Welcome to Kilfinan House. Contents

Transcription

1 Welcome to. We trust you will have a relaxing and enjoyable holiday, whether you choose to chill out in the house and grounds or explore the and Cowal area. Along with information about the house we have compiled some information on Kilfinan and the surrounding areas together with nearby attractions which may be of interest. your stay! Contents The House A Piece of History Heating and hot water Wood Burning Stoves The Dayroom Leisure Room Spa Bath Water Supply and drainage Bathrooms Technical Details Useful Telephone Numbers Things to Do The Village Local Shops Near at hand Outings Activities Directions Eating Out Departure Day Miscellaneous

2 The House A Piece of History was purchased by its current owners in May 2003 when it was extensively refurbished and modernised as our own personal holiday home. The house has had further comprehensive modernisation in spring of 2009, including redecoration, new beds, furnishings and the addition of a new Villeroy & Boch outdoor Spa Bath, and in 2012 we added a table tennis room into one of the outhouses. Originally was the Manse for the nearby Church, and was, for many years, called The Old Manse. Its name was changed in 2003 at the request of the Church of because it is not considered proper to call a house The Manse without it being occupied by a Minister. Parts of the property date as far back as the early 1700 s with the oldest section being the furthest away barn, now a garage - this may originally have been part of the Kilfinan Farm, the remaining building of which is the neighbouring cottage you can see to the right of the rear garden. The central area, including the outhouses, is believed to have been the original Church Manse perhaps predating all the buildings from the early 1700 s. itself is reputed to date from 1808, although it has seen a number of major alterations since that time. People have chosen to spend their lives in Kilfinan for many centuries, as one can see from the extent of ancient sites in the area. At one time, several hundred years ago, the local residents could be counted in their thousands and the village itself had numerous Inns and Drinking Establishments along the main street. Things have changed now but electricity only came to, along with the rest of the village, in 1950 when the power was switched on for the first time at a Burns supper in the Kilfinan Hotel! The fields to the North side of and down to the Kilfinan Burn were originally called the Glebe Lands (ground attached to the Manse to allow the Minister to grow crops) It is interesting to note that the church in its heyday had up to 8 full time gardeners and

3 labourers to manage the walled gardens of the Old Manse Most of the surrounding countryside is part of Otter Estate. On the hill to the North the broad farmhouse with crow-stepped gables is known as Lindsaig Farm with Jocks Lodge to the left nearby. On the way out of the village towards Tighnabruaich and on the left, is the Home Farm a working farm of the estate The Otter Estate House is accessed from the first of the main gates to the right beyond the Church however this access is private. The Hotel at the foot of the drive has been an old Coaching Inn from the 17 th Century and Andrew & Helen will be happy to welcome you there, whether for a few drinks or a full evening meal. Heating and hot water Central heating Central heating is by traditional oil fired boiler located in the kitchen. The house The thermostat is located in the ground floor hall at the foot of the stairs. All rooms also have thermostatic radiator valves so you can adjust individual room temperatures if required. Hot water is heated by the boiler and supplied from a storage tank in the first floor bathroom. You may have to wait a period to allow water to heat up at times of peak usage. The wood burning stoves in the Dayroom and first floor Drawing room are independent of any central heating or hot water. Wood Burning Stoves For those not accustomed to using wood burning stoves we have prepared the following users guide. Of particular note: They can get extremely hot. At no time should you burn either stove with the door open. The inner lining of the stoves is surprisingly soft so we would ask some care is taken when adding logs,

4 they cannot be jammed in. Kitchen Stove to light: set with paper and kindling open all vents ie push top vent to far right pull out both bottom vents below the door light paper and close the door when well lit add logs when warmed vents can be shut according to how hot you want the stove to burn close down vents / stove will burn slowly open vents and fire burns more fiercely if the glass is obscured you may be burning the stove too low and creating smoke deposits. Opening vents and burning more fiercely should clean the glass This stove can give out a considerable amount of heat so it may affect the house thermostat in the hall adjacent if so try closing the double doors to the hall. Drawing Room Stove all basic principles are the same only difference is the mechanisms for ventilation The ash pans for the stoves should only require emptying every few days. If this is to be done the ash can be added to our Compost bin at the far end of the rear garden. There is a fire guard which suits either stove. This is stored in the Drawing Room. Kitchen stove always use the handle to open and close. Drawing room stove always use the separate handle to close / open and adjust. The house is fitted with smoke alarms. One of these is located directly above the kitchen stove. You may find this alarm will go off if the fire is smoky and the stove door is opened. Just keep the room ventilated and the alarm will stop. Our main log supply is located at the end of the outhouses. In addition a supply is kept

