Bonawe House Grounds
Bonawe House is set in a beautiful rural localtion on the edge of the village of Taynuilt, over looking Loch Etive and the mountains surrounding it. The grounds consist of beautiful mature trees and bushes surrounded by fields. There are plenty of tables and chairs around outside for guests to enjoy the peace and tranquility of our gardens.
Of course there are plenty of opportunities for outdoor play for children, and also for observing our fabulous wildlife. Four red squirrels live in our grounds, and are regularly spotted (and photographed), as well as a small family of roe deer, plenty of rabbits and a huge variety of birds. The tawny owls are usually noisy at night, and the heron is on guard by our lochan, but the buzzards can often be heard around along with many smaller birds.
Bonawe House is situated overlooking Loch Etive and the River Awe. There are lots of beautiful walks of all lengths from the house. The Loch shore is a 5 minute walk from the house, with stony beaches to wonder along, and two piers. Kids love catching crabs off the end of the pier, and the local kids are happy to swim here, even without wetsuits. However, it is much more pleasant with a wetsuit on, and some watershoes makes it a great experience.
Last year we regularly saw seals from the beach, and they were intrigued when there were swimmers out to the boats. Otters are seen at dusk at times, as is a host of regular and non-regular wildlife, in particular the elegant eider ducks.
Small boats and kayaks can be launched from the beach which is also good for paddling, swimming and crabbing.
You can hire a small boat from Taynuilt Boat Hire to take fishing. Generally these are picked up from the end of the second pier.
Inverawe Country Park is a beautiful 15 minute walk across fields and has a cafe with homebaked fare and seafood specialities, a delicatessen shop, lots of play area and many walks. Inverawe is popular with children and adults.
Taynuilt village centre has a hotel, grocers, butchers, post office, hairdresers, tea room, train station and doctors surgery. The Taynuilt Hotel does fine dining meals, please book on 01866 822 437 and are closed on Monday and Tuesday. The local grocers shop is ‘Graham’s’, although the owner is called Iain. You can order your groceries in advance of your stay, and we will pop things in the fridge in advance of your arrival. Ring him on 01866 822 248 to order.
Oban is 25 minutes drive away and has a wide variety of shops, supermarkets, hotels and restaurants. But you can also go by train (trains 6 times a day), or by bus, or if you are fit, there is a fabulous cycling route away from the main road, which is 14 miles (20km), though quite a bit of up and down. It is all single track road, with lots of sheep and highland cattle. A fantastic day trip avoiding busy roads, with lunch or an ice-cream in Oban.
Taynuilt village centre has a hotel, grocers, butchers, post office, hairdresers, tea room, train station and doctors surgery. It is unusual village, as it is not strung out along a main road. So it is quiet roads to walk anywhere. Bonawe House is in an enviable location at the edge of the village, but yet within pleasant walking distance to the centre. two tea rooms are within walking distance, Inverawe Country House and the Robin’s Nest in the centre. They probably have the best scones in Argyll, I know as it’s my job to try them all! The only rival scones are the Chocolate Factory in Oban. Try them both and see what you think!
