One of my favourite holiday memories is catching the little passenger ferry from Port Appin point to the Isle of Lismore.
There was just enough room for our bikes, a few fellow passengers and a friendly dog who seemed to enjoy the 10-minute boat trip as much as we did.
There we discovered miles of almost car-free roads which made it perfect for cycling and walking, and numerous places tempting us to stop and enjoy spectacular views.
Regarded as something of a “hidden gem” for holidaymakers, we thought Lismore a wonderful location for those looking to live somewhere offering a quieter pace of life, and ideal for those searching for a good place for a holiday home.
One property which fits the bill nicely can be found in the area of Tirlaggan West, and it is on the market with Bell Ingram at offers over £275,000.
Enjoying far-reaching views across the island, the detached two-bedroom house is surrounded by mature gardens offering ample outdoor space.
Laura MacCallum, from Bell Ingram’s Oban office, said: “As staycations continue to be the holiday of choice in the UK, we are seeing increasing interest from buyers from the south of England looking for second homes on Scotland’s west coast and islands.
“With Lismore one of Scotland’s hidden gems which remains relatively untouched by Scotland’s booming tourism industry, and only five minutes’ drive from the main ferry terminal with regular crossings to Oban, Tirlaggan West offers the perfect opportunity for those looking for a second home on the islands and we anticipate huge interest from this market.”
The house has a sheltered entrance leading into a central hallway which opens up to a stylish kitchen and dining area.
The kitchen is fitted with a bespoke combination of white floor and wall units, perfectly complemented by a contrasting worktop with double bowl sink and drainer.
The open-plan design flows through to a family lounge with lots of character thanks to triple-aspect windows, open oak beams and French doors.
The ground-floor accommodation also includes a double bedroom, family bathroom and a sizable utility room, located to the rear of the house.
From the dining area, a wooden staircase leads to the upper floor which also has an open-plan theme, with a large living area which could be used for entertaining, crafting or family fun.
It may also be worth considering converting this space, which has a pitched ceiling, open beams and Velux windows, to create an extra room.
The central landing upstairs links to a stylish family bathroom with electric underfloor heating, and to the master bedroom.
Outside, there’s established gardens, and ideal for those who like to grow their own, fertile raised veg beds, fruit bushes and a polytunnel.
The fruits of your labour can be enjoyed al fresco via a rather special decked area to the rear of the house with a quirky roof design that incorporates skylight windows, creating a sheltered place to sit and enjoy the wonderful views.
Those keen to know more about this property, and perhaps join the other 170 inhabitants who live on Lismore, can contact Bell Ingram’s Oban office on 01631 566122.