5 drying in the house. Two things we would ask are: Firstly: if you use logs from the supply in the house can you replenish the pile for future users. Secondly: Please be careful when taking wood from the main outside supply and always leave it tidy to ensure there are no mishaps with falling logs. The Kitchen This room will no doubt be the focus of activity during your stay. The big oak table in the dayroom was made by Alan Jenkins, our next-door neighbour. This is easily Alan s biggest and heaviest commission to date. Alan is skilled in all sorts of woodcraft and would be delighted to discuss any commission, from Jewellery boxes to hand-turned bowls to big tables. The Donations box in the Church is an example of one of Alan s smaller pieces, if you do not have need of a table for 12! Dishwasher To use the dishwasher set the required programme, press start and close the door. It is very quiet but you will hear it start if you have set it correctly. Oven The oven light & fan will stay on until the oven cools down. Fridge and freezer The freezer has an alarm if the door is not fully closed. There is an additional fridge in the laundry for overspill, and a drinks fridge in the nearest outhouse.

6 Water Supply and Drainage The water supply for comes from a private supply from a Bore located in the hills behind the house. It is fully filtered when entering the house. Given that this supply is not infinite we would ask that water is not wasted and taps not allowed to run too long just in case we are lucky enough to get an exceptionally dry spell. Drainage is by means of a septic tank hence all kitchen and bathroom detergents etc have to be eco-friendly. We have supplied eco friendly washing up liquid and dishwasher tablets etc to ensure the septic tank functions to its best. During your stay can you ensure that the maximum of eco friendly products are used to avoid disturbing the balance of this system. Please note- only toilet paper should be flushed down the toilet anything else needs to be disposed of in the bin. Bathrooms All showers are thermostatically controlled. The bath in the main bathroom on the first floor is also fitted with spa jets. You should always fill the bath over the jets before turning this on and avoid using bubble bath or you will be making enough bubbles to fill the room and half of Kilfinan. To turn on the spa press the white button at the wash hand basin end of the bath. The force of the water jet is adjusted by turning the outer ring of this button. Be warned if you start the spa when you are already in the bath you may receive the shock of a cold jet of water. All taps (excluding the Cloakroom on the ground floor) are adjusted for flow by moving the handle left or right, and for temperature by moving up or down.

7 Sauna, Hot Tub & Leisure Room The Leisure Room including Sauna works off a separately metered electricity supply to allow people to use the facility as little or as much as they like. The meter is located over the cooker in the Dayroom. The sauna will take 40 minutes from startup to being ready to use. Instructions are also attached for those people not accustomed to the benefits of Sauna use. Water should be sparingly poured over the coals. A lot of water need not be used for maximum benefit. The room is not a wet room and excess water will short out the stove! The adjoining shower is an instantaneous electrical unit. There is a deck area over the leisure room. This can be used as a hideaway chill-out area, if it all gets too hectic. It is reached by a pull down ladder and is therefore not suited to use by either the particularly young or old. The state of the art Villeroy & Boch hot tub, added in spring 2009, is there for your full enjoyment and relaxation. Please refer to the detailed instructions on the safe use of this facility. It is noted that whilst it is very economic to run it is important that the cover is replaced when it is not in use. Bedrooms Ground floor The ground floor bedroom and en-suite are particularly suited to an elderly or infirm visitor and has been fitted out to suit this, with a walk in shower and grab rails etc. It contains king size four poster bed. The wash hand basin tap in the en-suite has an additional spray facility together with a flexible pull out extension for hair washing, just press the top of the tap to change over the type of flow.

