HIDDEN GEM . The delightful, charmingly modest, “Castle-Sea View Cottage” beautifully positioned on the shoreline overlooking Dunstaffnage Castle and Dunstaffnage Bay - awe inspiring views, endorsed in a sketch by one of Britain’s most celebrated artists, Joseph Mallord William Turner - the historic “Dunstaffnage Castle and Loch Linnhe from across Dunstaffnage Bay 1831.” The subject matter was sketched from the same vantage point as the house now stands and can be viewed on-line www.tate.org.uk or by appointment at Tate Britain - London. ( If interested in further information on Turner’s sketch and Dunstaffnage Castle’s dramatic history, scroll down the page.)
The charming traditional style 2 Bedroomed semi detached cottage in the old part of the small village is fully equipped and furnished in an understated elegant contemporary style with all the usual mod cons - central heating, WiFi, Internet, TV, etc.
SPACIOUS LIVING-ROOM/DINER - with glass bi-folding doors opening onto the outdoor patio area - overlooking spectacular views - sea mountains and Dunstaffnage Castle, lochs and the ever changing sky/sea colour kaleidoscope . Dining table/chairs, settee, arm chairs, swivel chair by glass bifold doors to take in views, coffee/tea side table/stools, television.
RETRO KITCHEN - fully equipped, washing machine, fridge/freezer, cooker, oven, microwave, pots/pans, crockery, cutlery glasses, cooking utensils, Pyrex ware etc
TOILET BATH/SHOWER - Egyptian cotton bath-sheets and towels.
BEDROOMS/UPSTAIRS x 2
One twin bedroom.
One double bedroom. (Large fitted glass sliding door wardrobes)
Both rooms/very good comfortable beds.
Duck & Feather Down duvets and pillows.
Freshly Laundered - Egyptian cotton bedlinen and Towels .
Both rooms/central heating, wardrobes, bedside shelves, bedside lamps, chairs, hairdryers.
CAR PARKING
Off street car parking & garage .
GARDENS - peaceful front, back and side gardens punctuated with the music of birdsongs.
FRONT GARDENS/ PATIO
Fledgling front wild meadow patch.
Patio/Table/ chairs - overlooking Dunstaffnage Castle, sea/castle/mountains and Loch Linnie
BACK/GARDEN
Fledgling permaculture garden
Small Fruit & Nut Trees -
Almond, Fig, Plumb, Apple, Cherry & Pear trees, Wild Strawberries, Rhubarb, Fruit Berry shrubs, Lavender Pathway & Borders.
Bamboos planted behind garden seat - lovely spot to meditate, take in the morning sun and enjoy a coffee in natural tranquility.
Beautiful Foxglove (Digitalis purpurea - heart medicine
derived from this poisonous plant) has recently taken up
residence in between the trees along with a carpet of
gorgeous golden buttercups, wild-strawberries and daisies.
SIDE GARDEN
Lavender pathway
Shrubs
WALKING DISTANCE
The well stocked village shop is only a few minutes walk as is the Dunstaffnage Marina. “Poppies Restaurant” is a little further along .
In the opposite direction - The Scottish Boards ⭐️ ⭐️⭐️⭐️ approved “Ocean Explorer Centre, SAMS Scottish Association For Marine Science founded in the late 19th Century “working for healthy oceans since 1884” , Back Beach - little cafe/restaurant and the historic Dunstaffnage Castle - all, only within a pleasant walking distance from the house.
DUNSTAFFNAGE CASTLE (Historical and other interesting details further down the page)
OBAN (Sea Food Capital of Scotland)
Bustling, picturesque seaside town of Oban - short drive/bus ride where you will find the iconic MaCaig‘s Tower perched high on a cliff proudly standing sentry over the harbour while the equally iconic Dunnolie Castle stands guard over the Bay. Oban, the Gateway to the islands has much to offer – Ganavan Sands, Oban Cathedral, Corran Halls, Leisure centre, yachting, boating, water sports, golf course, churches, cinema, hotel, bars, shops, restaurants. Oban also boasts - Oban distillery and the popular Oban Whisky.
The north-west coast of Scotland – land of myths, legends and dramatic history has some of the worlds most breathtaking, spectacular landscapes and “Castle View House” sittimg on the shoreline overlooking the sea, loch, mountains, hills and islands is the ideal location to explore these extraordinary landscapes/history, stroll and meander along the seashore or just sit for a while and contemplate the stunningly beautiful panoramic views, spellbinding sun-rises, spectacular sunsets and captivating wildlife from the comfort of the house/ patio whilst enjoying a wee dram or two of the locally distilled “Oban Whiskey”.
