Argyll Barn
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The Barn is a warm and welcoming property ideal for large get-togethers. A travertine marble floor runs throughout the ground floor and offers a stunning contra...
Read moreOverview
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The Barn is a warm and welcoming property ideal for large get-togethers. A travertine marble floor runs throughout the ground floor and offers a stunning contrast to the original exposed stone walls in the kitchen and living area.
An underfloor heating system from an environmentally sustainable ground source heat pump provides constant heating through both floors of the property. This house will accommodate up to 16 guests in total, with the maximum adult occupancy set at 12.
A river runs through the grounds. Facilities include a tennis court (this can be privatised for certain hours in the day). Two other properties are located within the estate but both are entirely independent so your group will have complete privacy.
This truly outstanding property also boasts its very own private sauna and private hot tub (there is an extra charge of £150 per stay for the hot tub, payable to the owner on arrival).
What you should know…
- Mobile signal only works in certain parts of the house, but wifi is available.
- Dining table only seats 24.
- Rooms are quite small, however size isn't everything.
- Use of the hot tub is not included in the rental price. It comes at an additional charge of £100 for a weekend booking, and £150 for a week long booking
This home is a part of our Great Value Collection!
Our great value homes:
- may be traditionally styled for a laid back feeling
- may have some simple amenities and features
- mean that you can enjoy top holiday destinations for less!
Property Features
The kitchen/breakfast room features an original exposed stone wall but is wonderfully light thanks to the large glass archway and door out to the private cobbled courtyard terrace. The kitchen cabinets are oak, and the granite work surface, stone Belfast sink and travertine marble floor, are complemented by Neff, Gaggia and Bosch kitchen appliances to underline the commitment to quality and to marrying genuine traditional materials to the most up-to-date facilities. There is an American-style fridge freezer, single oven, double oven, microwave, halogen hob, large toaster and coffee machine. There is seating for up to eight around the expandable island unit in French polished oak. The kitchen gives way through an open exposed stone arch into the large sitting room with three sofas. There is a separate TV room seating up to a dozen – which converts into a double bedroom – and a dining room, both floored in the same cream travertine marble tiles. The dining room table can accommodate eight or be expanded to take 14.
The six double/twin rooms upstairs are complemented by a bunk room for children and the downstairs TV room may also convert into an additional double bedroom for extra guests, or if a party require a downstairs bedroom for an elderly or disabled couple. Five of the bedrooms have wash-hand basins, and most have king size or super king beds. There is a downstairs loo and shower room, and a sauna. Two other bathrooms, featuring stunning floor to ceiling travertine tiles and corner jaccuzzi baths, as well as powerful showers, are on the first floor.
Set amidst the 20 acres of woodland, and enjoying lovely views across the glen and up the mountain, the gardens are mainly laid to lawn and terrace with hydrangeas, rhodedendron and azalea, as well as reputedly the tallest Grecian fir in Scotland. Our own woods feature numerous tree species and adjoin thousands of acres of forestry commission land through which guests are welcome to wander. One of our terraces features a Grade A listed sundial. A tributary of the river Ruel runs through the gardens, from the Lochen that supplies our private water supply. There is a lovely waterfall walk within the garden, and a rope-assisted climb down to a pool for outdoor bathing. It’s a fabulous location for kids.
Location
About the surrounding area of Argyll BarnJust an hour and a half from Glasgow, the house sits in some of the loveliest scenery in Scotland. The Kyles of Bute are renowned with both walkers and sailors as among the most stunning bits of coast in Scotland. Whatever the weather in Argyll, usually remarkably mild, this is great country for site seeing, with every corner revealing a new variation on the theme of mountain, loch, valley, sky, woodland, sea, rock, and beach. The Cowal peninsula is a fabulous base for an active holiday with marvellous wildlife, numerous gardens, other tourist attractions to visit, and a variety of sporting activities.
The house has grounds of 23 acres, and sits about a mile above the head of Loch Riddon, enjoying complete privacy and lovely views down the glen to the river Ruel. The Island of Bute itself is as little as 15 minutes away from the house, accessed via a ferry from Colintraive, and was a “must visit” destination long before Stella McCartney got married there or former racing driver Johnnie Dumfries moved into Mount Stuart House as the new Marquess of Bute.
