Ard Daraich, a remote hideaway on the west coast of Scotland, in the memory of our Digital Director Virginia Clarke, has been a place of incredible magic since she visited there nearly 10 years ago. It is situated on the Ardanmurchan peninsula, a wild and untamed place even by Scottish standards, and is a small cottage in the quite charming hillside garden of a large house that once belonged to Constance Spry. It is now owned by the artist Anna Raven (sister of the famous gardener Sarah), who has preserved the beauty of the place and made the cottage a very charming retreat. It is small, with a kitchen and living room on the ground floor and a bedroom and bathroom in the attic. You can stay there alone or as a couple (or with a friend you know too well), but it’s cleverly designed and has everything you need, including well-stocked bookshelves for rainy days. While it may seem remote – you have to take a ferry from Fort William and head south along the shores of Loch Linhe to get there – its proximity to the mainland and the city means it’s actually very convenient. Summer is the obvious time to go (be prepared for the midges though), but it’s a fantastic place to go any time of year to really get away from it all, swim in the loch and curl up with a good book.
Sleep: Up to two guests
Price: From £199 per night
