|
Situated in open countryside and enjoying views of Islay and Jura,
it is on the very border between fertile farming land and the
wilds that lead, uninterrupted, from here to the Mull of Kintyre.
A
listed country house, Oatfield is both a family home and a
welcoming bed and breakfast, offering warm, friendly personal
attention. Three rooms are available, all en-suite, two doubles
and a twin. We have a no smoking policy throughout.
Breakfast is served in the main dining room and the parlour is set
aside for the use of guests in the evenings, including a luxurious
open coal/log fire. WiFi is available throughout.
The house is surrounded by its own private grounds comprising 6
acres of lawns and woodland with a paddock for the ponies and a
walled garden, maintained as a wild flower meadow. An interesting
Folly, beside the walled garden, was built in the 1890's around a
fragment from 13th century Dunblane Cathedral. A pond is home to
numerous newts, frogs and toads.
The present estate, some 130 acres, includes an important Iron Age
fort at the top of Bealloch Hill (which you are very welcome to
walk up to - bring your wellies!). Excavated in the 1970's by
Edinburgh University, it revealed many finds including a Neolithic
burial, flints and many other artefacts, but it is also notable
for the superb views across Kintyre from Kilbrannan Sound and
Arran in the east, to Islay and Jura and the Atlantic in the west
and even a glimpse of the Irish Sea to the south.
Depending upon the time of year, the resident wild roe deer and
the odd fox can often be seen around the house, with owls, bats
and hedgehogs providing night-time interest.
A
short ride into town leads to a selection of restaurants and cafes
and we are also convenient for the golf clubs of Machrihanish and
Dunaverty. The airport is only two miles away, with flights twice
daily from Glasgow International Airport.
Sheltered by the Gulf Stream and noted for its palm trees, this
part of Kintyre has its own little weather system often leading to
much better weather locally than even a few short miles away. This
is a fabulous walking and cycling area, with rolling moorland
vistas, wild sea cliffs and a selection of islands - the island of
Gigha makes a delightful day excursion from here, for example. We
are walkers ourselves with an in-depth knowledge of the area and
we are always pleased to offer suggestions... including many
stunning walks that you won't find in any of the books, well off
the beaten track. |
