ACHNACROISH is an original croft cottage said to be the oldest surviving on the island, and dating back to the 18th century. Seil, once an important slate quarrying area, is connected to the mainland by the "Bridge over the Atlantic", and is 12 miles south of Oban. The cottage was restored and modernised in 1975, and has been kept in excellent condition since. It retains its original character with thick external walls, local slate roof, and small windows. It stands in a field on a croft containing sheep, and facing east, enjoys lovely views over to the Degnish peninsula. Behind is Barr Mor from the top of which there are wonderful views of Easdale Island, Mull, Luing and Seil, as well as the cottage. The cottage is connected to the road by a short track. Also on the croft is a small bungalow.
"The location is great, restoration excellent, felt instantly at home" GM. Perth, Sept 07
ACCOMMODATION: The inside has been comfortably
furnished by the present owners who have spent many holidays in
it, over many years, and in all seasons. The INTERIOR is divided
into three areas: living room, shower room, and bedroom. The LIVING
ROOM is open plan and has a flag stone floor, log stove, and two
Velux roof windows.There are easy chairs, pine table and chairs,
one 3ft. divan and one 2ft.6ins. folding sofa-bed, a pine chest
of drawers, bookcase, radio, CD player and TV with DVD player.
The KITCHEN area contains modern fitted units, and incorporates
sink, electric cooker with oven, microwave, fridge, electric kettle
and coffee maker, blender, crockery, cutlery and cooking utensils.
The adjacent carpeted corridor leads to the SHOWER ROOM which
contains a modern shower cubicle, W.C, wash basin, radiant heater,
heated towel rail, shaver socket, & clothes drier. Off the
corridor, is the carpeted BEDROOM, which has a Velux window, and
contains a 4ft.6ins. double bed, fitted wardrobes, pine chest
of drawers, chair , dressing shelf with mirror and light, a hair
drier, radio, iron & board.
HEATING: In addition to the log stove, there are wall mounted
Dimplex panel heaters, and a fan heater. Water is heated by an
immersion heater, and the cottage is double glazed. A supply of
logs is usually maintained.
DOGS: It is regretted that, because of the
presence of sheep on the croft, dogs cannot be accepted.
SHOPS: Oban, 25mins. by car, has comprehensive facilities including
a Tesco supermarket. There is a concert hall, cinema, and swimming
pool. Locally there is a general store and post office at Balvicar,
about 500yds. from the cottage.
TRANSPORT: Althoughs there is a limited bus service to and from
Oban, a car is adviseable. Cycling locally is popular.
RESTAURANTS: There is an excellent one nearby, and details of
this and other personal recommendations both in Oban and further
afield are included in the cottage file. There is a popular pub,
the Tigh-n-Truish, at Clachan.
CLOTHING: It is always advisable to bring waterproof warm clothing,
and good footware.
THE AREA: is superb for coastal and hill walking, touring, sailing, fishing, and bird watching. Slate quarrying was an important local industry, and a museum on Easdale Island commemorates this. There is a 9-hole golf course at Balvicar. Mull, Iona, Staffa (Fingals Cave & puffins), Glen Coe, Fort William, and Inverary Castle, are easily reached on day outings. The cottage library contains an extensive collection of books and maps covering the area, together with details of favourite walks and eating places. Mobile phones: Vodafone & Orange have weak reception around the cottage.
The Oban Tourist Office, Argyll Square, Oban, Tel.01631 566606. can provide more information about the area.
TERMS: The weekly rent for 2008, April to November, & Christmas/New
Year ranges from £175 to £330. A deposit of £100
is needed to secure a telephone booking, and the balance is due
6 weeks before arrival. Bed linen and towels are included, &
a supply of logs is usually maintained. Electricity is extra,
and is by meter reading, charged at the current rate. Achnacroish
is normally closed January, February, and March.
For further information, or to book, e-mail will@lindsaywa.freeserve.co.uk or phone +44(0)20 8661 1834.