Welcome to Gareloch Cottage, a relaxing holiday home in West Scotland. Our charming detached cottage is nestled on a picturesque peninsula surrounded by open sea lochs and the Arrochar mountains. It's the perfect blend of a semi-rural retreat and convenient amenities, with good local cafes, pubs, and direct access to beach walks. Guests love our elevated terrace with stunning views across the Gare loch. We are also ideally situated to explore Loch Lomond and the West Highlands.
THE COTTAGE
Dating back to the 1820's, we have lovingly refurbished many aspects of the cottage, whilst retaining some of it's original Victorian features and unique charms.
THE SPACE
Guests have private use of all the cottage, first floor large terrace and the enclosed back garden. There's also private parking for one vehicle on the driveway.
THE GROUND FLOOR
A light and relaxing open plan area consisting of living / dining area, the snug, bathroom and kitchen. The privet hedge right in front of the lounge windows ensures total privacy for our guests.
LIVING / DINING AREA:
By the front door is a useful boot room area for hanging up outdoor wear. Leading in to the living room which is stylishly and comfortably furnished with areas for eating and relaxing. Adjoining the living room is the snug. Set up with a small sofa and double wardrobe which guests can use for extra storage.
BATHROOM:
Leading off from the Snug is a modern bathroom with a powerful rain forest shower head set above a bath shower and underfloor heating.
KITCHEN:
The galley style kitchen is fully equipped for self catering. Including a washer, microwave, dish washer, double electric fan oven and Lavazza coffee machine.
OUTDOOR BACK SPACE:
The kitchen porch leads out directly to the back garden with a small area set up with a picnic bench to enjoy al fresco eating and drinking in good weather.
GARDEN:
The lawn is accessible up 4 stone steps. Enclosed by shrubbery, it's a little steep and uneven with some stone steps dotted about. The front entrance is not gated so dogs and children should be supervised at all times.
UPPER FLOOR:
The upstairs accommodation has direct access from the landing and double bedroom to our long decked terrace.
DOUBLE BEDROOM:
Off the landing is the main bedroom with a double bed. The room lets in lots of natural light and has the features of the original Victorian fireplace and wooden window shutters. Set back, it retains full privacy for guests to enjoy the expansive views. It's especially pretty in the evening with twinkly lights on the water and boats gently bobbing on the waves at night.
SINGLE BEDROOM:
The peaceful second bedroom is set up for a single person with enviable views across the back garden where you can hear the birds singing throughout the day.
Both bedrooms have black out roller blinds for night time.
TERRACE:
The terrace has an enclosed glass balcony and outside furniture for guests to sit out. We also supply outdoor cushions, throws and a solar lantern for evenings on the terrace.
GYM ACCESS FOR GUESTS:
In collaboration with The Journey - a local gym in Helensburgh - guests may use their private facilities whilst staying with us. Details are in our guest book - simply scan the insert leaflet QR code to access their flexible day passes.
NEARBY AMENITIES
FOOD STORE:
A local Co-Op, open 7 days a week, less than 10 minutes from the house.
WALKS ON THE DOORSTEP:
Across from the house, along the shores of the Gareloch, close to local wildlife and the mountain backdrop.
Back Road - the steep road by our cottage where you'll get great views across the peninsula from the top.
TRANSPORT CONNECTIONS:
Buses: regular trips to and from Helensburgh and right round the peninsula.
Trains: Helensburgh has a train station with routes to Glasgow and Edinburgh.
Airport: Glasgow airport is approx 40 mins drive from the house.
DAYS OUT
Local to the cottage:
KILCREGGAN:
A pretty coastal location boasting the oldest surviving wooden pier on the Clyde. Take in views across the water to Gourock and Greenock and further down the Firth of Clyde towards the Isle of Arran. Local pub, bank and cafe.
COVE:
Further on from Kilcreggan, located on the South-West coast of the Rosneath Peninsula on Loch Long. Pop in to the Cove Stores to stock up on locally produced food and a fresh coffee or afternoon tea served with a side order of homemade cake.
GARELOCHEAD:
Stop off at our favourite cafe, The Perch - it serves amazing food, is dog friendly and it's pizza night every Friday! Open Tues-Sun.
There's plenty of opportunities to take local walks, go cycling, hiking, fishing, paddle boarding or wild swimming in the Gareloch!
DAY VISIT IDEAS:
TARBET & ARROCHAR:
Situated in the Lomond and Trossachs National Park. Nearby Arrochar is overlooked by the “Arrochar Alps” and marks the gateway to the Argyll Forest Park.
DRYMEN:
A picturesque village in the direction of Stirling with cafes and pubs.
It's on the hills at the western end of the Campsie Fells. Gateway to East Loch Lomond and links Balmaha, Rowardennen and Ben Lomond. The village also features several great long-distance trails, such as The West Highland Way and NCN7 (National Number 7 Cycle Path).
BALMAHA:
Further along from Drymen (so you can visit both in one day). Easy to park and with a good local cafe and restaurant, it's a great base for climbing Conic Hill and exploring the island of Inchcailloch.
LOCH LOMOND AND THE TROSSACHS NATIONAL PARK:
You can spend days exploring here! There's something for everyone including local ferry rides, outdoor pursuits and the pretty village of Luss.
Take picnics in good weather and don't miss the idyllic Loch Lomond shores.
BALLOCH CASTLE AND COUNTRY PARK:
On the southern tip of Loch Lomond is this 200 acre park which includes nature trails and walled gardens.
STIRLING:
Within an hours drive of our cottage, where you can visit the impressive medieval castle and walk through the cobbled streets into the bustling town centre.
GLASGOW:
Another 'do-able' day trip from our cottage. There's a direct train from Helensburgh which takes about an hour. Take the tour bus round the city, visit the museums or do a spot of shopping .
LOCAL FARM SHOPS:
Just outside of Helensburgh is Auchentullich Farm shop which is located on Ardardan Estate on the banks of the River Clyde.
HELENSBURGH:
The Victorian seaside town with it's pier and promenade is about 5 miles from our cottage. Discover independent cafes, restaurants and local shopping. It's also home to Scotland's only Submarine Museum. You can visit the large leisure centre and the Tower cinema.
THE HILL HOUSE:
On the outskirts of Helensburgh is the restored Hill House - the arts and crafts mansion with bespoke interiors designed by Charles Rennie Mackintosh. There's also a visitor centre, shop and cafe.
GEILSTON GARDENS
A lovely 200 year old garden situated on the banks of the River Clyde, just outside of Helensburgh.
PLANNING A ROAD TRIP?
If you are planning to stay a while, Argyll and the Isles is a glorious coastal region of sea lochs, islands, hills and forests to explore. Don't forget Oban (with it's world class whisky dispensary) and the majestic Inverary Castle which hold their own Highland Games in July.
OTHER INFO:
ELECTRIC CARS:
There is no home EV charger at the property and guests are strictly not permitted to use our domestic electricity for their car. We politely ask guests to inform us in advance if they are bringing an electric car. We can then advise that you download the ChargeplacesScotland app and buy a card in advance of travel so you can arrive with a full charge.
PARKING:
We have a side driveway suitable for up to 1 vehicle depending on size. Alternatively there's other free parking directly in front of our hedge and in the opposite layby.
SECURITY:
Located by the front door is a Ring Video Doorbell which will be switched on during guest visits.