DUNSTAFFNAGE CASTLE
The unobscured, views of Dunstaffnage Castle, the surrounding islands, hills and mountains of Mull, Morvern, Lismore, (where Pictish kings were buried), Eileen More, Ben Mor, Beinn Lora, Ben Cruachan and the tip of Ben Nevis, all can be viewed from “Castle View House”. Dunstaffnage Castle is one of the oldest stone castles in Scotland, dating back to the 1200s. Behind it’s impressive, formidable, rock solid presence, lies an equally formidable history. Brutal battles were fought, won and lost laying claim to the castle. One of the victors, Scotland’s national hero “ Robert the Bruce” lay siege to the castle in 1308 after the battle of the Pass Of Branda.
In May 1493 King James the 1V of Scotland, son of Mary Queen of Scots, sailed to Dunstaffnage Castle where he met with Highland Clan Chiefs from the various regions who made their submission to the King resulting in the Highlands and islands falling directly under Royal control. In 1496 the Royal Council decreed that the Clan Chiefs would be held responsible for the crimes of the islanders. Defiance and and rest followed.
Government forces occupied the castle during the Jacobite uprising. Bonnie Prince Charlie sweetheart, Flora McDonald was imprisoned there in 1746 before being transferred to the Tower of London for assisting in his escape after the defeat of the Jacobites at the battle of Culloden. Her courage and bravery and the part she played in the prince’s escape is immortalised in the “Sky Boat Song”, published in 1884.
It is said that the “Green Lady” haunts the castle. In the woodland grounds can be found the ruins of the castle chapel with a story akin to a Shakespearean drama. In 1462 the 3rd Lorn of the Lorn, Sir John Stewart and his bridal party was ambushed on the way from the castle to the chapel where he was to wed the mother of his son. He was violently attacked by a vengeful relative, AlanMcCoule. . Before dying he was quickly carried into the chapel where he made his wedding vows,, thus securing his sons inheritance.
STONE OF DESTINY
It’s also said that The Stone Of Destiny (used at the coronation of the Scottish Monarch‘s) resided for a time at the castle before it was removed by Edward the 1st to Westminster Abbey.
On completion of archaeological digs and much restoration Dunstaffnage Castle opened its doors to welcome visitors from all around the world.
SIR WALTER SCOTT
A Stunning etching of Dunstaffnage Castle can be viewed at Edinburgh University Library Walter Scott Digital Archive – scott.lib.ed.ac.uk
INDIANAPOLIS MUSEUM OF ART
A painting and sketch of the castle and the chapel can be viewed at the Indianapolis Museum Of Art - collection.imuseum.org
AURORA BOREALIS- NORTHERN LIGHTS
The mysterious and beautiful wonders of the night time sky can be viewed from the garden, the shoreline and the back beach.
OBAN WHISKY DISTILLERY
Oban Distillery, established in 1794, before the town was built. “Oban 14 Year Old Single Malt Whisky” is shipped all over the world. A fine selection of whiskey can be bought at the distillery, including limited editions. The distillery is open to the public and offers distillery tours and tastings. A dram or two can be enjoyed at the “Oban 1794 WHISKY BAR”. (obanwhisky.com).
WEST HIGHLAND YACHTING WEEK (International Yachting Event):
“On the Crest of a Wave for over 70 years”
Special regatta in spectacular surroundings. Usually held end of July/beginning of August.
https:// whyw.co.uk
rhyc.org.uk
LOCAL HIGHLAND CATTLE & LIVE STOCK AUCTIONS
Oban Live Stock Centre, Oban PA34 4SD
highland cattle society.com
uagroup.co.uk
AURORA BOREALIS - NORTHERN LIGHTS
The elusive, mysterious, magical lights have been sighted in the night skyline from Mid September, as autumn starts to set in.
IONA - THE SACRED ISLE
The peaceful, serene sacred island of Iona is the birthplace of Scottish Christianity and the burial ground of Scottish Kings. It has been welcoming pilgrims from every corner of the globe for over 1500 years. ( iona.org.uk)
Ferry from Oban to the isles - ( https//www.calmac.co.uk)
STAFFA
The tiny island of Staffa and the awe inspiring Fingals Cave are truly sights to behold. (after his trip to the island in 1821 Mendelssohn was inspired to compose the Hebrides Overture).
TRESHNISH ISLES
The habitat of puffins and a vast variety of birds, a wild bird enthusiasts paradise. (staffatours.com)
NEARBY PLACES OF INTEREST
A few minutes drive brings you to the iconic Connell bridge, a cantilever bridge built in 1903, the project of Sir John Wolfe Barry whose most famous project was Tower Bridge London, constructed by the Scottish engineering company - Sir William Carol & Company, – also responsible for constructing Tower Bridge. The ancient Ardchattan Priory is open to the public. The hauntingly beautiful Glencoe with it equally hunting and dramatic history (glencirscitland.com) Fort William, Seil Island, Easdale (hump backed “Clachan Bridge” which spans the Atlantic, Inveraray Castle, Stalker Castle, the soft silky sands of Tralee Bay, the lost city of Beregonium, a few of the numerous interesting places on the doorstep or just a little bit further but all easily accessible from “Castle View House”.
