Guest from
15th May, 2023
5.0 of 5
This was my fourth stay at Ard Daraich – this probably tells readers all they need to know! For me it’s a little piece of heaven in this lovely part of the Highlands. The cottage is extremely well appointed with all the comforts of home. Anna and Norrie are great hosts and always on hand with local tips and knowledge. The gardens are a wonder to behold with benches at convenient locations to enjoy the stunning scenery – particularly recommended over an aperitif before dinner. Location is great for striking out in any direction. All in all a wonderful place to stay – I’m already planning our next visit!
Guest from Frodsham
25th June, 2023
A most welcome return after several years. Delightfully well received as usual by Anna and Norrie, the studio supplemented by an excellent shower room since our last visit and a joy to be surrounded once more by the truly wonderful immediate (garden), neighboring and more distant surrounding scenery and landscape.
Tips for other travelers
Thrilled to watch spotted flycatchers nesting above the window of Anna’s studio throughout the stay. Much needed rain didn’t stop us taking walks in the Ardgour and Strontian forests and along the Loch Linnhe shore (seals asleep on the nearby rocky island). An excellent meal at The White House (Lochaline). And hats off to the Corran Ferry crew for the non-stop crossing service in spite of reduced capacity.
Guest from
1st August, 2023
5.0 of 5
We were very warmly welcomed and felt at home immediately. The Garden Studio is comfortable, well equipped and nicely decorated. A perfect holiday home, with stunning views on Bens and roling hills as a backdrop. Avid readers will be pleased to spend a rainy day browsing the eclectic array of books provided in the generous book case.
Tips for other travelers
The peninsula is worth roaming around extensively, as is the wider area. Guide books and maps are available, offering a wealth of ideas. We had good meals in the bar of the Strontian hotel, looking out over the Loch. There is also a conveniance store in Strontian. All other shopping demands can be met in Fort William. This was our first time in the West Highlands, but certainly not the last!
The Garden House
We had a brilliant time in Anna and Norrie’s beautiful place. Photos can’t do justice to Ard Daraich. Both the house and the location are way more beautiful than any picture might convey. There are so many thoughtful touches I don’t know where to start: secret benches in the garden with picturesque views, poetic, thoughtful instructions, the most comfortable sofa chair (according to the junior crew), beautiful, immaculately arranged (and comfortable) furniture throughout the house, the perfectly equipped kitchen, and of course the hospitality. The location is stunning, we discovered a seal colony across the road, took walks to the village, down the stunning valley. We did some moon watching and stargazing and saw the sun rise above Ben Nevis. Pretty good for a short Easter break. Thank You for providing the setting for a most memorable Easter Egg hunt. Noemi, April 2018
We stayed in the Garden House at Ard Daraich and I must say it was the most beautifully appointed accommodation I think we have ever stayed in. From the extra large living room with a powerful wood stove that heated the room in no time to the period armchairs, to the Elizabethan four poster bed and shelves of beautiful books and DVDs, it was a very cosy retreat from the world. Being mid-winter, we didn’t get to enjoy the garden in leaf/bloom but we did take a wander and get a feel for how magical it must be in the warmer months — with rustic benches overlooking Loch Linnhe. We loved our stay and will definitely be back to see the garden in its full glory. John, January 2018
Cosy and elegant accommodation. Anna and Norrie are clearly lovely people who have their priorities right in our opinion. Big towels, sharp knives, warm stove and a comfortable bed. We will definitely be going back one day especially as it is the place I said yes to marrying my lovely man, ( and yes there was a ring.) Katie, December 2017
The Garden Studio
Idyllic, comfortable and cosy – perfect for two!
It’s not often that I manage to choose somewhere to stay that is just as I’d hoped and as nice as the pictures on the website – but Anna and Norrie’s Garden Studio was just perfect on all levels. I’d have quite happily moved in!
The first thing you see when you arrive is the beautifully bright garden full of well cared for flowers and plants. The effort to create a welcoming space is clear straight away. The garden is, as the website states, on a hillside, and there are lots of different plants and scents as you explore the paths to find the top – where you can see Loch Linnhe from one side and the hills on the other (perfect for a quiet breakfast whilst waiting for my husband to get up!)
We stayed for a week and the house had everything we needed. We didn’t notice anything that we could have done with that wasn’t there (and even if we had, we would have felt comfortable asking the hosts, who stay in the house just across the garden). The Wifi was better than we have at home and we managed to watch iPlayer through our phones on the TV a couple of evenings.
The studio is well thought out, modern and beautifully furnished. It seems small from the outside but inside it’s bright and spacious!
We didn’t have any trouble filling our days with long walks up hills, through glens and round lochs; cycling to Strontian; days out in the car to Sanna Bay and all the lovely places in between.
Most nights we ate at ‘home’ with a glass of wine and a bubble bath after.
Visit if you can – you won’t be disappointed! July, 2018
The studio is well situated being in lovely, peaceful grounds whilst being a short drive to a larger town. There are beautiful walks on your doorstep as well as being close enough to island hop and visit some beautiful white beaches. The studio itself is spacious yet cosy and comfortable. Although there’s no shower it feels luxurious to have a bath as an alternative. Our dogs were welcomed and had their own garden space which was a lovely touch. We thoroughly enjoyed our stay. Thank you. Kirsty, April 2018
Excellent comfortable accommodation with a fabulous garden to enjoy the majestic views in a wonderful area. Excellent. Andy, April 2018
My partner and I had a delightful break in Ardgour over the weekend. The garden studio was beautifully decorated and just the right size for us. Comfy bed and amazing duvet! Anna and Norrie were communicative and helpful with directions and recommended a couple of great places to eat out. A fantastic place to stay in – we will be returning next year! Hallam, March 2018
If you’re looking for a beautiful place to stay in a stunning location, look no further. Everything you could possibly need. All communication was quick and easy. Thanks for a great stay! James, March 2018
We couldn’t recommend Anna and Norrie’s cottage highly enough! It was the perfect place to spend New Year. The location is great – remote enough to be peaceful and picturesque but still very accessible and a great base for exploring some amazing Scottish scenery. The cottage is lovely – warm and cosy, and very spacious for two people. We loved the comfortable bedroom and it was very useful having a drying room for our boots and coats! We had a great time and would love to come back. Emma, January 2018
Ard Daraich has been mentioned in numerous printed media and prestigious publications. To find out more, please visit our Media page.