Inverary with its famous Jail and Castle, the seat of Clan Campbell for the last few hundred years, is only 45 minutes away, as is Loch Lomond. Dunoon is another tourist destination in its own right, and it is just under half an hour away. You can get to Glen Coe in an hour and a half; to Stirling, Oban or Fort William in under two. Loch Ness and Edinburgh are easy enough day trips – reachable in less than 2 and a half hours.
As well as general site-seeing and trips to the Island of Bute, Inverary and further afield, there are a host of other activities you can undertake around Glenaruel. It is fabulous walking country, and you will be provided with twelve mountain bikes for those who want to explore on two wheels rather than four. There are some really excellent routes direct from the house, involving all sorts of terrain and levels of strain.
There is a lovely 9 hole pay and play course ten minutes away above Tighnabruaich. There are five bags of golf clubs for the house and they probably won’t be too fussed about the usual rules regarding golf shoes provided you don’t arrive in jeans and carve the course up. The same applies to the almost equally spectacular nine hole course at Blairmore & Strone, half an hour away. Cowal Golf Club at Dunoon and Inellan are the 18 hole courses in the area that welcome visitors.
For fishing, there are too many options to go into here, but you can spend anything from £9 per day to over £1,000 for river fishing in the area. You can fish for trout in the nearby stream for nothing or in the Lochen at the head of the river. Mackerel on a line in a boat on the Kyles is a right of passage for hundreds of West of Scotland kids every year. They swim in shoals all around these waters and there is no permit payable.
It is a fabulous part of the world for water-sports of all sorts. Horse-riding, climbing, canoeing, caving, archery, quad biking, paint-balling, and clay pigeon shooting are also all available either on site or in the area.
There is a wee shop selling all the basics at the camp-site in the Glendaruel valley, about a mile walk away, beside the historic Kilmodan standing stones. You get a slightly bigger choice in the Spar at Tighnabruich five miles away. Dunoon is 16 miles away and is a thriving market / harbour town with award-winning bakeries, cafes and butchers, as well as a big Co-Op and a big Somerfield supermarket.
Scotland is not really well served by pubs in general; this area is definitely an exception. The Glendaruel Hotel is a lovely wee pub, a two mile drive away, and serves good pub grub. The Colintraive Hotel and Tighnabruich Hotel are each a tad busier and a tad more ambitious in terms of menu. Chatters in Dunoon is highly recommended, and the Whistlefield and Coylet Inns on Loch Eck are also worth a visit. Less than half an hour away from the house is a wonderful restaurant on Loch Fyne, overlooking the old Castle Lachlan. The Benmore Gardens tea room is not half bad, either, and the Otterferry Inn and Loch Fyne Oyster Bar have good reputations (on which, it might be said, they trade slightly). All in all, though, there are few areas of Scotland where you can enjoy such a variety of excellent, reasonably priced menus.
| Local Amenities | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Nearest Airport |
Glasgow
(71-80 km) |
||
| Nearest Ferry Port |
Dunoon
(16-20 km) |
||
| Nearest Village |
Glendaruel
(3 km) |
||
| Nearest Town/City |
Tighnabruaich
(10 km) |
||
| Nearest Restaurant |
Colintraive
(9 km) |
||
| Nearest Bar/Pub |
Glendaruel
(2 km) |
||
| Nearest Beach |
Ardlamont
(16-20 km) |
||
| Nearest Golf |
Kyles of Bute
(13 km) |
||
Region
Ah, bonnie Scotland! A wild and beautiful part of the world, where you can explore the rugged highlands or enjoy the colour and vibrancy of cultural capitals like Edinburgh and Glasgow.
Luxury self-catering holiday accommodation in Argyll, Scotland
Welcome to the fantastical world of Oliver's Travels, where luxury cottages, lodges, farmhouses and castles in Argyll await your adventurous spirit! Nestled along the enchanting coastline, on the fringes of remote lochs, in the embrace of mountain foothills or basking in the seclusion of the magical Trossachs National Park, these accommodations are not just places to stay, they are portals of delight, tranquility, seclusion, beauty, adventure and views that will make your heart skip a beat! You will return home with a burning desire for more, much more!
