Historic Loch Side Home of a Royal Princess

Ferry Inn Cottage is a unique house sitting on the shores of the Gareloch in Rosneath Peninsula, Argyll and Bute. Dating from 1895, it was designed by renowned architect Sir Edwin Lutyens for Princess Louise, daughter of Queen Victoria. Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park is just 20 miles away, Luss is 19 miles and Glasgow is a 39 mile drive. Nearest rail stations are Garelochead - 6 miles - and Helensburgh - 13 miles from where trains run to Oban and beyond, Glasgow and Edinburgh. The space FERRY INN COTTAGE - situated on the beautiful Rosneath Peninsula - is a unique and historic property designed by the renowned architect Sir Edwin Lutyens in 1895 for Princess Louise, daughter of Queen Victoria. Originally intended as the ballroom, it is now a self contained house, in four acres of private grounds and sitting right next to the Gareloch. After extensive restoration, during which its domed / vaulted ceiling was revealed, Ferry Inn Cottage has been returned to its original configuration of a large, open space - 16 metres long and 6 metres wide. It is zoned into living, sleeping, dining and working spaces. It is equipped with a four poster bed - double size (4 foot 6 inches) which is a vintage mid century modern piece - with new base and new mattress. A second can be made available - a new sofa bed which has a good quality 4 inch memory foam topper. The sofa bed is a small double (4 foot wide). This can be made up if required for a small additional cost of £25 per night. Please advise when booking. There is a separate good sized and well equipped kitchen and bathroom with a walk in shower. The Cottage has central heating and a wood burning stove and you will be instructed on its use. Guests will be supplied with one basket of wood with further supplies available either from the host, at cost, or from the local Coop. Now furnished with a selection of good quality contemporary and vintage furniture, including a few 20th Century design classics, this is a stylish and unique space. There is a small desk, a full sized dining table, set into a bay with views across the grounds to the loch. A new Samsung ’Serif’ television. Plenty of books, a few games and jigsaws and a vintage 1950s record player with a selection of vinyl LPs. LOCATION FERRY INN COTTAGE is situated on the Rosneath Peninsula, 20 miles from Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park, 19 miles from Luss and 39 miles from Glasgow. The nearest ferry is in Kilcreggan, 3 miles away, from where you can travel to Gourock with connections by ferry to Dunoon, by road to Wemyss Bay (with ferry connections to the Isle of Bute) and Largs. Closest stations are Garelochhead (6 miles) and Helensburgh (13 miles) for trains to Oban (for ferries to Mull and the islands) Glasgow and Edinburgh. DIRECTIONS: See below FERRY INN COTTAGE is a self contained house, built in 1895 by Edwin Lutyens and now a listed property. Sitting next to the Gareloch, the cottage consists of a very large open plan space - 16 metres long by 6 metres wide - with a separate well equipped kitchen and a toilet/shower room. Now zoned into living, sleeping, dining and working spaces. It has two beds - one a vintage mid century modern four poster (with new base and new mattress) which is 4 feet 6 inches. The second is a new sofa bed - a small double (4 foot) which, aside from integral mattress has a good quality 4 inch topper. The second bed can be made up, if required. KITCHEN: Includes a dining space, with views across the loch. Well equipped and with dishwasher, gas hob, electric oven, microwave, air fryer, fridge, freezer, toaster, Lavazza coffee maker. SHOWER ROOM: Walk in shower, sink unit, WC. First Aid kit. Essential toiletries - hand soap, shower gel, shampoo and conditioner - will be provided and, of course, towels. OUTDOOR SPACES: Ferry Inn Cottage sits in four acres of its own grounds with direct access to the shoreline. Various seating areas - benches, etc - outside the cottage and in the grounds by the shore. CYCLES You are welcome to bring your cycles. There is safe storage space at Ferry Inn Cottage. YOUR HOST Although this is a new listing, your host - William - has nine years experience as an Airbnb ’Superhost’. I live adjacent to Ferry Inn Cottage and will be on hand if and when required but will leave you in peace to enjoy your stay. PARKING Parking is available directly outside the cottage. Please note I do not have a facility to charge electric vehicles and guests must not use the domestic supply for charging. If you are coming with an electric vehicle please advise in advance and I will, if required, send a list of local charging points. There is an app ‘CharegeplacesScotland’ which you might want to download prior to your journey. The closest petrol station is in Garelochead (6 miles) and there are several larger petrol stations in Helensburgh (Morrisons, Tesco). SECURITY/SAFETY The cottage is equipped with smoke alarms, a fire blanket and a small fire extinguisher. We are in a safe and secure area but please do not leave the cottage unlocked when not there. