During our recent stay at Birch Cottage in Stronchullin Holiday Cottages, we had a truly remarkable experience. The location of the cottage in Blairmore near Dunoon was perfect for our 6-night getaway with my wife, mother-in-law, father-in-law, and better still we could bring the dog!
From the moment we arrived, we were impressed by the exceptional presentation and cleanliness of the cottage. It had a modern and stylish design with all the modern conveniences we could ask for. The fully fitted kitchen made cooking a breeze, however with the local seafood restaurants on offer, we didn't use the kitchen much (Anselmos chippy in Dunoon gets a 5-star rating, as does The George Hotel in Inveraray!). We loved spending evenings relaxed in front of the lovely wood-burning stove watching TV, and the added benefit of decent Wi-Fi helped stream the odd movie too. The spacious deck and outdoor seating area provided us with a picturesque setting to enjoy the breath-taking views over Loch Long and towards Greenock with a glass of wine or a cheeky beer or two.
The cottage not only met but exceeded our expectations in terms of cleanliness and amenities. The luxurious waterfall shower was a delightful touch, and we couldn't resist the charm of the wood-burning fireplace, which added a cosy ambiance to our evenings when needed. The wooden floor throughout the main living area was a nice touch too, and really helped the property exceed our expectations.
We took advantage of the cottage's West Coast location to explore the nearby attractions. Benmore Botanic Gardens and Pucks Glen were both stunning, and we even had the opportunity to hop on the Waverley Paddle Steamer for a memorable excursion to the Isle Of Bute. Poor weather on a number of days meant we had to seek out wet-weather options and, the accessibility to Glasgow for some shopping proved a big bonus for this (although the drive was a fair 2hrs). On other days we visited Inveraray, Cruachan Dam, and Loch Lomond for a 90-minute narrated cruise.
The overall atmosphere of the cottage was quaint, quiet, and rural, providing a peaceful retreat, yet it was well connected to nearby attractions and amenities. The fantastic hosts, particularly David, went above and beyond to ensure our stay was memorable and enjoyable.
One thing to note is that most local activities are outdoor-based, so it's advisable to be prepared for clouds of midges, the various weather conditions you'll likely face (it's West Coast Scotland!) and also consider travel times for longer excursions.
In summary, we wholeheartedly recommend Birch Cottage to others seeking a comfortable and well-appointed holiday cottage. With its excellent views, luxurious amenities, and the warm hospitality of the hosts, our experience was nothing short of fantastic.
