Keeper's Cottage, Tayvallich Estate, Lochgilphead, Argyll

CLOSING DATE SET FOR MIDDAY 9TH APRIL. Keeper’s Cottage forms part of the cluster of dwellings at Coshandroachaid, lying just to the north of Kate’s Cottage and built on the site of a demolished former dwelling, Keeper’s Cottage is a timber-clad dwelling of simplistic yet elegant design on a rectangular plan.

Completed in 2022 the eastern façade of the cottage incorporates two sets of French windows to enable maximum benefit of both the stunning views over An Grianan to Loch Sween and the penetration of sunlight – particularly in the morning.

The accommodation is largely open-plan to include 2 bedrooms with a high standard of fixtures, fittings and finishes. Originally built to enhance the existing complement of holiday letting accommodation on the wider estate it would likewise make a fantastic permanent home.

The cottage is set in a surrounding garden with a decked terrace accessible from the main reception area and a convenient gravel driveway.

Further land may be available by separate negotiation.

Situated at the head of the Knapdale peninsula in Argyll on the west coast of Scotland, the Tayvallich peninsula is a ‘finger’ of terrain which incorporates some of the most geologically and ecologically important landscape in Scotland and runs southwest for about 15 miles from Loch Crinan at the north end to the southern tip of Danna Island where Loch Sween meets the Atlantic Ocean in the Sound of Jura.

Rich with cultural history and the remnants of ancient civilisation – the cross and remains of the church at Keills at the southern end of the peninsula dates from the 8th Century and there are many more recent vestigial settlements throughout the peninsula – the natural history of Tayvallich is of particular importance with the peninsula being subject to three different Special Areas of Conservation (SAC) and five different Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI).

Accessibility to the peninsula is by means of a single track public road with passing places which leads southwest from Bellanoch on the Crinan Canal between Cairnbaan and Crinan. The village of Tayvallich – a charming settlement and thriving community occupying the isthmus between Loch a’ Bhealaich on the east side and Carsaig Bay on the Sound of Jura lies 7 miles from Bellanoch and 12 miles from Lochgilphead – the administrative centre of the region where Argyll & Bute Council is headquartered.

Tayvallich village includes a community-owned village shop and hotel with bar and restaurant. There is also a primary school in the village and an active Community Hall (a registered charity) which plays host to a variety of events throughout the year. The bay – Loch a’ Bhealaich – which the village overlooks, provides moorings for a number of yachts and boats with Tayvallich being a popular base from which to explore the Inner Hebrides and the wider west coast of Scotland. Between March and September, a passenger service operates from Tayvallich to Craighouse on the Isle of Jura – another of Scotland’s less frequented natural historical delights. Charter boats can also be hired from either Tayvallich or Crinan to enable further exploring and/or for wildlife watching or sea fishing.

An important centre of commerce, Lochgilphead provides a variety of retailers, suppliers and facilities including a supermarket, two garages/ petrol stations a 9-hole golf course; and a Community Secondary School with a range of facilities including swimming pool, leisure centre, gym and several sports pitches. The closest airport with scheduled internal and international flights is at Glasgow (90 miles). Small, fixed-wing private aircraft can be landed at Oban airport which lies 44 miles to the north.

In historical terms, the county of Argyll formed the major part of the kingdom of Dalriada, which is believed to have been settled by Gaels from Ireland with its capital at the fort of Dunadd near Lochgilphead. The county is strewn with remnant forts, castles and standing stones from this period which includes an ancient fort – Dun Mhuirich – a Scheduled Monument on the shore of Linne Mhuirich within Tayvallich Estate.

With its many islands, peninsulas and sea lochs, Argyll has thousands of miles of coastline and, as such, the sea is a feature of the working life and leisure time of its inhabitants.

The quality of sailing off the Argyll coast and Inner Hebrides is of world-renown. There are moorings in the bay at Tayvallich village and fully-equipped marinas further north at Kilmelford and Craobh Haven, as well as a boat yard in Crinan, Tayvallich Estate is perfectly placed for sailing enthusiasts to explore much of the west coast. The Northern Irish coast lies less than 50 miles off Danna at the southern end of the estate and is therefore also highly accessible – either for day trips or longer explorations given both appropriate weather conditions and vessel.

There is an opportunity for sea fishing, lobster and crab potting and a range of water sports. The sea fishing and lobster potting is of particular renown in the Sound of Jura and has been a favoured pastime of previous inhabitants.

With a large extent of forestry and woodland owned by Forestry & Land Scotland (formerly the Scottish Forestry Commission) at the northern end of the Tayvallich peninsula and elsewhere in this part of mid-Argyll, there is an almost endless choice of routes for walkers, cyclists and mountain bikers. There are also various coastal walks and Core Paths locally.

Another gem of the area is the Taynish National Nature Reserve which is owned and managed by Nature Scot (formerly Scottish Natural Heritage) and lies on the east side of Linne Mhuirich incorporating some of the most geologically and ecologically important landscape in Scotland. Adjoining Tayvallich and renowned for its ‘temperate rainforest’ dominated by ancient oak woodland, there is a variety of waymarked trails enabling visitors to explore this magnificent Reserve.

With many islands to explore, mountains to climb, lochs to fish, pubs and restaurants at which to dine throughout Argyll, there is a fantastically diverse range of activities both on the estate itself and within a drive of an hour or so of Tayvallich.

Local Authority: Argyll and Bute
Services: Mains electricity, private water and drainage. Air Source heat pump and electric under floor heating throughout.
Council Tax: Band C
Fixtures & Fittings: Included are the fitted kitchen white goods. Further furnished items available by separate negotiation.
Tenure: Freehold

This property is subject to the Rural Housing Burden further information can be found here

Wayleaves and easements: The property is sold subject to any wayleaves or easements, whether mentioned in these particulars or not.