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Welcome to Duntrune Castle and Cottages text website. This text site has been designed to accommodate those with limited browser capability. Please click here or on the castle access the main site.
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The Estate Click for Map Duntrune Castle offers some of the finest self catering accommodation set in the splendour of some of Scotland's most spectacular scenery. We have six luxury cottages individually located within our extensive family estate. On our 4500 acres, 6 miles of coastline and 5 miles of River Add, there is scope for all manner of country pursuits. Within easy motoring distance are a number of fine gardens open to the public, and ferry terminals to most islands of the Clyde and Inner Hebrides. The Castle Click for Gallery A bit of History... In 1562 Donald McGillespic Vic O'Challum received the lands of Poltalloch from Duncan Campbell of Duntrune in return for certain services. Two hundred years later, the O'Challums (now anglicised to Malcolm) bought out the Campbells. Today heir direct descendants still occupy Duntrune and farm the land. Situated like San Francisco's Golden Gate at the narrows between deep water and a tidal loch, Duntrune was build to guard the glens of Kilmartin and Kilmichael from seafaring marauders. Always a Campbell stronghold in those days, it was never the scene of a major conflict, and is now accepted as the oldest continuously inhabited castle in Scotland. The vaulted rooms on the ground floor date from the 12th Century, and the remainder of the keep from the 16th. Our ghost is well-authenticated, handless piper, whose musical warning "Cholla mo Run, Seachain a Dun" saved his master Colkitto McDonald from a Campbell ambush. Four thousand years before the first Campbell, neolithic man gave up a nomadic hunting life to settle here where the land drained easily and responded to his simple implements. The Scots of Dalriada came later, attracted not only by the fertility of the area, but also because it was central to their kingdom and all outposts were easily reached. So it is today. No part of mainland Argyll is more than seventy miles away, which makes Poltalloch an ideal base from which to see all the county offers. On the other hand, some guests arrive with a boat, or fishing rods, or just sensible walking shoes, and only leave the estate to shop or eat out. An indefinable magic draws families here, often year after year, which is the best advertisement of all. Experience this magic for yourselves in one of our unique cottages, all designed and furnished by the late Susan Malcolm, and continued today by her family. Ormistons Click for Pictures Traditionally where the castle boatman lived within sight and sound of the sea, yet sheltered from its occasional fury. Ground Floor Entrance hall with off-peak heater. Area for hanging coats leading to washroom with large sink, W.C. and tumble drier. Attractive dining/kitchen with fridge, microwave and 4 ring cooker. Sitting room with wood burner and off-peak heater, TV, video and CD player. Reading/games room with wood burner stove and off-peak storage heater. Mini library. First floor One double room, one twin room and one single room. Bathroom and walk-in airing cupboard. Stag Cottage Click for Pictures Converted with our own retirement in mind, the interior is original and practical, while the sheltered patio and private garden is centred on an Italian bronze of playing greyhounds. Ground floor A large sitting/dining room 35'x20', with wood-burning stove, TV, video and CD player. Kitchen with 4 ring cooker, fridge and microwave. Bathroom with large drying cupboard. One single bedded room with off-peak heater. Hall with tumble drier and hanging space, pine staircase and door leading to the garden. First floor One double bedroom and one large twin-bedded room reached by pine and spiral staircases respectively. Sandie's Cottage Click for Pictures A fortress lashed with salt spray is no place to grow plants, so the castle garden is inland. Sandie's is in a corner of the mature, delightful gardens, surrounded by flowers and songbirds. The cottage offers accommodation for 5 persons on two floors. Ground Floor Sun Porch. Hall/sitting area with off-peak heater and bathroom with shower. Sitting room with open fire and back boiler, TV, video and CD player... Kitchen with 4 ring cooker, fridge, microwave, automatic washing machine and tumble drier. Dining area, with off-peak heater, off kitchen overlooking garden. One double bedroom with wash basin. First floor One single room. One twin-bedded room. Castle Cottage Click for Pictures Facing south across Loch Crinan with broad windows and shores birds for neighbours, the cottage sleeps 5 people. Ground Floor Front hall with off-peak heater. Living room with wood burning stove and off peak heater, TV, video and CD player. One double bedroom, one twin-bedded room and one single room. Bathroom with shower. Dining/kitchen with off-peak heater Fridge, 4 ring cooker, microwave and larder. First floor Studio attic with bay window, reached by Slingsby ladder. The Bothy Click for Pictures Especially suited to those couples who prefer a smaller cottage. A sensitive conversion of two outbuildings with all its traditional characteristics retained. Special features Special features include a central stone wall, half-wood panelling throughout, and Welsh tiling in the kitchen. Ground Floor Entrance Hall leading to dining/kitchen, with 4 ring cooker, fridge and microwave. Through a glass door is the comfortable, spacious living room with woodburner stove, TV, video and CD player and mini