It’s not often you get to quieten the noise of your everyday life and venture from the chaos to somewhere peaceful. But only an hour and a half outside of Glasgow, and what feels like a million miles away, lies the perfect place.
By Isla McGraw
Looking for the best B and B in Argyll? Look no further.
The Shore House, located on Argyll’s west coast in Lochgoilhead, was built in the mid 1800s as the parish manse and when hosts Liz and Billy bought the space in January 2021, they transformed it into a charming bed and breakfast housing a loch-side lounge and dining room, a snug pub, and five bedrooms.
Welcome
As my partner and I pulled up to the bright white house and opened the car doors to crisp air, I took a moment to stop and take in my surroundings, stunned by the picturesque south facing views as the front garden meets the water’s edge and the sun glistened on the loch that stretched for miles.
The smell of cinnamon hit me as I opened the front door and entered the hall to an effortless blend of classic features with a spiral staircase and a tartan blue pub carpet, as well as modern touches like glass windows covering one whole side of the lounge so that you could see the reflection of the loch.
Named after different clans, we headed up to our room Clan McDonald, where shortbread and Loch Goil Gin waited for us, and later toured the house all the way up to the third floor where Clan McLeod resides with a large velux window to provide a stunning outlook. For all the dog owners out there, your pup doesn’t need to miss out because the attic rooms are available to both guests and their furry friends.
The Great Outdoors
With a few more layers on, we headed out on one of the forest trails to explore the village, we stopped in at the local pub, The Goil Inn, for a baileys and a pint and people-watched as the locals embraced each other and the tourists downed a much anticipated drink.
We passed a gift shop and off licence on the way back and there’s also a golf course to the rear of the house. A short walk to the west over the river and nestled amongst mountains takes you to Drimsynie Estate Leisure Centre housing a pool, spa, gym, bar and restaurant.
For the more adventurous type, only a 25-minute drive from The Shore House and you can tackle The Cobbler, an 884-metre mountain at the head of Loch Long and a well-known site for rock climbing in the Southern Highlands.
As the more indoorsy type, I’m afraid I can’t tell you how breathtaking the views are, but I’d imagine they only get better the higher up you go, and they are certainly impressive from the ground.
Home from Home
But back to The Shore House. Before reaching the door, the sound of a guitar strumming and the buzz of punters filled our ears. We spotted the last free table and perched ourselves in amongst a chill vibe where families, couples and groups waited to watch the sun go down. We ordered two sourdough artisan pizzas baked in a wood fired oven – one pepperoni bee sting and one chicken tikka masala special – and I must admit it was up there with one of the best I’ve had. As the in-house pub was on route to our room, it was only fair we stopped in and had a drink… or two.
It was already apparent how accommodating Liz and Billy were but watching them interact with guests let you see just how much love and care they’ve put into creating such a tranquil haven where people can forget their worries and long list of to-do’s and simply enjoy being in the moment.
The minute my head hit the pillow I was out like a light and a full eight hours later I was ready to take on Billy’s full Scottish fry up. Tucking into my breakfast, the warmth from the log burner filling the room, I gazed at the panoramic view of the tide ebbing and flowing, boats bobbing, and birds making their way through the nuts in the feeder on the terrace.
From the moment we sat down our bags, to the moment we packed up the car and headed back to Glasgow, Liz and Billy couldn’t do enough to fuss over us – and not forgetting their adorable cocker spaniel Watson who, as dog people, made our stay even sweeter. The Shore House must surely contend for the best B and B in Argyll!
Loch Goil
After a goodbye natter with Liz and Billy, we headed to the viral Boat Shed Café to see what all the fuss was about and I can’t lie, it lived up to expectation. And just when I thought I was stuffed the words ‘a hot chocolate with marshmallows and cream and a slice of victoria sponge’ came out of my mouth – willpower defeated maybe, but it was definitely worth the extra calories consumed.
Next door to the café is Loch Goil Cruisers where you can hire a boat and sightsee, with Shore House guests getting a special discount. If you’re lucky enough you may even spot whales or dolphins but don’t make the mistake I did of failing to pre-book or you’ll be left disappointed, everyone is keen to experience a trip around the loch, it seems.
One serene night in Lochgoilhead was all I needed to relax and unwind, who knew a mere 90-minute trip to The Shore House would do the trick.
Well now you do, you can make the most of your stay with 50% off your booking up until March 31 2025.
Maybe the Best B and B in Argyll? You won’t get a better stay than this hidden gem, I can promise you that.
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