Smithy House

About this property

Kilmartin 2 miles. Smithy House is a charming reimagined characterful house set over three stories situated on the Nether Largie farm in the heart of Kilmartin Glen, an area of outstanding beauty. Smithy House the former Black Smiths House is situated at the end of a very short Farm track, the Elevated position of the house means there are fantastic views of the countryside and

the village of Slockavullin. It is beautifully decorated with a rich vintage flavour and includes exposed beamed ceilings, and a large games room which houses a Dart Board, Exercise Bike and large Table tennis table ideal for entertaining family and friends. Be Greeted by ample off road parking before stepping in to unwind in the sitting room,an inviting space furnished with sofas and comfortable armchairs, TV ,and an electric stove - a great room to warm up in winter and very cosy. The kitchen/Diner is contemporary, fully equipped with all modern gadgets and has a large dining table to savour meal times together, so why not uncork your favourite tipple to celebrate. There is a large utility room. off the kitchen and further on there is a cloakroom with Toilet, sink and large shower. There is a very large garden with a Table and chairs and an 8 seater wooden bench to enjoy outdoor meals when suitable weather conditions allow.Children and adults will love this large space for fun outdoor activities. As the evening ends retire inside and up to the first floor which offer a king size zip/link comfortable king size bed, separate bathroom and a large single bedroom.the second floor offers a large Double room and a twin room, At the top of the Landing is a large space where you will find two comfortable chairs and table, a peaceful Haven to relax with a book or scrolling through the latest Technological gadget. This idyllic countryside is perfect for walkers, cyclists, golfers, kayakers, wild swimming, paddle-boarding, photographers, keen anglers, wildlife and wildflowers enthusiasts and birdwatching offering seasonal and migratory land and seabirds. Smithy House stand in thee most attractive and historic glen, which is famous for for a number of impressive historical sites, the rich legacy of our ancestors.Most of the important sites such as the Netherlargie burial cairn, Templewood a 5000 year old stone sequence a real point of interest and the huge Netherlargie standing stones which are thought to be part of a Lunar observatory which marks where the moon will rise and set in its cycle are all to be found within walking distance of the farm that Smithy House is situated. The rock art in this glen is fascinating, it's like an open air theatre with cup and ring markings and the recent significant discovery of Deer antlers carved into the rock at Dunchraigaig Cairn approx 3,000 to 5,000 years ago. In fact the first animal rock art to be found in Scotland. Make your way to kilmartin Village which is a pleasant 1.5miles walking distance from your accommodation using an old track called the coach road, View the Medieval stones and evidence of the Knights of the Templar being active in this area, The newly renovated museum due to open in 2023 will try to explain activity in this important Glen for thousands of years,A cafe, and a delightful Pub will be waiting for you. The more recent 16th Century Carnassarie Castle is located near the village, the castle is well worth exploring and a climb to the top using a narrow stairs will reward to stunning views over the kilmartin Glen. The meandering River ADD runs through the farm, and its possible to walk to the Historic site of Dunadd through the farm or Drive using the Road to climb to the Top and see for yourself where the Kings of Scotland were once crowned, there is an impressive footprint at the Top and gorgeous views of the River Add. Take a trip to the Bird Hide at Bellanoch Bridge and watch out for the Osprey heading back to its nest with its catch after fishing in the River Add, Ducks Geese,Swans, Herons, whimbrels, sand martins Swallows Oystercatchers, and the playful family of otters can be found here. From Bellanoch Bridge, the Crinan canal can be assessed, Britains most beautiful shortcut, where you can walk, cycle or Drive to the charming village of Crinan to watch the Yachts take off to the open sea and eat at the Award winning Crinan hotel or Coffee shop. There are further opportunities for refreshments along the Crinan Canal at Polly's Coffee shop open at weekends, Cairnbaan hotel,Lochgilphead and Ardrishaig. Visit the Beavers at Knapdale forest, book an evening walk to see theses creatures that come out at dusk constructing their lodges from trees, creating damns and sharing the environment around them. Our farm is always trying to improve its green credentials, at present we are working with heritage Scotland to increase the number of endangered Marsh Fritillary Butterflies by changing some farming methods, also a large woodland project planting more native trees and hence less harmful to the environment. Within easy reach of Smithy House is the soft sands of Crinan Ferry Beach which is about a three mile drive from the Cottage.Enjoy a day out here on this large expanse of beach,plenty of fun to be had with a bucket and spade for the children and beach games plus wild swimming for the older children and Adults. this is a designated area of scientific interest as it best represents the areas natural heritage in terms of Plants, animals and Geomorphology.Lochgilphead has a newly renovated heated swimming pool, soft play area and cafe complex for an alternative to visiting the beach.Visit Portavadie from Tarbert., a short ferry ride for a day of Fun, walk on and off the ferry and arrive at the Marina. Here you will find an indoor and outdoor heated swimming pools with views out to the sea, Restaurants and outdoor Jacuzzis. Book a massage if that takes your fancy. Enjoy a coastal-trip from Crinan harbour with Venture West to the the Gulf of Corryvrechan where you will be amazed by the Tidal whirlpools through the passage between Isle of Jura and Scarba,you may also see seals,porpoise,Golden eagles, minke whales and Dolphins. Sandy as your skipper is very knowledgeable and will point out all the small Islands and their history on your adventure, you will also get a glimpse of the house of George Orwell famous Author of the books animal farm and 1984. On the way back you will see Duntrune Castle the oldest and continually inhabited castle in Scotland. The castle entrance may look familiar as its said to have inspired James Bonds castle in the movie Skyfall. The Gardens are open all year around to the Public. Visit our National Nature reserves such a Taynish a remarkable northern rainforest, or nearer to Smithy House is Mhoine Mhor the Gaelic name for Big Moss, with its natural flora and Fauna, be dazzled by the dragonflies, there is plenty of suitable trials for all the family and picnic benches these Nature Reserves. Visit the Glorious Gardens in this area, Crarae, Arduanie, Duntrune, Ardmaddy, kilmory are just a few nearby,the colours are a feast for the eyes, always changing with the seasons and the aroma is also magnificent. Take the new Route 66 to Campbelltown, via the quaint fishing village of Tarbert, visit Skipness castle, gin distilleries, whisky distilleries Anthony Gormleys sculpture GRIP on the beach at Saddel bay. Saddel Abbey and Stunning beaches. Organise a surf lesson with Pete at Westport Surfing beach.Follow in the footsteps of St Columba and visit the Linda McCartney memorial garden in Campbelltown. Another worthwhile visit is exploring Loch Awe where you will end up in the village of Dalmally. Visit the Cruachan Power station, a marvel of modern engineering in a breath taking location on the slopes of Ben Cruachan. St Conans church nearby has been voted by Architects in Scotland as one of the top ten buildings in Scotland over 100 years old, Further on is the Kilchurn Castle, this is supposed to be one of the most photographed castles in Scotland, see for yourself why, Return home via Inveraray, Visit Inveraray Castle and Its gardens, Inveraray Jail and further on Auchindrain Museum towards Lochgilphead. If you fancy hill Climbing and more scenic areas visit Glencoe.There are a lot of activities at Glencoe such as mountain biking and Munro bagging. Take a chairlift to the top of Glencoe resort and enjoy the stunning views, plenty of opportunity for skiing in winter months here once the snow has covered the mountains. Don't miss Ben Nevis further along. Ben Nevis is the highest mountain in Great Britain follow the road back to Kilmartin passing Castle Stalker via Oban. There is great opportunity from Smithy house to book Day Trips to the Local Islands, Mull, Iona, Jura Islay, Kerrera, Easdale Gigha, Arran and Luing are a fantastic day out. The area is no stranger to Film Crews, with two James Bond Movies filmed in the area, Downtown Abbey, Springwatch and Eastenders. Finally whilst on Vacation you may wish to make reservations instead of making meals and Cooking, Oban is the Sea food Capital of Scotland. there are many excellent restaurants, coffee shops and a farm shop nearby, Kilmartin Hotel is approx 2 miles away. Enjoy all that this unique area has to offer whilst staying on our farm, sunsets, sunrises bird Chorus, forest walks, many layers of history and Scottish hospitality will leave you feeling refreshed and rejuvenated.

