Appin Holiday Homes offer a welcoming self-catering stay in a picturesque and fascinating location, between Oban and Fort William, overlooking the mystical Sea-Loch of Loch Creran. Only minutes from the West Coast, Glencoe is also just a short drive away and some of the best scenery Scotland has to offer is literally on the doorstep.
Appin Holiday Homes itself is a small family run park with ten log cabin style lodges, eight loch-side caravans and a former Railway Porter’s Cottage all set within 20 acres of grounds, in a recognised National Scenic Area. Our stay, with Oscar the very happy and excited Labrador, was in one of the animal friendly lodges.
First impressions of the lodge were excellent – clean, cosy and full of charm! Arriving in the dark hours of early evening winter, we felt instantly at home as the lights and heating had been thoughtfully left on in our lodge. A very well thought-out layout of the lodge meant that there would plenty of space for a family of four.
The décor is fairly neutral but tasteful, giving a Scandinavian feel to the interior. Our lodge was well furnished, with oak bedroom furniture, comfortable beds and leather sofas. A slim electric fire, TV and DVD meant that home comforts were always available, plus the bonus of an onsite games room and a selection of DVDs which were free to use meant we were VERY happy to spend time in the lodge when the weather was not so nice. A relatively small site meant we had a lovely view of the loch, in particular from our deck, where, even in peak season, privacy shall be afforded due to the cleverly placed pitches.
For an area so quiet, peaceful and seemingly remote, the options for wining and dining are simply staggering! For honest, good food and drink just a short, five minutes walk from Appin Holiday Homes, be sure to check out the Creagan Inn, (already reviewed on a previous visit to the area). This place is really special and great value. For our second evening we took a trip of just a couple of miles to Port Appin, where we ate at the Pierhouse Hotel.
A hotel and restaurant correctly recognised for being romantic, and, like much of the area, a fine purveyor of incredible fruits of the nearby sea and lochs. We enjoyed a superb menu, which would be recommended to those looking for a special evening out. Alongside the a-la-carte menu, The Pierhouse also offer meals from a bar menu which were very reasonably priced and of the same exceptional quality. We made sure to try the oysters from Loch Linnhe and mussels from nearby waters, sampling the real taste of the West Highlands.
In between our fine dining and enjoyment of the lodge itself there was plentiful time for morning runs with Oscar; taking in fantastic scenery along the cycle routes right next to the site. We also took an afternoon to visit Sutherlands Grove – absolutely perfect for tiring out a very energetic Labrador and offering fantastic woodland, white water and rivers – just in case you tire of all the mountain and loch views! Clearly marked out trails for those looking for everything from an easy walk to a serious trek are all within easy reach and perfect for families travelling with children and dogs.
A last point to make was the friendly nature of Julie and Jim Weir who run the site. Extremely welcoming, Jim visited when we arrived and departed, to make sure that we were settling in, comfortable and wanted for nothing – a nice, personal touch. Jim also offered some good, recommendations and advice with regards places to visit, local walks and restaurants, which was much appreciated! We met up again in the Creagan Inn and it is a joy to be able to offer such good feedback to such genuine people and a delightful wee site!
http://www.appinholidayhomes.com/
