Balblair Cottages | Self Catering Holiday Cottages in Easter Ross, Scotland
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Ardchattan Manse, Loch Etive near Oban

Guest Rating
Rating
4.6
out of 5
Guest Rating
Rating
4.6
out of 5
Argyllshire & Islands » Ardchattan Manse, Loch Etive
Sleeps up to 12
Pets 1
Bedrooms: 6

Ardchattan Manse is a large historic house on the north shore of Loch Etive in Argyll, dating back to the late 18th century. Sitting on around three acres, it has direct private access to the loch shore and three private beaches right from the front garden. Original fireplaces, wood panelling and shuttered windows give it real character.

The setting is genuinely special. Otters, seals and deer have all been spotted from the garden. You can wild-swim from the private beaches, fish for sea trout on Loch Etive or salmon on the River Awe, paddle board or simply eat every meal on the terrace watching the loch.

 

About Ardchattan Manse

Ardchattan Manse is a large historic house on the north shore of Loch Etive in Argyll, dating back to the late 18th century. Sitting on around three acres, it has direct private access to the loch shore and three private beaches right from the front garden. Original fireplaces, wood panelling and shuttered windows give it real character.

The setting is genuinely special. Otters, seals and deer have all been spotted from the garden. You can wild-swim from the private beaches, fish for sea trout on Loch Etive or salmon on the River Awe, paddle board or simply eat every meal on the terrace watching the loch. Oban is around 20-25 miles away.

The house sleeps 12 across six bedrooms: one ground-floor twin, two twins with en-suite walk-in showers, two further twins and one super-king with an en-suite bath and walk-in shower. There are two kitchens, a dining room for 12, a sitting room with open fire, a snug with woodburner and a games room with table tennis.

Nearby: Scottish Sealife Sanctuary on Loch Creran (8 miles), Oban Distillery (20 miles), Isle of Lismore by ferry (25 miles) and Glencoe (33.7 miles). Bespoke garden tours of Argyll can be arranged through the owner.

Ardchattan Manse is best for large families and multi-generational groups who want space, loch access and genuine west Scotland wilderness on the doorstep.

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Need To Know

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What Guests Love

Discover why our guests keep coming back to Ardchattan Manse

Private Loch Shore Access

Three private beaches sit directly in front of the house with wild-swimming, crabbing and loch-side BBQs all possible from the garden.

Otters and Wildlife

Guests regularly spot otters, seals, deer and varied birdlife from the garden and loch shore no need to go anywhere.

Two Full Kitchens

Two separate kitchens mean large groups and families can cook independently. Both are well equipped and one opens directly onto the terrace.

Secure Three-Acre Gardens

Wrap-around gardens on three sides with lawns, unusual plants and seating for 12. Secure and spacious great for children and dogs.

Open Fire and Woodburner

The sitting room has an open fire and the snug has a woodburning stove. Logs are included in the rental price.

Owner Rosemary's Local Knowledge

Owner Rosemary is praised across reviews for excellent communication and can arrange bespoke garden tours of Argyll during your stay.

Getting To Ardchattan Manse

Find your way to your perfect countryside retreat

By Car

Ardchattan Manse sits on the north shore of Loch Etive in Argyll, postcode PA37 1RG. From Oban take the A85 east and follow signs towards Connel and Bonawe. The property is around 20-25 miles from Oban and parking for four cars is available on site.

By Train

The nearest railway station is Oban, which is served by ScotRail from Glasgow Queen Street. From Oban station you will need to arrange a taxi or hire a car as the property is around 20-25 miles away in a rural loch-side location.

Off-road parking for four cars
Oban railway station (approx 20-25 miles)
North shore of Loch Etive, Argyll, PA37 1RG

Attractions & More Nearby

Everything you need within easy reach

Scottish Sealife Sanctuary
Distance: 8 miles
PA37 1SE
Oban Distillery
Distance: 20 miles
PA34 5NH
Glencoe Visitor Centre
Distance: 33.7 miles
PH49 4HX
Loch Etive Shore Walk
Distance: On site
PA37 1RG
Beinn Lora, Benderloch
Distance: 7 miles
PA37 1QS
Glen Etive
Distance: 15 miles
PA36 4HZ
Tesco Oban
Distance: 20 miles
PA34 4LN
Oban Town Centre
Distance: 20 miles
PA34 4BX
Connel Village Stores
Distance: 6.2 miles
PA37 1PH
Oban Ferry Terminal
Distance: 20 miles
PA34 4DB
Connel Village
Distance: 6.2 miles
PA37 1PH
Taynuilt Village
Distance: 8 miles
PA35 1JN
Scottish Sealife Sanctuary
Distance: 8 miles
PA37 1SE
Oban Distillery
Distance: 20 miles
PA34 5NH
Glencoe Visitor Centre
Distance: 33.7 miles
PH49 4HX
Loch Etive Shore Walk
Distance: On site
PA37 1RG
Beinn Lora, Benderloch
Distance: 7 miles
PA37 1QS
Glen Etive
Distance: 15 miles
PA36 4HZ
Tesco Oban
Distance: 20 miles
PA34 4LN
Oban Town Centre
Distance: 20 miles
PA34 4BX
Connel Village Stores
Distance: 6.2 miles
PA37 1PH
Oban Ferry Terminal
Distance: 20 miles
PA34 4DB
Connel Village
Distance: 6.2 miles
PA37 1PH
Taynuilt Village
Distance: 8 miles
PA35 1JN

Is Ardchattan Manse Right For You?

