Guest Rating
Perched on the very edge of a sea loch, Samphire Cottage is a stunning contemporary property. This newly-built three-bedroom cottage is in the heart of Tayvallich, one of the most picturesque villages in Argyll and Bute, and is so close to the water, it’s almost as though it’s floating. Once a fishing village and now a haven for watersports, Tayvallich’s shop, café, pub and slipway are a five-minute walk from Samphire Cottage while the local tennis courts and community hall are only a few yards away.
Quick Info
| Sleeps: 2/6 | Bedrooms: 3 |
| Changeover Day: Sat | Pets Allowed: Yes (2) |
| No smoking | Bathrooms: 3 |
| Licence No: AR00396F |
Samphire Cottage’s open-plan living area’s floor-to-ceiling windows and glass-fronted balcony provide open views across Tayvallich Bay, Loch Sween and the surrounding hills. This welcoming space features a beautifully-furnished lounge area centred around a freestanding woodburning stove, adding tangible cosiness to the warmth provided by the air-pump heating system.
There’s also a well-appointed kitchen, with a large fridge-freezer and two electric ovens, and a dining area where a beautiful handmade table takes pride of place. Step through the sliding glass doors onto the balcony - ideal for breakfast, lunch or watching yachts sailing to and from Tayvallich.
The twin bedroom on the ground floor features two handmade wooden beds (can be converted into a king-size bed), an attractively-tiled en-suite shower room and a bedside view of Loch Sween that’s definitely worth waking up for. The master bedroom on the first floor enjoys another stunning outlook, as well as a luxurious en-suite shower room and a king-size bed handmade from burnt elm. Next door, the equally-impressive twin bedroom benefits from a picture window and an en-suite bathroom.
One of the many highlights of this property is the stone-built garden seating area on the banks of Loch Sween. Relax at the lochside while waves gently lap the shore, fish leap, birds swoop and dragonflies dart across the Tayvallich Bay.
Thanks to its prime lochside position, swimming, kayaking and paddleboarding are all possible from Samphire Cottage. And if the weather’s not conducive to outdoor activities, or younger guests are looking for something to do while the adults chat, there’s a games room in the basement, which is also handy for storing outdoor clothing and equipment.
From sandy beaches and glittering lochs, to endless coastlines, forests and glens, there are so many reasons to visit Argyll and Bute, in the western Highlands.
As one of the most naturally diverse locations in Scotland, it combines island paradises with stunning scenery, and has an abundance of wildlife, history and attractions – with everything from castles, boat trips, walking and cycling, to scuba diving, fishing, wild swimming and whisky tasting, to name only a few.
Situated in the heart of Argyll, sits the pretty fishing of Tayvallich, a popular sailing centre and thriving small community. It is nestled on the shores of Loch Sween in the unspoilt Knapdale area, which stretches north from the Sound of Jura – between the holiday resort of Lochgilphead, and Tarbert, the main ferry port for Islay and Mull.
The picturesque harbour village, with a population of just 300 people, lines an attractive horseshoe bay, in a spectacular setting. The local amenities include a general store and cafe, and the Tayvallich Inn.
A ‘must-do’ is to walk to Carsaig Bay, Tayvallich’s tiny twin village less than a mile away facing the Sound of Jura – where the views and sunsets are unforgettable.
The ‘must-see’ near Tayvallich is the tiny Keills Chapel at Keillmore, which was built in the 1100s. In a beautiful location off the beaten track, it is home to almost 40 medieval carved stones.
On the eastern shore of Loch Sween stands the impressive remains of the 12th century Castle Sween, thought to be the oldest stone castle on the Scottish mainland. The National Nature Reserve on the Taynish Peninsula is also worth exploring, as home to one of the oldest oak forests in Britain.
For wildlife enthusiasts there is much to choose from, whether it’s watching diving birds, seals and sea otters from the balcony, or venturing further afield on boat trips to see the Corryvreckan whirlpool with the opportunity to see dolphins, seals, sea eagles and basking sharks.
And the village is an ideal base to explore the Mull of Kintyre and enjoy its world-class golf courses, surfing and beaches, or visit Oban which is one hour’s drive North.
Whether it’s a trip for island-hopping, walking in the wilderness, Highland history, fabulous food or exhilarating adventure, this secluded corner of Scotland really has it all.