Argyll, the western gem of Scotland, is not your average region. It is a canvas painted with unparalleled natural beauty, a tapestry woven with rich history and a stage where vibrant culture takes centre stage. Stretching along the rugged coastline, it is a captivating destination where characterful villages, majestic mountains, serene lochs and meandering rivers come together for an unforgettable spectacle.
Now, let's talk about Oban, the "Gateway to the Isles." This bustling hub boasts a picturesque harbour adorned with colourful fishing boats and presided over by the majestic McCaig's Tower, a granite structure offering panoramic views that will make your jaw drop. Dive into the warmth of Scottish hospitality, tantalise your taste buds at seafood restaurants with oysters and oak-smoked salmon and get ready for an island-hopping adventure from this gateway to paradise.
Inveraray, a proud town on the shores of Loch Fyne, is not just a pretty face. Surrounded by lush forests and the towering peaks of the Argyll mountains, it is home to the architectural masterpiece known as Inveraray Castle. You will wander through opulent interiors, stroll in expansive gardens and soak in the rich history that whispers through every corner.
Now, let's hop through enchanting villages! Lochgilphead, perched at the head of Loch Gilp, invites you to explore the historic Crinan Canal amidst breathtaking scenery. Meanwhile, Tarbert, with its quaint streets and natural harbour, will charm your socks off. Don't miss its annual seafood festival and the wonders of the Kintyre Peninsula, where coastal scenery and historical sites such as Saddell Abbey and whisky-producing Campbeltown, await your exploration.
For nature enthusiasts, Argyll is a playground. The national parks of Loch Lomond and The Trossachs are your vast canvas, with hiking trails winding through pristine forests, leading to viewpoints that will take your breath away. Ben Nevis, the UK's highest peak, stands tall for those seeking an epic climb.
The coastline is a water-based wonderland! Sailing, kayaking and wildlife watching, take your pick! Seals, dolphins and a variety of seabirds call these waters home. Boat tours offer a unique perspective, letting you soak in Argyll's beauty from a whole new angle.
Argyll is a tapestry of natural wonders, historical gems and vibrant communities. Whether you are strolling through charming villages, conquering majestic landscapes, savouring fresh fish feasts or diving into its rich maritime heritage, Argyll promises an unforgettable journey through the beating heart of Scotland's west coast. Get ready for a ride on the wild side!
But how do you know you’re getting the very best out of your trip? That’s where we come in. If you’ve had a browse through our range of luxury cottages and castles in Scotland, you’ll know there’s some great places to stay, but to find all the great things to do, see and eat you’ll need our handy Scotland travel guide – so read on and enjoy!
Kids
Best Suited For: All AgesWith a shared tennis court and football pitch, the grounds of this estate are fantastically laid out for young people's entertainment.
The 22 acres grounds merge into a four thousand acre forest park, so kids can disappear into the woods for hours on end.
A separate games cottage is a teenage-friendly space for table tennis, darts and pool, but each individual house features its own play room stacked with jigsaws and games, and a separate TV room with full SKY TV.
There's also a croquet sets, cricket sets, bikes and golf clubs available to keep kids busy.
Baby and Toddler Equipment
- Mattress protector
- Baby bath
- Bath toys
- Bibs
- Changing mat
- Baby monitor
- Pushchair
- Potty
- Stair gates
- Bottle steriliser
- Plastic crockery
- Cot(s)
- High Chair(s)
Kids Activities Close-by
- Beach Nearby
- Walk to Restaurant
- Watersports
- Canoeing/Kayaking
- Horse Riding
- Fishing
- Outdoor Pursuit & Activities
- Tourist Towns & Villages
Onsite Facilities
- Children's books
- Children's videos/DVDs
- Climbing frame
- Tennis Court
- Bicycles Provided
- Games Room
- Indoor Games
- Outdoor Games
- Table Tennis
- Table Football
- Pool/Snooker
- DVD
- Toys
Services Available
- Chef/Cook Available
- Maid Service Available
- Babysitting Available
- Meal delivery service
Extras
Oliver's Extras
- Chef/Cook Available
- Maid Service Available
- Babysitting Available
- On-Site Concierge
- Meal delivery service
The house is available on a self-catering or fully-catered basis, or something in between. Most of the weekend parties are for big celebrations. Not everyone wants to take on the task of cooking for 30 of their nearest and dearest. The owners have been able to recruit Roger and Bea McKie (formerly of An Lochan and now co-proprietors of Taste Scotland) as the contracted caterers. From a wedding breakfast for 150, to a formal four course dinner for 24, to a serve-it-yourself home-cooked fish pie - from a buffet, to a picnic, to a barbecue, they can offer up a menu to suit at a budget that works for you.