Discover why this cottage is ideal for different types of visitors

For Families
The secure three-acre gardens give children real freedom to roam. There is a table tennis room, a swing and direct access to the loch shore for crabbing and paddling. A travel cot and highchair are available. Wildlife including otters, seals and deer are regularly spotted from the garden.
For Couples
Ardchattan Manse is a large group property and not ideally suited to couples. That said, the loch views, open fire, woodburning stove and peaceful setting on the north shore of Loch Etive make it genuinely special for a couple travelling as part of a larger group booking.
Pet Friendly
Ardchattan Manse is pet friendly. Dogs have plenty of space in the secure wrap-around gardens covering around three acres. Three private beaches sit directly in front of the house. Multiple guests have mentioned their dogs loved both the garden and the loch shore.

Dining & Cafes

Taste the local flavours during your stay at Ardchattan Manse

Taynuilt Hotel

Located 8 miles from your accommodation.

Postcode: PA35 1JN

Ee-Usk Seafood Restaurant Oban

Located 20 miles from your accommodation.

Postcode: PA34 4LW

The Oyster Inn Connel

Located 6.4 miles from your accommodation.

Postcode: PA37 1PJ

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers to our most common questions about Ardchattan Manse

Does this cottage have a hot tub?
No, Ardchattan Manse does not have a hot tub. However the property does have an open fire in the sitting room and a woodburning stove in the snug, both with logs included in the rental.
Is it pet friendly?
Yes, Ardchattan Manse welcomes pets. The secure wrap-around gardens and three private beaches are ideal for dogs and several guests have mentioned their dogs loved the space.
How many people does the property sleep?
The house sleeps up to 12 guests across six bedrooms. It has been used successfully by groups spanning three and four generations, from young children to grandparents.
What bedrooms are available?
There are six bedrooms: one ground-floor twin, two twins with en-suite walk-in showers, two further twins and one super-king with an en-suite bath and walk-in shower. There is also a family bathroom and a ground-floor WC.
How far is the nearest town?
Oban is approximately 20-25 miles away and takes around 20-25 minutes to drive. It has supermarkets, restaurants, a distillery and a ferry port for island day trips.
Can we do water activities from the property?
Yes. The house has direct access to Loch Etive with three private beaches. Guests have wild-swum, fished for sea trout, gone crabbing and paddle-boarded from the property. Boats can be hired from Oban.
Is there parking at the property?
Yes, there is off-road parking for four cars at Ardchattan Manse. The property is accessible by car and sits on the north shore of Loch Etive in Argyll.
What is included in the rental price?
Fuel, power and logs for the fire are all included in the rent. Bed linen and towels are also included. Note that electricity for charging electric vehicles is not included in the rental price.