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION Accommodation is for total of two adult guests. Accessibility: The cottage is single level, with a walk in shower. There are several steps, with a handrail, between the parking area and the cottage. There are further steps - again with handrail - to take you down to the shoreline. Doctors: There are two NHS surgeries close by. Kilgreggan Medical Practice and Garelochhead Medical Practice. GETTING HERE By Car - from Glasgow or Glasgow Airport From Glasgow or Glasgow Airport take the M8 northwest to Junction 30 and exit to the Erskine Bridge. Take the A82 north. At the next roundabout turn left signposted Helensburgh and then turn left at the roundabout following the road into Helensburgh. Continue down Sinclair Street and turn right into West Montrose Street (signposted Helensburgh Cricket and Rugby Club). Continue to junction with Clyde Street (Firth of Clyde facing you) and turn right (A814). Continue through Rhu, Shandon, pass Faslane Naval Base on the left and go through Garelochhead. Turn left signposted Rosneath (B833) and follow the shores of Gare Loch for 6 miles to the village of Rosneath. In Rosneath, turn left at the Co-op and follow this road, forking left, and, continuing to Ferry Inn. Press the intercom and I will open the gates. By Train The closest stations are Garelochhead and Helensburgh Central. Services to Garelochhead are less frequent (although the Caledonian Sleeper stops there) but there are regular trains from Glasgow to Helensburgh Central. Buses run from opposite Helensburgh Station to Rosneath (timetable supplied on request) By Air Closest airport is Glasgow - 37 miles by road (see directions above). If not, driving, it is possible to take the airport bus into Glasgow and, from there, a train to Helensburgh (see above). Alternatively, from Glasgow Airport, take the bus or taxi (it's a short journey) to Paisley Gilmour Street rail station and from there a train to Gourock. At Gourock, you'd take the short, 10 minute ferry crossing to Kilcreggan - just three miles from Ferry Inn Cottage. This route works during the day but the last ferry crossing is around 1800 hours. SHOPPING Ferry Inn Cottage is less than 10 minutes walk from a local Co-op, which is open seven days a week and until late. The store also houses the Post Office. There is a well stocked convenience store 2.4 miles away in the next village - Kilcreggan. Helensburgh - 14 miles by road - has a good range of shops including supermarkets Tesco, Morrisons and a larger Co-op Cove - a picturesque 5 mile drive around the beautiful scenic coastal road - has ‘Cove Country Store’, which sells local food products and is a good place for a coffee or ice cream. A longer drive (18 miles) - across the majestic ‘Haul Road’ will take you to Auchentullich Farm Shop which is adjacent to Loch Lomond and which sells a superb range of foods and the best ice cream in the area. EATING OUT LOCALLY ROSNEATH Lotus - Chinese Take Away Ferry Road Closed Tuesday Castle Isle Bar & Restaurant Located in Rosneath Castle Park (Holiday Park) Open Daily until late CLYNDER Next Village - 1 mile away towards Helensburgh AT Hughes Lochside Victoria Buildings, Clynder Restaurant - Book for Friday/Saturday dinner Tuesday - Thursday 10am - 3.00pm Friday - 10am - 3pm & 5pm-11pm Saturday - 10am - 3pm & 5pm-11pm KILCREGGAN 3 Miles from Ferry Inn Cottage The Creggans Pub that serves food Shore Road, Kilgreggan COVE 5 Miles from Ferry Inn Cottage Knockderry House Hotel Shore Road, Cove, Argyll & Bute, Scotland G84 0NX A country house hotel, restaurant and bar GARELOCHHEAD 6 Miles from Ferry Inn Cottage The Perch Restaurant / Cafe Main Road
Garelochhead
G84 0AN Opening Hours: Wednesday - Saturday 10am - 4pm