A Post Office, Co-Op, petrol station, golf course and swimming pool are all located 11 miles away in the town of Lochgilphead. The nearest train station is in Oban, which is 46 miles from Tayvallich.
Local Events and Attractions
Please note: while we make every effort to be as accurate as possible, the actual position of the cottage indicated on the map above and the proximity of the amenities in the Local Info section cannot be guaranteed to be precise and should be used as a guide only.
Accommodation
Downstairs
Open plan living area with TV, wood-burning stove, 2 electric ovens, induction hob, microwave, fridge/freezer, cafetiere and dishwasher
Utility room with washing machine and tumble dryer
Twin bedroom (can convert to super king-size) with en suite shower room with WC and wash basin.
Upstairs
Double bedroom (king-size) with en suite shower room with WC and wash basin
Twin bedroom with en suite bathroom with bath, handheld shower, WC and wash basin.
Basement
Games room with table tennis table.
What's included
- Linen (Double Bed)
- Free
- Highchair
- Free
- Linen (Single Bed)
- Free
- Sets of towels (per person)
- Free
- Travel Cot (excluding linen)
- Free
- WiFi
- Free
Available Extras
- Pet
- £20.00
Services
Bed linen and towels are INCLUDED. Electricity is INCLUDED (for heating and domestic use only). Heating is by air source heat pump and wood-burning stove (starter pack INCLUDED). Constant fresh air ventilation is provided in every room by the heat-recovery ventilation system. WiFi is INCLUDED. A maximum of 2 dogs are welcome (1 large, 1 medium or 2 small). If you wish to bring any other pets please contact us and we will see what we can do. No smoking.
Please note: For Samphire Cottage, the tariff for 2 persons is based on one bedroom only being made available.
Weekly Prices
The weekly guide prices for this property are shown below. Use the availability & book sidebar on the right to select your holiday or calculate short break rates (where available).
From 10/10/2025 to 13/10/2025
From 17/10/2025 to 20/10/2025
From 10/01/2025 to 13/01/2025
From 04/04/2025 to 07/04/2025
From 03/10/2025 to 06/10/2025
From 24/10/2025 to 27/10/2025
From 17/10/2025 to 20/10/2025
From 10/10/2025 to 13/10/2025
From 20/12/2024 to 23/12/2024
From 27/12/2024 to 30/12/2024
From 03/01/2025 to 06/01/2025
From 17/01/2025 to 20/01/2025
From 04/01/2025 to 04/01/2025
From 24/12/2024 to 24/12/2024
From 23/12/2024 to 24/12/2024
From 30/12/2024 to 30/12/2024
Changeover Day: Sat
| Rental - Date Range | Sleeps 2 | Sleeps 6 |
| 20 Dec 2024 - 27 Dec 2024 | £1,345.00 | £1,345.00 |
| 28 Dec 2024 - 05 Jan 2025 | £1,345.00 | £1,345.00 |
| 06 Jan 2025 - 31 Jan 2025 | £750.00 | £850.00 |
| 01 Feb 2025 - 04 Apr 2025 | £850.00 | £950.00 |
| 05 Apr 2025 - 25 Apr 2025 | £995.00 | £1,195.00 |
| 26 Apr 2025 - 02 May 2025 | £850.00 | £950.00 |
| 03 May 2025 - 23 May 2025 | £995.00 | £1,195.00 |
| 24 May 2025 - 30 May 2025 | £1,395.00 | £1,395.00 |
| 31 May 2025 - 27 Jun 2025 | £995.00 | £1,195.00 |
| 28 Jun 2025 - 18 Jul 2025 | £1,395.00 | £1,395.00 |
| 19 Jul 2025 - 29 Aug 2025 | £1,445.00 | £1,445.00 |
| 30 Aug 2025 - 12 Sep 2025 | £995.00 | £1,195.00 |
| 13 Sep 2025 - 03 Oct 2025 | £850.00 | £950.00 |
| 04 Oct 2025 - 24 Oct 2025 | £995.00 | £1,195.00 |
| 25 Oct 2025 - 19 Dec 2025 | £750.00 | £850.00 |
| 20 Dec 2025 - 27 Dec 2025 | £1,445.00 | £1,445.00 |
| 28 Dec 2025 - 05 Jan 2026 | £1,445.00 | £1,445.00 |
| 06 Jan 2026 - 05 Jan 2027 | POA | POA |
| 06 Jan 2027 - 05 Jan 2028 | POA | POA |
| 06 Jan 2028 - 05 Jan 2029 | POA | POA |
Please note: Prices are calculated based on your party size at the time of booking. If your party size changes for any reason after booking, please let us know so we can ensure the accommodation provided meets your exact requirements.
