Stunning and secluded island home with boathouse

Description

Rock Cottage is a stunning detached home situated in a private waterfront position overlooking the Sound of Seil. The property offers complete seclusion and is almost entirely hidden. The house benefits from breathtaking views and easy access to the water via its own exclusive slipway.

The house has been extended over time from what was a quaint cottage to an impressive architect-designed home surrounded by beautiful gardens and grounds. The property is presented in excellent order with the accommodation set over three levels. The main reception rooms are to the front, and take full advantage of the superb outlook.

Extending to approximately 5348 sq ft excluding the summerhouse and shed, Rock Cottage begins with a welcoming entrance hallway connecting the older portion of the property to the new which has an open plan layout with sitting room, kitchen and dining room and extensive use of glass. Large sliding doors open from the dining room to a stunning fully glazed family room and outside to a large balcony offering some of the finest uninterrupted views.

The modern fitted kitchen has a range of integrated appliances, floor and wall mounted cabinetry and a central island providing extra work space; patio doors open onto a sweeping terrace which is perfectly positioned to enjoy the mature gardens. From the ground floor a staircase leads down to a substantial garage/boathouse with large electric doors opening out onto the private slipway. There is also a second utility room, store room, wine cellar and boiler room on this level.

Upstairs, the bright and spacious landing provides an excellent home office space and leads through to two bedrooms, one with an en suite bathroom.

The original portion of Rock Cottage offers a versatile space but in its current configuration comprises six bedrooms including the principal with en suite bathroom and French doors opening onto the terrace, and, as with many of the bedrooms, a large window provides a tranquil outlook. All bedrooms benefit from built in storage, and a separate shower room (there is an additional shower room on the ground floor) and family bathroom complete the accommodation.

The gardens and grounds include the ownership of a small private island and the shoreline. The gardens have been cleverly landscaped and offer a series of pathways meandering through the trees and shrubbery with benches positioned to enjoy the scenery. There is also a strategically-placed contemporary summerhouse close to the water which is ideal for birdwatching. The large terrace is also a wonderful spot from which to enjoy the views, and offers plenty of space for outdoor dining.

A private driveway leads from the road to the house, where there is ample room for parking. There is further indoor parking for one car in the separate garage that provides extra outdoor storage and a shower room.

Location

Rock Cottage sits at the end of a private driveway on the edge of the hamlet of Clachan Seil. The property has stunning views over Balvicar Bay towards the island of Seil, with the peaks of Scarba and Jura visible in the distance.

The closest of the southern Inner Hebrides and the only one accessible by bridge, Seil retains all the characteristics of the island heritage of the West Highlands. Located 12 miles south of Oban, the diamond-shaped island nestles close into the mainland, separated only by a narrow sound, over which spans the famous “Bridge over the Atlantic”. Built in the late 18th century and covered by fairy foxgloves in spring, the bridge remains the island’s link to the outside world. Tigh an Truish Inn, a fabulous restaurant and bar is also located here as well as Easdale medical practice.

Balvicar, in the centre of the island, has an excellent local grocery store, post office, professional boatyard and the nine hole Isle of Seil Golf Course. To the south is the village of Ellenabeich, gateway to another small island, Easdale, reached by a passenger ferry. Both have pubs (The Oyster Bar and The Puffer respectively). North Cuan, a couple of miles to the southeast, is the terminal for the car ferry to Luing. There is a primary school at Ellenabeich and secondary schooling is at Oban High School. A school bus service operates.

Seil has excellent facilities for yachtsmen, both local and visiting, with anchorages providing shelter on passage from Crinan to the Sound of Mull. There is a variety of boat excursions based at Seil Sound and Ellenabeich. A great opportunity for sightings of porpoise, minke whales, dolphins, basking sharks, otters and seals.

Warmed by the Gulf Stream, the Inner Hebridean climate can often be several degrees warmer than the mainland and it seldom freezes or snows in winter.

Square Footage: 5,348 sq ft