Sunday 10am - 3pm Friday - take away pizza. Must be ordered by 4pm GOUROCK Take the Ferry from Kilcreggan Pier (3 miles) to Gourock (15 minute crossing). Cafe Continental Kempock Street Bistro / Bar/ Restaurant Views across the Clyde RHU 12 Miles from Ferry Inn Cottage Ardencaple Hotel Restaurant / Bar Shore Road/Gareloch Road Rhu G84 8LA The Rhu Inn Pub/ Restaurant HELENSBURGH 14 Miles from Ferry Inn Cottage Sugar Boat Bistro/Restaurant 30 Colquhoun Square
Helensburgh G84 8AQ Ginger Breadman Cafe 64 Sinclair St, Helensburgh G84 8TP Open: Daytime Only Masala Twist Indian Restaurant 29 James Street Helensburgh G84 8AS Riverhill Courtyard Cafe / Bar / Restaurant 26 W Princes St, Helensburgh G84 8TD ARROCHAR 16 Miles from Ferry Inn Cottage Village Inn Arrochar Loch Long, Shore Road, Arrochar. G83 7AX Food served 12.00 - 21.00, 7 days LOCH FYNE 30 Miles from Ferry Inn Cottage Loch Fyne Oyster Bar Clachan Cairndow, PA26 8BL PLACES TO SEE ARROCHAR - Caves Walk From Ferry Inn Cottage - 15 miles The Arrochar Caves - said to have been a resting place for the army of Robert The Bruce in 1306. It’s a 2.8 mile trail that starts in a car park, leading through a scenic forest to the caves. ARROCHAR - Rest And Be Thankful From Ferry Inn Cottage - 20 miles The Rest and be Thankful is a stunning mountain pass viewpoint which divides Glen Kinglas from Glen Croe. It gets its name as it was once a place where people travelling the country would stop, rest and be thankful that they have reached the top of their climb. At 803 feet above seal level, it’s the highest point on the A83. BALLOCH From Ferry Inn Cottage - 23 miles Sitting on the southern shore, Balloch is regarded as the gateway to Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park. it offers a blend of natural beauty, historical attractions, and recreational activities including scenic walks, a visit to a castle, or a boat trip on Loch Lomond. BALMAHA From Ferry Inn Cottage - 34 miles Balmaha is a small village on the eastern shores of Loch Lomond and an essential stop for those walking the West Highland Way. It’s home to the National Park Visitor Centre and a base for climbing Sonic Hall and exploring the island of Inchcailoch. COVE From Ferry Inn Cottage - 4 miles A village on the western side of the Peninsula. A drive (or walk) along Shore Road from Kilcreggan delivers superb views of Loch Long and, on the right hand side, some wonderful Victorian mansions built for the rich Glasgow merchants. CRUACHAN From Ferry Inn Cottage - 56 miles Cruachan Dam / Power Station Cruachan Dam is a marvel of modern engineering in a breathtaking location on the slopes of Ben Cruachan. A crucial part of the pumped-hydro power station, it offers stunning views across the reservoir and the surrounding Highlands. A visitor centre, refurbished in 2009, is sited by the outflow to Loch Awe and receives around 50,000 visitors a year. From Ferry Inn Cottage - 56 miles DUMBARTON CASTLE From Ferry Inn Cottage - 27 miles Dumbarton Castle - owned by Historic Scotland. Open daily but weather dependent. DUNOON From Kilcreggan, take the ferry to Gourock and change onto another ferry for the short crossing to Dunoon, arriving at the Victorian pier. GARELOCHHEAD From Ferry Inn - 6 miles Small village notable for its good family run restaurant - ’The Perch’ - open during the day Wednesday through Sunday. Open Friday evening for excellent take away pizza (place your orders by phone and arrange collection time). GARDENS Geilston Gardens - a magical 200 year old walled garden, now looked after by the National Trust of Scotland - 20 miles from Ferry Inn Cottage The Japanese Garden at Cowden. Created at the turn of the 20th Century by Scottish adventurer Ella Christie. Restored and opened to the public in 2017. From Ferry Inn Cottage: 65 miles GLASGOW Trains from Garelochhead, Helensburgh (more frequent) and Gourock (which involves a 10 minute ferry crossing from Kilcreggan, 3 miles from Ferry Inn Cottage). From Helensburgh and Gourock the train journey takes about 40 minutes. Kelvingrove Museum & Gallery Hunterian Museum - which includes the recreation of Charles Rennie Mackintosh’s house Transport Museum Burrell Collection The Tenement House (National Trust of Scotland) The Necropolis GLEN FRUIN From Ferry Inn Cottage - 14 miles Walk the 'Yankee Road’, an easy walk towards Arrochar with great views. Parking area at G84 9EB GLENGOYNE DISTILLERY From Ferry Inn Cottage - 35 miles Tours and Malt Whisky Tasting Glengoyne Distillery Dumgoyne Near Killearn Glasgow, G63 9LB GOUROCK Kempock Street - a short walk from