library. First floor The first floor is reached by an open wooden staircase. On the left of the landing is the bathroom complete with shower and WC. Ahead, a twin-bedded room with Velux skylights, hanging cupboard and ample storage. Mother Brown's Click for Pictures The original castle lodge, with windows placed to spot approaching carriages .only today they serve to view the sun and wildlife of Loch Crinan from dawn to dusk. Ground floor. Sitting-room with woodburner, TV, video and CD player, opens into dining/kitchen with 4 ring cooker, fridge and microwave. Back door opens into lobby with sink and washing machine. A spacious storage annexe contains a tumble drier and space for bicycles,etc. Bathroom with shower. Double bedroom. First floor. Attic with Velux sky-lights, twin beds and walk-in airing cupboard - reached by a spiral staircase. On our 4500 acres, 6 miles of coastline and 5 miles of River Add, there is scope for all manner of country pursuits. Within easy motoring distance are a number of fine gardens open to the public, and ferry terminals to most islands of the Clyde and Inner Hebrides. Cruises : Our son Andy, a fully qualified in-shore mariner and operates an 8 passenger boat, suitable for wildlife watching, island-visiting and varied water sports. Gemini cruses operate a twin-hulled vessel based at Crinan. Walking :There is a network of walks provided by Forest Enterprise throughout North Knapdale. In the Kilmartin Glen Historic Scotland have created paths linking the ancient monuments. For the more adventurous you are free to roam on our 5000 acres. Sport: Horse riding: Establishments at Brenfield (Ardrishaig) or Lunga (Ardfern) and Tarbert provide opportunities for young and old, the experienced and the inexperienced. Golf : Scotland is the home of golf and Argyll has a number of fine courses to offer. There are a number of 9 hole courses at Lochgilphead, Tarbert, Inveraray and Carradale plus two wonderful 18 holes courses at Oban and Machrihanish, to name but a few. Swimming and Squash: Lochgilphead
has a swimming pool and squash courts. Fishing: The River Add and its main tributary the Skeodnish flow through the estate to meet the Atlantic in Loch Crinan. Sea trout arrive in April, salmon in June with the season ending in early October. Shopping: Lochgilphead is the nearest centre, but Kilmartin has a general store-come-post office. eating A wide variety of choice and price from perhaps the best sea food in Europe to fish and chips. For those who want to eat out in the comfort of their cottages we provide an extensive range of home cooked meals in generous portions. See our general section for more information. Escape to Duntune! A 12th century castle, centre of a 5000 acre estate, with traditional cottages nearby. To fill your day, there's splendid contryside and coastlines to wander (do bring binoculars): pre-historic sites to explore; fishing; riding; golf; etc, for the more active, or tranquility for those who simply want to re-charge batteries. Experience the magic for yourself. Travelling: A car is essential as public transport is non-existent. Directions:
Costs are based on one weeks accommodation within the period stated and include VAT @ 17.5%. Food (or how to avoid cooking on holiday) With so much to do and enjoy here, surely the last place you'd want to be is in the kitchen. Elspeth Campbell is a cook who lives in the next village. Using the best of local produce she prepares handy 2-portion-pack frozen meals for our visitors, which are stored in a central freezer cabinet. The packs include 3 soups, a pate, 14 main courses and 5 puddings. Main courses include shepherds pie, Bolognese sauce, chicken in lemon and cream sauce, steak and kidney or mushroom pies, seafood dishes, salmon parcels in filo pastry and a selection of vegetarian dishes. Desserts feature the quintessential sticky toffee pudding and, for the those who dare, the demonic chocolate whiskey mousse. Main course prices range from £5.00-£7.00, so why not leave the cooking to someone else for a change? Water: From a spring on the estate, tested annually for purity. Linen: All beds have duvets - covers provided, but please bring two sheets per bed, pillow-cases and towels. Visitors normally bring their own. But if this is a problem, eg. Arriving by plane, we can supply it at £20 per person, per week. Laundry: For those cottages without one, there is a fully automatic washing machine in a central building. Parking: Space for at least one car beside each cottage. Pets: Pets are welcome, providing they are house-trained and under control. This is a working farm with sheep and cattle. Not more than 2 dogs per cottage please. And just one in the Bothy. Shopping: As you leave Lochgilphead there is a garage with a large shop on your right….good for stocking up with necessities before arrival. If asked, we can have a one of Elspeth's meals ready for your arrival. Terms: Lets are normally from Saturday 4pm to 10am on the following Saturday. Half rent due as confirmation of booking - balance four weeks prior to arrival. Electricity metered and charged at cost. the cottages have from one to three bedrooms, sleeping 2 to 5 persons, and the number stated may not be exceeded. The Malcolms To enquire about or book one of our holiday cottages please call Robin Malcolm on the number above. If there is no-one available to take your call please leave a message on our answer machine giving your name, phone number (and country of origin, if outside UK), stating your preferred dates and cottages. We will then return your call to discuss your booking enquiry. Thank you, Robin Malcolm. |
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