8 First floor Family room with king-size bed, bunk beds and balcony. CD player Rear bedroom with king size bed Attic Large room with super king size bed and sofa. Tea / coffee making facilities & CD player Rear bedroom 1 or 2 single beds, or beds can be combined as king size Family room with king size bed and bunk beds. The Garden Midgie Magnet Midgie Magnets are a relatively new, and as yet unproven, invention to cut Midgie numbers. They work by attracting the Female of the species by emitting an attracting smell together with CO2. We have invested in one along with our 2 adjacent neighbours. It looks like a short patio heater and is, in principle, harmless to Humans. The magnet is running all the time during the summer months and hopefully is cutting the number of our flying visitors. The machine will not always be located in the garden of but regardless should be catching midgies in the vicinity. The Hotel also has a Magnet, so, if successful, we hope to create a midgie free zone in Kilfinan. Additional kit There is a Guest Store located directly beyond the double doors to the Leisure room. Here you will find a number of garden toys. All we would ask is that any kit used is returned and left in a suitable condition for those coming after you. Any additional kit, bikes etc. brought by yourselves can also be stored here. Garden furniture

9 We do hope you will have good weather to fully enjoy sitting, playing, and perhaps dining in the garden. The Barbecue is located in the guest store. Can we ask that if the Barbecue is used it is left clean. The trampoline will no doubt get a lot of use, by children and possibly adults, whether weather is bad or good. Shoes should not be worn on the trampoline. The trampoline should only be used by a maximum of 1 person for safety reasons. Responsibility for use of this and the climbing frame lies with the users and we cannot be held responsible for any injuries incurred. Dining table and chairs are laid out in the back & front gardens for al-fresco dining. You ll find additional chairs in the guest store. Grass cutting We plan to mow the lawns at between guests visits. This is however weather dependant and it may be necessary to cut the grass mid-week. If this is to be the case we shall endeavour to agree a suitable timing with our guests.

10 Useful Numbers Mobile telephone reception is poor in the house. Best reception is obtained from the tree stump in the back corner of the garden behind the climbing frame, or alternately on the tree stump on the far side of the grass verge at the top of the driveway! Landline Number Alan Jenkins House Emergencies Richard Robb If Alan is unavailable Western Ferries

11 Things to do The Village Kilfinan takes its name from St Finan. Kilfinan: The church (or cell) of St. Finan. This may be St. Finan of Lindisfarne about 650, or Finn (otherwise Finnan), a saint of Irish birth. Childrens play things have therefore been located in the back garden to keep the bulk of the house between our close neighbours and the noise source. The road in front of can actually be deceptively quiet it is a through route and occasional traffic may be travelling at some speed. is perfectly positioned for just sitting back and enjoying the tranquil surroundings and local walks. It is also well situated for touring the surrounding area as far afield as Bute, via the Colintraive ferry, or South, via the Portavadie ferry The Church and Community Hall The Church is an ancient structure first recorded in the 13th century, although possibly much older. The original church of St Finan has been much altered, with the current structure dating from the mid-18 th Century. The interior of the Church was renovated last year and the door is always open for a look see. The Lamont or North Aisle was constructed in 1653 together with the ground floor burial vault. This now houses the well-preserved Kilfinan Stones dating from the 9th century. Renovation of this part of the church is planned to allow visitors to properly view the stones.

12 The Church A quiet hour or two can be spent just taking in the history of the building and stones. Of particular note is the gravestone second on the left at the front gates the final resting place of a wise local who has as his epitath: my cup is run, as yours is running, be wise in time, your time is coming. Sunday services by the Reverend are at Noon, you ll hear the bell. The Community Hall opposite the Church was once the village school. There are a number of old photographs of the village which you might like to have a look at here. The Beach Access to Kilfinan Bay and beach is either through the gate to the North of the hotel and alongside the Kilfinan Burn (check out the house general information for a wee map down to the beach), or via the top road and into and through Otter Estate. This second route is close to Otter Estate House. It is therefore asked that all signs and requests for privacy are respected. Local Shops The General store (Duncans) just beyond the Kames crossroads is the best bet for a full shop, daily newspapers, off licence etc. Dunoon is the nearest big shopping town with a Morrisons supermarket, Swimming pool, Cinema, Tourist Information etc, and is about a 1 hour drive away.

