Location: Balvicar, Scotland, United Kingdom, Europe (Isle of Seil Connected by road Bridge Over the Atlantic)
Accommodations: Refurbished Cottage, 2 Bedrooms, 1 Bath (Sleeps 4)
Balvicar, Isle of Seil, some 14 miles south of the major West Highland town of Oban in the Argyll area of Scotland. Nearest airports Edinburgh (3 hrs approx) or Glasgow (2 hrs approx), hire of car essential. No ferries involved, access by road over the famous "Bridge over the Atlantic".
The property at Balvicar is available to rent for summer or winter holidays, short breaks and long weekends throughout the year. It enjoys direct views from the front over the 9 hole golf course, Balvicar Bay and the Sound of Seil.
A refurbished mid terrace Quarriers Cottage (Seil is one of the "Slate Islands") the area has rows of these traditional workers cottages, the slate mines closed in the 1800's, there is a small but interesting museum nearby, describing the worker's harsh lives.
Just over the bridge, the Pub/restaurant (offering excellent bar meals) "Tigh an Truish" - meaning "House of Trousers", got its name after the battle of Culloden in 1746, when wearing of the kilt was outlawed in Scotland.
In defiance the islanders wore the kilt when they were home but used the Inn to change into the hated trews when they went to the mainland. The hotel is situated beside Clachan Bridge, known as "The Bridge that Crosses the Atlantic" because of the narrow strip of ocean that it spans.
The whole area is one of natural beauty and is perfect for sailors and golfers – and for those people who just enjoy peace and quiet.
Balvicar itself has an active community and a well-stocked licensed grocery shop and post office. The village of Ellenabeich is two miles to the south and has The Oyster Bar which served locally brewed beers and provides good bar meals.
Oban some 14 miles distance is an expanding port with an attractive sea front and busy harbour from which the Caledonian MacBrayne ferries operate serving the Inner Hebrides and some of the Outer Hebrides. - These ferry sailings give Oban its name of "Gateway to the Isles". The town offers a full range of shopping facilities.
The property does not have any garden ground but there is parking available to the front. There are benches outside the cottage to sit of an evening to enjoy the view. The cottage has a kitchen/dining room, bathroom with shower over the bath, lounge with wood burning stove, two bedrooms (one double and one twin beds). The property is double glazed, centrally heated, warm and cozy in the chilly weather, light and airy in the summer. Solid traditionally built, small and quaint yet fully modernized.
A nature lovers dream, this area offers a wonderful range of birds to observe and wildlife including seals, otters, minke whales, eagles, buzzards, deer, can all be seen locally. Plenty to do (or not as you chose) - Come and relax -and enjoy!!
Vacation Rental Features
- Amenities
- Washer
- Linens Provided
- Off Street Parking
- Wood Stove
- Beds
- Queen Bed
- Twin/Single Bed
- Entertainment
- Cable/Satellite TV
- DVD
- CD Player
- Stereo System
- Kitchen
- Full Kitchen
- Cooking Utensils Provided
- Refrigerator: with small ice box
- Microwave
- Outdoor Features
- Deck/Patio: Garden benches outside property to sit and admire the view
- View/Location
- Ocean View
- Water View
- Mountain View
- Golf Course View: 9 hole course in front and behind property
- Suitability
- Pet Friendly: One possibly two well behaved dogs allowed by agreement on ground floor of property only
- Smoking Not Allowed
- Activities (on site and nearby)
- Golf
- Sightseeing
- Restaurants
- Kayaking
- Sailing
- Boating
- Snorkeling/Diving
- Windsurfing
- Biking
- Mountain Biking
- Wildlife Viewing
- Hiking
- Fishing
- Museums
- Miniature golf
- Horseback Riding
Rate Details (In Pounds Sterling)
From £120/weekend .. £350-£650/week, Prices held for 2009
All inclusive of power, linen, starter pack of logs and fuel for fire.
Rates vary depending on UK School holidays, high summer (Jul/Aug and Christmas,
New Year are traditionally more expensive times for UK rental properties).
Note: Until confirmed, rates are subject to change without notice.
Property Photos
- View across bay from house - Oban, Scotland Vacation Cottage
- View from Dining area - Oban, Scotland Vacation Cottage
- Lounge area - Oban, Scotland Vacation Cottage
- Log burning stove in lounge
- Kitchen area
Guest Comments (5)
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Vacation Rentals by Owner Listing #171440
There have been 6260 visitors to this page since the counter was last reset in 2009.
This listing was first published here in 2008.
Date last modified - November 19, 2009
Positive Rating
Dan & Deborah Horn , St. Louis, Missouri, USA
Positive Rating
G McNab , East Kilbride
Positive Rating
, Alexandria, VA
Positive Rating
Exceeded expectations, very comfortable. We have had a really great time it is a really beautiful spot. Would definately recommend and we are really looking forward to coming back
Positive Rating
Up to expectations and very comfortable, would definately return and recommend. Thank you