The village of Kilmartin sits at the heart of Kilmartin Glen, one of the most important prehistoric sites on the Scottish mainland. In the area there are rock carvings, standing stones, burial cairns and the remains of the Iron-Age fort at Dunadd, the home of the first kings of Scotland. Kilmartin is home to a church, pub, a castle and the Kilmartin House Museum with visitor centre next door, housing a café. The town of Lochgilphead is eight miles away, offering a good selection of cafes and small shops selling a range of goods, foods and crafts, while the village of Inveraray, home to the Duke and Duchess of Argyll, is within driving distance. Close by is Crinan Canal, which is surrounded by the stunning scenery of Argyll and Bute. From end to end the canal is nine miles long, and its sheltered waters make it an ideal place for beginners and the more experienced paddlers to explore. There are beautiful walks to be enjoyed throughout the area from Kilmichael Forest, to those at Port Ann and Dunardry and up over the hill from the stoney beach at Crinan Ferry, from where you can look out over Jura and north towards Mull. A trip to the Scottish Beaver Trail in Knapdale Forest also provides a fun family day out, plus the fishing village of Tarbert gives you superb access to all the ferry points across Kintyre that travel to Gigha, Arran, Islay and Portavadie.

Accommodation

Over three-floors.

Four bedrooms: 1 x king-size, 1 x second-floor double, 1 x single, 1 x second-floor twin.

Bathroom with bath, shower over, basin and WC.

Ground-floor shower room with walk-in shower, basin and WC.

Kitchen/diner with TV and electric fire.

Sitting room.

Games room.

Dishwasher and washing machine available.

Central heating.

Electric oven, hob, microwave, fridge/freezer.

2 x TV, Darts board, radio, table tennis, WiFi.

Fuel and power included in rent.

Highchair, travel cot and stairgate available on request.

Bed linen and towels included in rent.

Off-road parking for 4 cars.

Large rear garden with lawned area, gravel and furniture.

Two small-medium dogs welcome.

Sorry, no smoking.

Shop 5.1 miles, pub 1.5 miles.

Please note: Meter readings will be taken upon your arrival with the owner and anything over fair usage [£50 per week] will be charged by owner at the end of the stay.