13 Near at Hand Otter Ferry About 4 miles to the North this is the nearest spot with car access to the Beach and public slipway. A picturesque spot with a handy pub and restaurant. Castle Lachlan About 5 miles up the single track road from Otter Ferry, and a short walk after crossing the river, is the ancient ruined stronghold of Castle Lachlan. Take your wellies to cross the burn of you want to go and explore. Kilbride Bay Kilbride Bay, also known as Ostel Bay, is a fabulous stretch of sandy beach facing south towards Arran, about 7 miles south past the Millhouse crossroads and one of the best kept secrets of the Cowal peninsula. Great for a picnic on a warm summer day or a bracing blow the cobwebs away walk at any time. Head towards Tighnabruaich and on through the Millhouse crossroads. About 1 mile further down the road there is a track to the right of the road and directly before Kilbride Farmhouse. Park at the verge before the Farmhouse and walk down the track following the signs. Tighnabruaich & the Kyles of Bute The village of Tighnabruaich is about 7 miles away to the South and has a number of facilities including 9 hole golf course, renowned sailing school, art gallery and local shops. It is here that the paddle steamer Waverly occasionally calls in on its day sails doon the watter Beyond Tighnabruaich on the A8003 road is the Viewpoint over the Kyles of Bute providing

14 stunning views over the sailing waters of the Kyles to the Island of Bute and the Clyde beyond. The ferry in the near distance is from Colintraive to Bute. If you are using the road from Glendaruel to Tighnabruaich it is worth noting this is known as the new road and was only built in the 1960 s. Before then the only way to Tighnabruaich and Kames, other than by water, was via Kilfinan Meldalloch trout fishing A short distance ( about 2 miles ) out of Kilfinan on the road to Tighnabruaich is Meldalloch loch. Please enquire at the Hotel if you want to know more about using this. Outings Tarbet This picturesque village and natural yachting harbour sits on the West coast of Loch Fyne opposite Portavadie. Leave the car at the Portavadie ferry and enjoy the 20 minute ferry ride across Loch Fyne. You may be lucky enough to see porpoises in the loch. Down town Tarbert is a 5 minute stroll from the ferry slipway. The village is a well-known West Coast yacht haven and has Tourist Information, various shops and the ruin of Tarbert Castle overlooking the bay. This same ferry journey will let you explore South and Kintyre by car. Dunoon Fifty minutes drive depending on route Dunoon is the Capital of Cowal and host to the famous Cowal Games, held Annually in August. Benmore Gardens The 140 acre woodland garden of Benmore are an outpost of the Royal Botanic Gardens

15 Edinburgh, and lie on the Dunoon to Strachur road just beyond the Kilmun turnoff. Beyond Benmore lies Loch Eck. These gardens are particularly spectacular in May to June when the Rhododendrons are in full bloom. Benmore has disabled facilities together with a tearoom and shop. (The framed view in the attic is Benmore in May) If returning via this route to Kilfinan after visiting Dunoon or the gardens, go via Loch Eck and Strachur on Loch Fyne. This provides a worthwhile journey and an excuse to stop off at the Coylet Inn for coffee, lunch or whatever. Mount Stewart, Bute. A visit to Mount Stewart house, gardens and visitor centre is well worthwhile for those wishing a bit of Stately Home viewing. This Gothic revival palace was built at vast expense by the Marquis of Bute in the late 19th Century and was until recently a private family home. Building work on the house was halted due to the first world war, after which the loss of craftsmen meant that some details remain incomplete today. First drive to the Rhubodach ferry at Colintraive (about 25 minutes) Thereafter take the small ferry to the top end of Bute. Thereafter drive via Rothesay to Mount Stewart Alternatively leave car at Colintraive and take the Bus Stop for ice cream Zavaronis café on the front at Rothesay Inveraray No visit to should be considered complete without a visit to the village of Inveraray, planned and laid out by the Duke of in the 18 th century. Inveraray Jail Inveraray Castle A stop off at the Loch Fyne Oyster Bar and Tree Shop en route Ardkinglass Gardens

16 Gigha Crarae gardens Kilmartin Glen Oban If Dunoon is the Capital of Cowal - Oban is the Capital of and the Isles. It is from here ferries leave to the Inner Hebridies. Roughly a 2 hour drive from Kilfinan. Activities The lover of the outdoors is well provided for in Cowal, weather permitting, whether one is walking by the shore or in the hills or looking for a more organised pursuit. Sailing Tighnabruaich Sailing School Golf Tighnabruaich golf club Blairmore & Strone golf club

17 Cowal Golf club Fishing Meldalloch Enquire at Kilfinan Hotel Dunoon & District Angling Club Horse riding Velvet Path Riding Centre, Dunoon Riding, Inverary Trail Riding, Ardrishaig Ardlamont Estate The Cowal Way See booklet Quad biking Sandbank