the ferry - is the main shopping street in Gourock. It includes a small supermarket (Sainsburys), severalcrafts shops, selling pottery, paintings, gifts, etc., a specialist whisky shop, a few cafes including the ‘Cafe Continental’, popular partly because it affords views across the Clyde Estuary. Gourock has one of the three remaining public outdoor swimming pools in Scotland. Built in 1909 and reconstructed in 1969, Gourock Outdoor Pool was once tidal and had a sandy floor, but is now a modern, heated facility, with cleaned sea water used in the saltwater pool. HELENSBURGH From Ferry Inn Cottage - 14 miles The closest sizeable town to Ferry Inn Cottage, Helensburgh has most of what you’d need in terms of shopping. Popular as an escape for Glasgow merchants, the town was originally laid out in a grid system and the streets north of the shoreline have some superb, large Victorian and Edwardian mansions including the magnificent Hill House designed by Charles Rennie Mackintosh. Now owned by the National Trust of Scotland, it is well worth a visit. It also has a gift shop and cafe, ideal for coffee, light lunches and afternoon tea. Another Helensburgh visitor attraction is The Submarine Museum. The Ginger Breadman is a good cafe for lunch. INVERARAY From Ferry Inn Cottage - 37 miles The ancestral home of the Dukes of Argyll and regarded as the gateway to the Highlands. Inveraray Castle is open to the people. The Scottish Georgian architecture of Inveraray town is surrounded by lochs, mountains and forests. Inveraray Jail is a popular visitor attraction. KILBRIDE BAY From Ferry Inn Cottage - 58 miles Located on the southern coast of Tighnabruaich on the Kyles of Bute, Kilbride Bay is a crescent-shaped beach with magnificent dunes and beautiful views of the Isle of Arran. Known as one of the best beaches in the area, Kilbride Bay is a wonderful destination for paddling and swimming. Look out for a variety of fascinating wildlife including seals, otters and porpoises. To reach Kilbride Bay, take the B800 from Tighnabruaich and Kames to the crossroads at the village of Millhouse, turn left towards Ardlamont and follow the single track road until you reach Kilbride Farm. Park your car in the lay-by at the side of the road, and from here it’s a 15 minute walk to the beach. KILCREGGAN From Ferry Inn Cottage - 3 miles The neighbouring village - at the tip end of the Peninsula. Kilcreggan has a Pharmacy, a convenience store, a pub (the Kreggans) which serves food, an antique shop, a vintage shop (both usually only open Thursdays to Sundays) and a garage (Kilcreggan Motors). Kilcreggan has its original Victorian pier, from where you can get a ferry across to Gourock, for trains to Glasgow for buses to Wemyss Bay and Largs and for ferries to Dunoon. The PS Waverley - Britain’s last sea going paddle steamer occasionally departs from Kilcreggan (check their website for timetables). KILMARTIN From Ferry Inn Cottage - 70 miles Kilmartin Glen is home to hundreds of historical sites and monuments, ranging from standing stones and stone circles, to castle ruins, chambered cairns and the remains of an Iron Age fortress. LARGS A seaside town in North Ayrshire, just 15 miles south of Gourock. To get to Largs, take the ferry from Kilcreggan to Gourock and from there a bus. LOCH LOMOND AND THE TROSSACHS NATIONAL PARK 20 miles from Ferry Inn Cottage and you’re at Loch Lomond … the village of Luss (see below) and Balloch. Cameron House Hotel is a luxury 5 star hotel. LUSS From Ferry Inn Cottage - 20 miles A picturesque conservation village on the shores of Loch Lomond, known for its charming stone cottages, vibrant flower displays, and stunning views of Ben Lomond. It offers a delightful mix of natural beauty, history, and activities, making it a popular destination for both tourists and locals. OBAN From Ferry Inn Cottage - 74 miles By train from Garelochead … it is a journey with magnificent views. In Oban, you can get a ferry to Mull. STIRLING From Ferry Inn Cottage - 71 miles Stirling Caste - The National Wallace Monument - The Stirling Smith Art Gallery & Museum - Old Town Jail - Battle of Bannockburn Experience - Dunblane Cathedral Guest access Guests have exclusive use of Ferry Inn Cottage. Other things to note Ferry Inn Cottage is an ideal getaway for couples seeking a quiet and cosy getaway. If you require separate sleeping arrangements, please advise and I can prepare a second bed (a sofa bed) , for which there will be a small additional charge.