Notes from the host
3 Bed Warm Cottage Sea Views Near St Ninian’s Bay
Kildavannan Schoolhouse is a beautiful comfortable spacious 3 bedroom cottage situated on the Western side of the Isle of Bute.
My place is for couples, solo adventurers, families (with kids), furry friends (pets). An easy 23 mile drive from Glasgow airport to the ferry at Wemyss Bay & ferries take 35 minutes to the island. National Geographic survey top 10 most beautiful adventure destinations in the world!
This cottage has been lovingly renovated to a high standard and recently repainted with great appliances, heating, bathrooms and lovely fabrics and colours making it incredibly warm and comfortable. The views are southerly over the sea and the situation is absolutely stunning and extremely desirable. The cottage is available to rent directly from the owner and it is much more of a 'home' than a 'rental cottage' filled with the comforts you would expect. A short shared driveway leads you up to a small gate through which you will find Kildavannan Schoolhouse and garden. The downstairs consists of a large living area with a window seat, television (freeview not sky! ) and a working fireplace. Fabrics such as colefax and fowler adorn the cushions, blinds and window seat and a handmade leather chair sits beside a very large sofa which will comfortably seat 6 adults. There is a conservatory with more beautiful views that seats four comfortably and can get extremely warm in the daytime. Dark terracotta tiles cover the kitchen floor and new appliances such as separate clothes washer and dryer, dishwasher, large fridge freezer and anything you would sensibly require for a kitchen is available.
There is plenty of cutlery there are plates, glasses, mugs, dishes and cooking utensils also plastic plates and a few cups for kids. Kettle, toaster etc...
There is a large kitchen table covered by an oil tablecloth that easily seats 6 and has additional leaves to seat 12 (it's definitely a push but I have done it before!) There are three bedrooms. Downstairs a double bedroom with en suite shower and loo. This bedroom has views over the garden and the sea beyond. Upstairs is the master bedroom which is beautiful and has a cupboard and dressing table with views over the sea. The third bedroom has been designed with smaller people in mind. 2 single beds with two truckle beds underneath. This means that you can fit 4 kids (or adults!) in but don't expect to see much of the floor. We tend to roll the truckle beds back underneath in the morning. These two bedrooms share a bathroom, loo on the first floor. It has a lovely bath (keep an eye on it as it is a little slow at filling) with a floor that you can warm up before you go in! And anyone can just pop downstairs to use the other bathroom.. details here.
There is a large shower and loo downstairs opposite the front door which we use more often than the bath as it's great for rinsing people off once they have returned from the beach or days adventures.
I wanted to ensure that this quiet secluded cottage was as inviting in the evening as in the daytime. I have bought beautiful new beds with very good quality mattresses and pillows, duvets and bedding so that you will want to sleep in forever!
There are many things to do on the Island. I find that even after 2 weeks I have done something different with the kids every day. From the many walks and adventures, the local cinema, hiring boat for a day trip, swimming, snorkelling exploring, bike riding, trips to other nearby islands. Mount Stuart, gardens, castle and a thriving local music scene. Many things for young and old, romantics and explorers alike. You can be as busy or as relaxed as you like.
HISTORY OF THE ISLAND
The Isle of Bute lies in Scotland’s Firth of Clyde, tucked into the spectacular sea lochs of southern Argyll. 15 miles long by approximately 4 miles wide Bute is less than two hours from the city of Glasgow. The island was a popular Victorian seaside destination, when the main town of Rothesay would be bustling with trippers who had come “doon the watter” during the Glasgow Fair and disembarked from the many steamers that sailed the Clyde. The Paddle Steamer Waverley cruises the Firth, and it still proves a very popular attraction with a busy summer schedule of routes between Bute, Arran and the mainland. Rothesay seafront in the 19th century.
The classic Victorian seafront facade, promenade and pier in Rothesay were in fact built on land reclaimed from the sea. The original shoreline is about 200 metres inland in front of Rothesay Castle which once stood guard over the bay.
Bute has been occupied by man for over 5500 years. An exploration of the island will reveal standing stones, crypts and a vitrified fort in the south at Dunagoil Bay. Many archaeological finds are on display at the Bute Museum in Stuart St. Early Christian sites dedicated to St Ninian & St Blane speak of the missionary faith of the first inhabitants of Bute. The walks on Bute are really fantastic from very easy strolls to the more challenging.
Rothesay Castle
Bute is the ancestral home of the Stuart Kings of Scotland. The 800 year old ruin of Rothesay castle was built by a hereditary High Steward of Scotland from which the surname Stewart, and later Stuart was derived. The circular design of the castle is unique in Scotland and withstood many onslaughts including an invasion by the Vikings. It was captured by the English during the wars of independence but in 1311 was retaken by Robert the Bruce. Partially destroyed by Oliver Cromwell’s troops in 1659 and finally burned and sacked by the Duke of Argyll in 1685 the castle has been substantially restored over the last 120 years.
Mount Stuart
Under the 2nd Earl of Bute the Stuart family moved 7 miles to the south of Rothesay and built Mount Stuart House on an estate of 300 acres. This original Mount Stuart house was partially destroyed in a disastrous fire in 1877, however the 3rd Marquess of Bute was inspired by his artistic, religious and astrological interests to build one of the most magnificent Victorian Gothic mansions in the world. Over the centuries the Isle of Bute has attracted many people who savour the peace & quiet and the friendly reception afforded to incomers. Lord Attenborough, the acclaimed film director and actor has a home on the island, but one of Bute’s most colourful past residents was the 19th century Shakespearean actor Edmund Kean. Kean came from a humble background, but he became one of the most famous and wealthiest actors of his time.
Hosted by Abigail Holloway