When catering a dinner for you, as a one-off, the taste team will always leave you with some delicious fresh made bread and a vat or two of homemade soup for lunch the next day – along with your left overs. It’s a lovely touch, and effectively means that you’ve got two meals for the price of one! The default setting for the house is still self-catering but if you prefer, then Roger and Bea can work for you as live-in caterers during some or all of your stay.
They will design a menu or series of menus for you that works to your budget. This could be as little as £9.95 per head for a two course meal from their fresh-cooked serve it yourself “Home Taste” menu – or four or five times that per head if you have a serious langoustine or fois gras habit.
On a live-in basis, you need to budget £175 per day per chef, dropping to £850 for the full week, plus the cost of ingredients. They’ll discuss menu plans with you and then cook you breakfast, provide pack/picnic lunch ingredients and feed children and adults separately in the evening. If the big house is at full capacity and you don’t want any involvement in the prep or clearing up, then you need two members of staff. If you are talking about a party of under 20 guests, then it may be possible for a single chef to look after your party.
Scarlett Johansen’s personal trainer is going to deliver a series of fun and challenging fitness and weight-loss centred Luxury Boot camps; participants are guaranteed to lose weight or get their money back.
Attend the first ever gourmet golf tours hosted by the PGA Tour and coaching professional Alan Tait in April. The Feast of Golf 2012 is another cracking present and with an all-inclusive price gives golfers rounds at the Carrick, Earl of Mar and Machrahanish Dunes.
Charles Jamieson MFA is the host-tutor for The Drawing Room, which is a new residential painting and drawing school taking place in March. Charles is a hugely talented and collected painter, as well as an experienced, intuitive and enthusiastic teacher. He has a number of stories, and is a great host. The Drawing Room welcomes amateur artists of all standards.
The same applies to the new cookery school; the host and tutor of the Feast of Scotland Cookery Courses is Briton’s most successful cookery tutor, as well as being an outstanding chef. His students have won the UK-wide competition for cookery students an unprecedented three years in a row and he has been awarded an MBE as a result. On all these courses, there is a maximum of 16 participants, and the price you pay is an all-inclusive cost including all transfers, all materials, all visits, all food and drink – and all the laughter.
To arrange any of these services, contact Oliver's VIP Concierge Team.
Oliver's Travels Chef Service: A Gourmet Dining Experience
Make hosting a memorable dinner party at your villa an absolute breeze with our superb Chef Service. Our chefs will take care of everything for you from start to finish so you can just sit back and enjoy the gastronomic experience. They will bring all the necessary ingredients, cook and serve the food and even clean up afterwards. To find out more visit www.oliverstravels.com/chefs
With twenty-two acres of grounds, breathtaking views and outstanding accommodation for up to seventy...
Read moreEvent information
With twenty-two acres of grounds, breathtaking views and outstanding accommodation for up to seventy-five guests, the Argyll Estate promises an exceptional wedding experience. You may want to book one of the lovely properties or all three, Argyll House, Argyll Barn, and Argyll Mill, but whatever you hope for, the lovely owners will help make your dreams come true. Ceremonies can take place on the grounds or in the house, or you may choose the very pretty Kilmodan Parish Church just a couple of miles away. Extravagant candelabras, vintage champagne, and pipers may be your thing, or perhaps you want to be barefoot amongst the trees, the river, or the fairy glades in the woods. The views are incredible, wonderful backdrops for your wedding photographs. We promise that you will adore this heavenly piece of Scotland and have the time of your lives.
