retreat imaginable.
Standing on the track behind the owner's house, it looks out over the river and is quite secluded and not overlooked. Inside the cottage there is a delightful, compact, open-plan living area, with an open fire and electrical heating for added warmth, a twin bedroom and a stylish pine-panelled shower room. Although the cottage has no actual garden of its own the owner is very happy for tenants to make full use of the garden furniture and the large grounds around. The furniture can be moved wherever the tenants wish.
The Glenbranter Estate is famous for having once been owned by Sir Harry Lauder, whose sister and brother-in-law are buried locally. Sir Harry's son, John, was killed in the First World War and so the estate was sold to its present owners, the Forestry Commission.
The house is located right on the Cowal Way, a 47 mile long footpath which stretches from Portavadie to Ardgartan near Arrochar, but there are many other wonderful walks to be made in the hills and woodland all around. For cycling enthusiasts there are dedicated mountain-biking trails to enjoy. Gardeners are spoilt for choice with places to visit: 10 miles away there are the Botanic Gardens at Benmore; at the head of Loch Fyne there are the Ardkinglas Woodland Gardens and at Crarae, on the opposite side of the loch beyond Inverary, there are the National Trust Gardens.
Strachur, 3 miles away, has a first-rate café and a well-provisioned shop. The famous Creggans Inn is perfect for a special night out. For more serious shopping go to Dunoon (16m) where the ferry crosses to Gourock and thence to Glasgow. The land route around Loch Lomond is almost double the distance (60m).
For a day trip try taking the ferry at Colintraive across to the island of Bute and visit Rothesay, the beloved holiday destination for many generations of Glaswegians.
Most of the time the only sound to be heard at the cottage will be that of the birds and the river but as Glenbranter is a working forest there will be the occasional lorry carrying timber past the cottage when logging is being carried out in that particular part of the woods.
Bed linen, towels, electricity and fuel for the fire 
included in the rental. One well behaved pet is welcome by arrangement. No smoking in the cottage. Secure storage available for cycles.
Accommodation (sleeps 2):
Downstairs:
- Open plan living area with open fire, TV/DVD, 2 electric rings and 3 way combi oven etc.
- Twin bedroom (can be pushed together).
- Shower room with shower, WC and wash basin.
Accommodation availability:
Glenbranter Cottage:
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