18 Directions There are 3 routes to Kilfinan from the Glendaruel valley which runs down the spine of the Cowal peninsula. Each of these roads has their own character and spectacular views, although all three are mainly on single track roads. Via Tighnabruaich The easiest is through the villages of Tighnabruaich and Kames. If travelling from Strachur travel beyond the village of Glendaruel, passing the signpost for Otter Ferry About a half mile further on turn right and via Tighnabruaich, Kames and Millhouse. This is the longest in terms of miles but the most straightforward route and certainly the broadest. (be sure to stop at the Viewpoint over the Kyles of Bute before Tighnabruaich) Via the Beallochandrain pass The most direct route is via the Ballochandrain pass road, again just past the village of Glendaruel. This time take the road signposted Otter Ferry (also noted with sign for the Kilfinan Hotel). Winding and precipitous in places this road is not for drivers wary of the single track.. and certainly not for wild or frosty winter days! This road is NOT gritted in the winter. On a clear day this route can provide the traveller with spectacular views across Loch Fyne as far as the isle of Jura. Via Loch Fyne side and Otter Ferry This third and longest route is down the side of Loch Fyne via Strathlachlan and Otter Ferry. This route down the B8000 road starts from about x miles out of the village of Strachur and takes you down to Castle Lachlan where you will come to the shore of Loch Fyne. From here it is a straightforward route to Otter Ferry and beyond to Kilfinan.

19 Local Shops The General store (Duncans) just beyond the Kames crossroads is the best bet for a full shop, daily newspapers, off licence etc. Dunoon is the nearest big shopping town (the Capital of Cowal) with a Morrisons supermarket, Swimming pool, Cinema, Tourist Information etc, and is about a 1 hour drive away. Eating Out Venue Location Distance Telephone Kilfinan Hotel Kilfinan 0mins Oyster Catcher Otter Ferry 10mins Portavadie Marina Portavadie 20mins Royal Hotel Tighnabruaich 20mins Inver Cottage Strathlachlan 20mins Glendaruel Hotel Glendaruel 20mins The Creggans Strachur 40mins The Coylett Inn Loch Eck 45mins Loch Fyne Oyster Bar Loch Fyne 1h George Hotel Inverary 1h The local Kilfinan Hotel, upon request, will be most accommodating for all your eating out and social requirements, in the restaurant, function room or pub. Just pop down to book or make arrangements to suit with the proprietors, Andrew or Helen.

20 Departure Day On the Day of Your Departure On the day of departure can we ask you vacate by AM. We would request that on departure day all beds are stripped and the linen placed in the blue IKEA laundry sacks in the Utility Room along with any used towels & bath robes. Please do not strip the liners to beds and pillow etc unless they are soiled. The property is a very large house to have cleaned and turned round to the required standard in the available time We are very pleased to accommodate where possible but this timing can therefore only be flexible by prior arrangement and if we do not have follow on guests. If you are leaving early could you let Madalon know at the Kilfinan Hotel and she will make arrangements for Key collection. If you have used the Leisure room and its facilities please feel free to take a note of the meter reading. We shall return the deposit paid with a note of any sum deducted for the power consumed. Your co-operation is very much appreciated.

21 Miscellaneous Smoking Strictly no smoking inside the house please. Bins These are collected on a Thursday from the bottom of the drive. We would appreciate if you put bins out for collection first thing in the morning thanks. Inner lobby door Our glazed front door is larger than average and still has its original etched glass panel. We would ask that care is taken to make sure this door is not left open as a draught through the house may slam the door shut. Laundry + Fridges Our washing machine and tumble dryer, together with the second house fridge are there for your convenience. They are located off the Leisure Suite in the Utility Room. There is also an additional Drinks Fridge located in the first outhouse. House lights Can we ask that internal lights are not left burning unnecessarily. There are also a number of outside lights around the house. Some folk when in the country prefer to have minimum light pollution and be able to look out to a dark night sky. We have therefore marked these light switches specifically to allow you to turn them off. Pets The surrounding fields in Kilfinan and around are all part of working farms and will, at times, have livestock in them. We would therefore advise you that dogs must be kept under control at all times.

22 Buses A private Mini Bus, at very reasonable rates, can be organised from the Tighnabruiach petrol station to take your whole party to any location and event, be it a dinner out or a day away. Lastly Please enjoy your stay in and don t hesitate to contact Richard, Cindy, Alan or Madelon should you have any problems or queries. Relax, and. As the owners we are of course in love with, however we strongly believe that is something pretty special. We hope you will feel the same and look forward to seeing you again in future.