Indoor Capacity - 120
Outdoor Capacity - 120
Wedding Ceremony
Kilmodan Church is just a couple of miles away and is a really pretty venue for those wanting a religious ceremony in a traditional setting. Scottish law allows a minister of religion to conduct the ceremony anywhere he likes, so you have all the flexibility in the world. At the venue, the ceremony can be inside or out.
Wedding Reception
Every wedding is as unique as you are. Here, you can book one, two or three of the houses on the estate. You can have a luxurious marquee on the grounds, or a giant yurt, or you can take a chance at good weather; the choice is yours. This venue plans weddings for intimate and large groups.
Additional Fees for Events
The owners charge a fee for all weddings and other events. This applies when you take one house or three, for a week or a weekend, for a service or just a reception.
Restrictions on Decorations and Themes
There are no restrictions on decorations. Please bring your creative ideas! Fireworks are allowed.
Wedding Planning/Catering
The venue recommends the lovely caterers at An Lochan in Tighnabruich, who offer a free wedding coordination service to any wedding party using them for catering. They can help with any aspects of your wedding, including ceremony and reception planning, piper, flowers, beauticians, stylists, masseuses, photographers, wedding cake, menu and table planning, printing, etc. They will help you source local favours for guests, sort out a car or horse-drawn carriage, find the right musicians for each slot, and provide an organiser or event manager on the day to make sure everything goes smoothly. You might want additional local accommodation organised or advice on activities for guests on the morning of the wedding. All that can be arranged for you. However, you are also welcome to arrange your own planners, caterers and other services. If you are not using An Lochan for catering, the owners will provide you up to 5 hours of event management and wedding coordination.
Wedding Packages
Day before and after events are permitted at an extra cost. The minimum wedding package booking is for three nights.
Venue Accessibility
The venue is fully wheelchair accessible. There is complimentary parking on-site. There is limited accessibility via public transportation; guests may need to share rides or use taxis.
Venue Back-Up
Indoor space is available for backup.
Where to Stay
Argyll House has 13 bedrooms, Argyll Mill has 9, and Argyll Barn has 7 bedrooms, sleeping up to 75 guests on the estate. The owners can advise regarding other accommodation available nearby.
Flexibility on Duration
There is a 3-night minimum stay.
Children
Children are welcome, but no childcare services are available.
Security Measures
There are limited security measures in place; guests are responsible for their belongings.
Noise Restrictions
Noise should be minimised after a certain hour to respect neighbours. There should be no amplified outdoor noise after 11 pm.
Please note that any event rental may be subject to additional charges, venue hire fees and to a higher security deposit, which will be in addition to any published rental rates and fees.
All events are on request only and subject to prior agreement from the owner, who reserves the right to refuse all events without their prior authorisation.
| Security deposit | £50 per person (£100 per person for Stag do's and Hen do's). This is paid prior to arrival and will be refunded in full after departure subject to damage inspection. |
| Arrival time | 4 p.m. or earlier by arrangement. |
| Departure time | 10.30 a.m. or later by arrangement. |
Terms & Conditions
These terms and conditions may be amended from time to time.
