2016-02-24



Tour Scotland self catering holiday cottage recommendation on Island Of Islay, Inner Hebrides, Scotland.

Puffin Cottage is a traditional stone built cottage in the heart of Port Ellen but on a quiet road. It consists of open plan downstairs lounge and hall area in solid wood parquet flooring, large kitchen/diner, and downstairs double shower(room) and access through patio doors out onto an enclosed paved seating area. Upstairs there is a bedroom with a super king size bed, opposite is a room with 4'6' double, both these rooms have en-suite loos and off the double room is a restricted height entrance to a bedroom with 3 single beds. Downstairs in the living room there is a double sized 4'6' futon that completes the 9 sleeping spaces. All upstairs rooms feature Velux roof windows so guests can lie in bed and watch the stars or Northern Lights or pull down the blinds if not. The cottage has background central heating via storage heaters with additional portable heaters and LED wall fire for chilly nights. Puffin Cottage is 2 minutes walk to the beach, playing fields with tennis courts, pitch and putt and bowls, shops, restaurants, bars and the bus stop if you want to visit distilleries and drink but not drive. There is a new footpath from Port Ellen down to Laphraoig, Lagavulin and Ardbeg Whisky distilleries, for the active traveller and secure parking is provided on site. Letting arrangements are by per person per night with a minimum of a two night stay. Caledonian MacBrayne operate regular ferry services to Port Ellen and Port Askaig from Kennacraig, taking about two hours. Ferries to Port Askaig also run on to Scalasaig on Colonsay and, on summer Wednesdays, to Oban.

Coillabus Cottage is a well equipped and comfortable traditional West Highland cottage set in the heart of a working hill farm. The cottage sleeps up to six guests in 3 bedrooms. Guests can relax in the comfortable living room in front of the open fire. Well-stocked bookcases, a vintage vinyl collection and a rainy day drawer for children add to the interest of a stay at Coillabus. Guests can enjoy putting their culinary skills to the test in the well-equipped kitchen diner. Coillabus has plenty corners to hide away with a good book from the well stocked bookcase. A Jacques croquet set is available for some terrifying games of Coillabus Croquet over challenging terrain. Dine al fresco on the pebble terrace with long views over Kintyre and Ireland in summer, or enjoy the full canopy of stars in crisp clear winter skies.

Islay Cottages comprise four two bedded and a third three bedded cottage set in a small estate on Islay's west coast. Each cottage has a comfortably furnished sitting room with a dining area and kitchen. Upstairs there is a double and twin bedroom. There is Wifi, together with Satellite TV, DVD Player and a large selection of books and games are available. The kitchen has everything you would expect: toaster, cooker, microwave and fridge; extra freezer space is available in the Laundry Room. Linen is supplied and towels are available on request, a cot and high chair are available, also there is a Laundry and Drying room for guests use. The cottages are popular with both families and those interested in birds, wild life and walking, several rarely seen birds make Kilchoman their home and the proximity of the beach and great beach walks make it an ideal place to get away from it all. For those interested in whisky, Kilchoman is minutes away and access to the Islands' other distilleries is simple. Quiet and secluded, it is a perfect place for a Hebridean holiday.

Rosgorm House has a 5* quality assurance award from the Scottish tourist board. The house provides luxurious holiday accommodation for up to 6 people in a traditional cottage in the heart of the village of Port Charlotte, just a few minutes' walk from all local amenities and the safe, sandy beaches. There is state of the art underfloor heating and the house is fully insulated to ensure a cosy home whatever the weather. The ground floor is tiled throughout and it is fully carpeted on the first floor. All cottages are non-smoking and unfortunately we are not able to accept any pets.

Claggan is a family holiday house which has been owned for 4 generations .It stands in its own garden, down a private drive surrounded by farmland with a view of the sea. It is quiet but not remote. The village of Bridgend is 1km away, with a hotel/pub, an excellent post office/general store ,fuel and a hairdresser. The capital Bowmore is 5km away, with a large Co-op, hospital ,doctor's surgery, vet etc. The farmhouse sleeps 12 comfortably, all the bedrooms are a good size and 5 have hand basins. There are 5 twin bedded rooms and 1 double. A cot and a Z bed are also available. There are 2 bathrooms and 1 shower room. Islay is one of five whisky distilling localities and regions in Scotland whose identity is protected by law. There are eight active whisky distilleries and the industry is the island's second largest employer after agriculture. Those on the south of the island produce malts with a very strong peaty flavour, considered to be the most intensely flavoured of all whiskies. From east to west they are Ardbeg Whisky Distillery, Lagavulin, and Laphroaig. On the north of the island Bowmore, Bruichladdich, Caol Ila and Bunnahabhain are produced, which are substantially lighter in taste.

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