Nestled on a pretty peninsula, Gareloch Cottage is a relaxing home-from-home ideal for couples and small families. Dating back to the 1820s it's original Victorian charm is paired with stylish, comfortable decor. The double bedroom opens onto an elevated front terrace - perfect for enjoying the stunning panoramic views across the loch from sunrises to starry nights. With nearby Loch Lomond, the West Highlands, Glasgow and Stirling, it’s a great base for exploring, or just unwinding by the water.
THE SPACE
Guests have full private use of the house, including the first-floor terrace, and the enclosed back garden. There's a parking space for one vehicle on the driveway.
THE COTTAGE
Originally a Loch Keepers cottage, our property is a stone-built detached building set in a semi-rural location overlooking the Gareloch. We have lovingly refurbished many aspects whilst retaining some of its original Victorian features and quirky appeal.
THE GROUND FLOOR
Open plan layout consisting of the living /dining room, snug, bathroom, and kitchen. There's a useful boot room by the front door for hanging up outdoor wear.
LIVING / DINING ROOM /SNUG
Leading in to the living room which is thoughtfully and comfortably furnished for both dining and relaxing. Cosy up to watch a film or peruse our small home library - we've got a good selection of books!
The adjoining Snug is set up with a small sofa and double wardrobe which guests can use for extra storage.
The living room space also works well for homeworkers if you're bringing your laptop.
BATHROOM:
Fully renovated, the modern bathroom leads off from the Snug and has a bath shower with a powerful overhead Rainforest shower head. There's also a heated towel rail and we supply a complimentary soap dispenser.
KITCHEN:
The small, but perfectly formed galley style kitchen overlooks the back garden with direct access via the porch. Fully equipped with everything you need for your holiday including a coffee machine to make that essential morning brew!
UPPER FLOOR:
The upstairs accommodation has direct access from the landing and double bedroom to the stunning 18ft long-decked terrace.
DOUBLE BEDROOM:
Off the landing is the main bedroom with a double bed and adjoining small dressing room area with full length mirror and storage space. 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 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 throws and a solar lantern for evenings on the terrace.
OUTDOOR BACKSPACE:
There's a picnic bench outside for eating and drinking in good weather.
BACK 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.
FRONT ENTRANCE:
There is no gate. Guests are responsible for ensuring the safety of minors and pets at the property.
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 walk from the house.
NEARBY WALKS:
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 into 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 favorite cafe, The Perch - it serves amazing food and it's pizza night every Friday! Open Wed-Sun.
There are 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 idea for a 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 its 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.