Ardchattan Manse Reviews

Apr 2026
As a seasoned 25yr holiday rentalist I can categorically confirm that Ardchattan Manse is one of may favourite properties ever. The setting is magical very private, multipleacre, large, secure wraparound gardens with access to the Loch shore directly from the front garden. We wildswam from the adjoining private beaches every morning amazing. The property itself is steeped in family history and with x2 kitchens, 6 bedrooms and x2 living areas this property outdoes itself. Everything you want is catered for. Thanks to Rosemary, the owner, for all of her knowledgeshare and brilliant communication which made the holiday all the more special. Without a doubt, we will be returning.
Oct 2025
This was a lovely homely property for me and my family it suited us perfectly, with plenty of space for us all and the children to play, everything you need in the kitchen and beautiful views. We spent a lot of time in the garden, watching seals and otters. The communication from the owner was excellent, before and during our stay. We would love to return.
Andrew
Oct 2025
Ardchattan Manse is a lovely property with lots of character in a fantastic location. There were nine of us including two grandchildren. Tons of space for all inside and out in the extensive gardens that surround the property and down to the loch shore. We tried a bit of fishing caught a few crabs, watched the Otters. The views across the loch are amazing particularly first thing in the morning when the mist is around. The kitchen is very well resourced nothing missing. Even has two kettles and two toasters. The table tennis room and the swing shell were a hit with the grandchildren. The property is well located for exploring the surrounding area. Oban is about 25 minutes away with the ferry port proving access to the islands. Tesco delivers to the house if booked well in advance.
Alison
Aug 2025
Ardchattan Manse is a most wonderful place for a family holiday. There were 10 of us and we all loved everything about it. The bedrooms were spacious and comfortable, the kitchen very well equipped, the sitting room great for the evening family games, and there was even a separate kitchen it anyone wanted a bit of time out. On the morning we were leaving there was a stag with its two female companions on the lawn, and my husband was lucky enough to see one of the otters that live close by. The two dogs loved the garden and the beach, and we even had a barbeque down on the loch side. I would totally recommend Ardchattan Manse as a family holiday destination.
Sophie J
Aug 2025
We had the most magical week at Ardchattan Manse. It has to be one of the most stunning settings in the Highlands sitting right on the north shore of Loch Etive. The house was extremely comfortable with plenty of space for our family and entertaining. The garden is extensive and filled with beautiful and unusual plants. We would recommend a stay here as a must.
Philip
Jul 2025
Ardchattan Manse is a splendid house set in lovely grounds and with superb views over Loch Etive. It was a great venue for our family holiday three generations and will long live in the memory.
Stuart
May 2025
We had a big family gatherat The Manse, three generations, and it was perfectly suited to this! Communication before the holiday was excellent and all of our requirements met cots, highchairs etc.. The house itself is amazing, beautifully located on the Loch. There's loads of space and rooms perfectly suited for getting together. The gardens are lovely leading down to the Loch shore. We were lucky with the weather and spent alot of time splashing around in the Loch! Also a great location for exploring this part of the west of Scotland. Oban is 20 minutes away and great for shopping and eating out. This all amounted to a great family holiday venue we couldn't recommend it highly enough!
Dec 2024
A little piece of heaven My family and I recently visited this absolutely beautiful property over the Christmas period and can honestly say that we all had an amazing time. This stunning property is large and spacious and extremely cosy. It catered for everything we could possibly need. The views of the landscape were breathtaking and the loch was within meters from the property. We have so many amazing memories of our stay and will definitely return again
Philip
Aug 2024
It is difficult to find any criticism towards Ardcharran Manse. Beautiful setting....Fantastic house and facilities....we were there as a family of 10 and everyone had enough space to do what they wished. We did play lots of family games which was great fun instead of watching tv. I would ask however that the games room floor could be sealed....the kids did come in covered in concrete dust after table tennis. However fantastic holiday and we do hope to return.
Maureen
Jun 2024
Lovely comfortable accommodation that suited our large group. The setting could not have been better and we loved the garden, the views and private access to the water. Our group had 2 small children and they loved the secure garden and we were able to keep an eye on them from the comfort of the outside seating. Perfect. The interior was comfortable and 'lived in' which we liked as we could relax and enjoy the house as we felt at home. The annex meant we had 2 family spaces with separate kitchens which suited our needs. In all we loved our time there and would definitely consider returning.
Christine
Apr 2024
Ardchattan is a lovely warm comfortable house with beautiful gardens in a fantastic setting. I would be delighted to return. We did have a problem with the water supplyprivate which was problematic through no fault of the owners. They responded promptly to our contact and did their best to resolve it as soon as they could, including calling in engineers from far afield. I hope to go back soon!
Apr 2024
The Manse is located in an idyllic setting exactly as described and provided the perfect retreat for our weeks stay. The layout and furnishings of the house were very welcoming and the owner was extremely helpful in providing background information which enhanced our stay. We will most definitely return to this very peaceful spot to enjoy the Manse and it's stunning surrounding scenery once more.
Oct 2023
What a beautiful house in a lovely setting. We had plenty of space for 3 generations. Ardchattan Manse was perfect for what we needed. Our arrival was delayed by 2 days due to landslides closing various roads on our route but the owner kept in touch throughout. Thank you for a lovely holiday, we hope to be back one day.
Elizabeth
Aug 2023
We have just completed a 4 generation holiday at Ardchattan Manse . What a beautiful setting and a very comfortable,spacious house that everyone including a baby and small dog could relax in . Very well equipped with lots of thoughtful gestures like beach towels, plenty of logs and lots of kitchen extras. There was so much to do that we didnt need to go out every day and the whole family enjoyed fishing , crabbing, paddle boarding and boating and there was plenty of space in the garden for the children to play. Nobody wanted to leave and the children have already asked can we come again.
May 2023
Beautiful setting with spectacular views over the loch, comfy beds and well equipped kitchen. Although there is a downstairs twin room which I needed for my elderly parent, there was not a downstairs shower or any wardrobe. Most of the house was clean but the kitchen floor and bin needed cleaning on arrival. Would thoroughly recommend if you get the weather this place is stunning and we saw deer by the loch most evenings
Adrian
Apr 2023
A lovely house in a stunning location. Most of the rooms are beautifully furnished but one bedroom and its ensuite bathroom are much smaller and in the backstairs part of the house, obviously last refitted in the 1970s still nice, but not up to the standard of the other rooms. The house was generally very clean and well equipped but some of the glasses and crockery obviously hadn't been used for a long time and the vacuum cleaner bag was solidly full. Generally well equipped kitchen with few exceptions no good frying pan, no teastrainer, no oven gloves and the crockery, cutlery and glassware varied from old but goodquality to new and cheap. The information about the house and equipment was wellwritten and helpful but for a holiday home there was a surprising lack of information about local walks and attractions, so bring your own guide book and maps. But with those minor niggles this is an amazing place for a family gettogether.
Frances
Aug 2022
We really enjoyed our 3 generation family holiday at this beautiful house set in a truly magical location.