Retreat 17284 – Taynuilt, Central Scotland

With stunning views across Loch Awe and a wealth of in-house entertainment this large property offers your group the option to stay inside its grounds for the duration of your rural retreat. Venture out though and you ll discover a wide range of intriguing attractions and must-see places. Close to home is the Bonawe Historic Iron Furnace (8 miles) and Cruachan Dam Visitor Centre (12 miles) while further afield there is the fascinating Ocean Explorer Centre (17 miles).

Stock up on supplies in Oban (19 miles) and while there visit some of the town s sights which include a whisky distillery offering tours and tastings a granite tower that sits atop the hill overlooking the town and a small museum. The ground floor boasts an array of beautiful social spaces where your party can gather to relax talk and eat.

The spacious open-plan kitchen/diner is well-equipped with an AGA (electric two-door) microwave/grill/oven bread maker family food processor American-style fridge/freezer and dishwasher. There is a kitchen island unit with seats to enjoy nibbles and drinks between meals as well as the long dining table set before an open fire and a bright bay window.

When you re in need of a soft seat there s the elegantly decorated drawing room with wood burner and TV through which you can access the pretty garden room which opens onto the terrace as well as the comfortable family lounge with en-suite shower room and WC. On this floor you ll also find a handy cloakroom and utility with a large American-style washing machine and dryer. To head upstairs go back into the hallway and climb the original Victorian staircase to the first floor.

Here are all five of the beautiful bedrooms. The king-size suite includes a dressing room accessed via a door and two steps which is also suitable for a twin bedroom with two J-beds provided. It also has an en-suite with walk-in shower and WC. The remaining bedrooms - a double with washbasin a twin with washbasin (that can also be made into a king-size on request) a twin with Juliet balcony (that again can be made into a king-size) and a bunk bedroom - all have the use of the first-floor bathroom.

It is complete with a double-ended roll-top bath separate shower and WC. Head out to the garden and explore the house s extensive outdoor space. Keep the party inside the enclosed garden where a slope and steps down from the terrace lead you onto a lovely lawn. Children can play in the fort or begin a game of five-a-side football using the goals set up there.

There are a burn and small pond (so please ensure your youngest guests are supervised) and for kids and adults alike the games cabin promises hours of fun with a competition-size pool table football table dartboard and 100-CD jukebox. Once you re tired out lounge on one of the two terraces and light the BBQs. Alternatively take the party down to the shoreline and stretch out on the sand or launch your own boat from the jetty for an adventure on the loch.

For those who prefer land to water there are walks into the surrounding hills from the doorstep. At the end of the day enjoy a soak in the hot tub which seats seven people.