For Samphire Cottage, the tariff for 2 persons is based on one bedroom only being made available.
Reviews
(Supplied Independently through Feefo)
Stunning cottage with everything you could ever need. Beautiful location and views.
Our response:
Thank you for taking the time to leave a review. We hope to welcome you back to one of our cottages again soon.
The cottage was excellent fantastic position and the owners had thought of everything and more. Loved the games room als...
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This cottage is excellent. A wonderful situation. Warm and comfortable with some special design features.
Would ce...
Stunning property in a beautiful location. Excellent modern comfort and spotless home surrounded by scenery , walks , n...
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It was a wonderfully equipped and clean cottage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Below are the most frequently asked questions about visiting Tayvallich. If your question has not already been asked you can contact our booking team.
Question: Where can I eat in Tayvallich?
Answer: The Tayvallich Inn is popular for fresh seafood and stunning views, while Tayvallich Café and General Store provides light meals, coffee, and homemade treats.
Question: Are there boat trips available from Tayvallich??
Answer: Yes, boat trips to Jura and other islands are available seasonally. These trips offer a chance to see marine wildlife and explore remote locations.
Question: Is Tayvallich suitable for water sports?
Answer: Absolutely! Tayvallich Bay is ideal for kayaking, paddleboarding, and sailing. Equipment rentals and guided tours are available in the area.
Question: Are there any good hiking trails nearby?
Answer: Yes, the Taynish National Nature Reserve has a variety of trails through ancient oak woodlands, offering stunning views and chances to see wildlife.
Question: Are there grocery or convenience stores in Tayvallich?
Answer: Tayvallich Café and General Store provides basic groceries and essentials, but for larger shops, Lochgilphead, about 12 miles away, has supermarkets.
Question: What kind of wildlife can I see in the water?
Answer: Visitors often spot seals, porpoises, and occasionally dolphins or basking sharks in the waters around Tayvallich.
Question: How do I get to Tayvallich?
Answer: Tayvallich is about 30 miles south of Oban and can be accessed via car or local bus services. The nearest train station is in Oban.
Guest Comments
'Fabulous week in a fabulous house. Every detail thought of when building this house. Do not want to leave! Tayvallich Inn great. Nature reserve walk fabulous. Gigha for the day – well worth it. And go ‘downstairs’ for table tennis with a view! We’ll be back.'
'Surpassed our expectation. Weather much better than expected. Great house, great location.'
'What a beautiful home, so well thought out and a great place for a young family to stay. It has been an absolute pleasure staying here. If only all holiday rentals were this well-equipped.'
'Great week in the wonderful Samphire Cottage. Great swims at Carsaig, lovely walks in Dinna and Taynish. A perfect trip to Gigha to eat lunch at the Boathouse and visit to beautiful gardens. Excellent band at the village hall and the most fantastic scenic walk up the lost valley, just perfect!'
INDEPENDENT FEEDBACK
Guest Comments
'Fabulous week in a fabulous house. Every detail thought of when building this house. Do not want to leave! Tayvallich Inn great. Nature reserve walk fabulous. Gigha for the day – well worth it. And go ‘downstairs’ for table tennis with a view! We’ll be back.'
'Surpassed our expectation. Weather much better than expected. Great house, great location.'
'What a beautiful home, so well thought out and a great place for a young family to stay. It has been an absolute pleasure staying here. If only all holiday rentals were this well-equipped.'
'Great week in the wonderful Samphire Cottage. Great swims at Carsaig, lovely walks in Dinna and Taynish. A perfect trip to Gigha to eat lunch at the Boathouse and visit to beautiful gardens. Excellent band at the village hall and the most fantastic scenic walk up the lost valley, just perfect!'