| Security deposit | £50 per person (£100 per person for Stag do's and Hen do's). This is paid prior to arrival and will be refunded in full after departure subject to damage inspection. |
| Arrival time | 4 p.m. or earlier by arrangement. |
| Departure time | 10.30 a.m. or later by arrangement. |
| Energy costs included? | Included in the rental price. |
| Linen & towels included? | All linen and bath towels are included in the rental price. |
| Pets welcome? | Pets allowed. |
| Changeover day | Friday |
| End of stay cleaning included? | Included. Please leave the property in the state that you found it. |
| Smoking Allowed? | No smoking in the property. |
| Other Ts and Cs | This truly outstanding property also boasts its very own private sauna and private hot tub (there is an extra charge of £100 per weekend stay/£150 per week long stay for the hot tub, payable to the owner on arrival). |
| Minimum stay | 7 nights approximately Christmas and New Year and mid-July to mid-August (short stays over Summer are on request). 2 nights during all other periods. |
Rental Rates
Prices based on an occupancy of 14 people:
| Rental period | 2 Nights | 3 Nights | 4 Nights | 5 Nights | Weekly |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dec 18th 2024 - Dec 20th 2024 | £1,715 | £1,930 | £2,145 | £2,360 | £2,575 |
| Dec 20th 2024 - Dec 27th 2024 | - | - | - | - | £4,854 |
| Dec 27th 2024 - Jan 6th 2025 | - | - | - | - | £6,059 |
| Jan 6th 2025 - Feb 14th 2025 | £1,876 | £2,096 | £2,315 | £2,535 | £2,629 |
| - Half Term: Spring | £2,414 | £2,636 | £2,858 | £3,081 | £3,328 |
| Feb 23rd 2025 - Feb 24th 2025 | £1,876 | £2,096 | £2,315 | £2,535 | £2,629 |
| Feb 24th 2025 - Mar 1st 2025 | £1,876 | £2,096 | £2,315 | £2,535 | £2,629 |
| Mar 1st 2025 - Apr 4th 2025 | £2,199 | £2,403 | £2,607 | £2,811 | £2,951 |
| - Easter | £2,414 | £2,636 | £2,858 | £3,081 | £3,328 |
| Apr 20th 2025 - Apr 21st 2025 | £2,199 | £2,403 | £2,607 | £2,811 | £2,951 |
| Apr 21st 2025 - May 23rd 2025 | £2,199 | £2,403 | £2,607 | £2,811 | £2,951 |
| - Half Term: Summer | £2,414 | £2,636 | £2,858 | £3,081 | £3,328 |
| May 30th 2025 - Jul 1st 2025 | £2,199 | £2,403 | £2,607 | £2,811 | £2,951 |
| Jul 1st 2025 - Jul 18th 2025 | £2,790 | £3,041 | £3,292 | £3,543 | £3,758 |
| Jul 18th 2025 - Aug 15th 2025 | - | - | - | - | £3,758 |
| Aug 15th 2025 - Sep 1st 2025 | £2,790 | £3,041 | £3,292 | £3,543 | £3,758 |
| Sep 1st 2025 - Oct 1st 2025 | £2,414 | £2,644 | £2,874 | £3,104 | £3,328 |
| Oct 1st 2025 - Oct 27th 2025 | £2,199 | £2,396 | £2,593 | £2,790 | £2,951 |
| Oct 27th 2025 - Nov 1st 2025 | £2,414 | £2,661 | £2,908 | £3,154 | £3,328 |
| Nov 1st 2025 - Dec 19th 2025 | £1,876 | £2,096 | £2,315 | £2,535 | £2,629 |
| Dec 19th 2025 - Dec 27th 2025 | - | - | - | - | £4,997 |
| Dec 27th 2025 - Jun 21st 2026 | - | - | - | - | £6,237 |
Please note that these prices/rates are a guide only and may not be correct at the current date. For an accurate quote, please enquire.
Reviews
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Simply Wonderful
We had the most relaxing evenings, and the most active days. The Barn was perfect for a mixed group with the little ones always happy and safely entertained, and with plenty for teenagers, too.
It looks stylish and gorgeous but it is easily kept clean and a lovely house to stay in. My family want to move in permanently. -
Can't wait to return
Most comfortable house ever. Amazing grounds and scenery. Thanks a million for making us feel so welcome.
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Wonderful house and stunning location
Had a marvellous time. Really enjoyed the wonderful house and the scenery.
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Great place!
Nice waterfall, lovely views and landscape; really enjoyed the table tennis and pool, the walks with the dogs and the air hockey. Would recommend the house and holiday to anyone.
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Just what I was looking for!
This certainly was the best party house ever as advertised! 21 girls stayed here to celebrate my forthcoming marriage. The facilities were fantastic. The house is lovely, quirky, and very well-equipped. Such comfy beds!
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Fabulous party house!
What a fantastic house to celebrate a 40th with friends and family. Being very well equpped allowed us to eat, sleep, eat, drink and eat well – great dinners in the fab dining room. Grounds are fantastic too. Kids had hours of fun building camps, zip-wiring, swimming in the pool by the waterfall. Lovely part of Scotland one of the nicest areas we’ve been to. We’ll definitely be back
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