Furnace, by Inveraray, Argyll
Self catering hillside farmhouse located between the picturesque town of Inveraray and the village of Furnace, near to the ancient township of Auchindrain. The farmhouse provides an ideal location for walking, riding, exploring and bird watching or just for a relaxing holiday.
Location
North Craleckan farmhouse is set in the beautiful Argyll countryside located just off the A83 about six miles south of the popular town of Inveraray. It is about one and a half hours drive from Glasgow. A location map can be found here.
Tour of North Craleckan
The farmhouse is about 100 years old. It is a traditional Scottish one and a half stories high construction of local pink granite with a grey slate roof. The internal areas have recently been extensively refurbished to reflect a modern Scottish farmhouse. North Craleckan was once a working sheep farm of 357 acres set on the hillside of Dun Leicann. It is now set in half an acre of its own grounds surrounded by the original 357 acres that remains undeveloped. The farmhouse provides charming and comfortable accommodation for four people with unspoilt views of the Argyll countryside.
 The first floor accommodation comprises two large bedrooms. One bedroom has a king sized iron bedstead and the other bedroom has twin iron bedsteads (each 3’-0” wide). Each bedroom has a wardrobe and chest of drawers.
 The bathroom is also located on the first floor complete with large bath, WC, wash hand basin and electric shaver point. A comfortable travelling cot is provided for a young child together with a high chair. Bed-linen can be provided for the adult beds for an additional charge. Duvets are supplied for the adult beds.
 The ground floor accommodation comprises a large kitchen with a farmhouse dining table, an airy living room, utility room, separate WC, front entrance hall and a rear ‘boot’ lobby.
 The kitchen is well equipped with an electric Belling cooker with ceramic hob, oven/grill and main oven, a microwave cooker, electric kettle, electric toaster, filter coffee machine, vegetable steamer and a fridge freezer. There is a range of kitchen utensils, pots, pans, cutlery and crockery. The utility room is equipped with an automatic washing machine, tumble dryer, ironing board and iron.
The farmhouse is heated throughout with thermostatically controlled electric storage radiators in the rooms and two mobile heaters for additional heat. Hot water is by electric immersion heater.
Plan of the farmhouse
North Craleckan Grounds
The farmhouse is set in half an acre of hillside grounds partly laid to lawn and partly rough grassland. The grounds are open fenced and children should be supervised at all times. A private vehicular track leads to the farmhouse from the A83 and there is adequate parking and turning space for two cars.
Plenty of wild life can be seen from the farmhouse including red deer, buzzards and the occasional hen harrier. Wild bird food is available in the farmhouse for guests to replenish the feeders in front of the farmhouse. The local small bird population provides much entertainment throughout the day.
The local area
 There is much to do and see within a short distance of North Craleckan. Argyll is a beautiful part of Scotland unspoilt by major development. The Leicann millennium walk (about six miles and mostly flat) circles the Leicann valley and includes a spectacular waterfall in a gorge hidden by native hardwood trees opposite North Craleckan. The ancient township development of Auchindrain is about 1 mile from North Craleckan. Pony trekking and horse riding is available at Dalchenna farm (Argyll riding Centre) near Inveraray and at Ardfern. There are golf courses at Dalmally, Inveraray, Taynuilt, Lochgilphead (9 holes) and at Oban (18 holes).
Boat trips are available for cruising, wildlife watching and sea fishing from Gemini Cruises at Crinnan, Seafari Adventures at Easedale Island and Loch Etive Cruises at Bonawe.
 The popular town of Inveraray is about six miles from North Craleckan. It was the first planned Scottish town. The town has ample parking and shops and restaurants are within easy walking distance. Attractions include the Arctic Penguin moored alongside the pier, Inveraray Castle and Inveraray jail. Inveraray has its own tourist information centre and is the gateway to Oban, Fort William and Glencoe. From Oban, ferries transport you to the islands of Mull, Iona, Colonsay and Coll. The Loch Fyne hotel in Inveraray has a private swimming pool that is open to the public.
The village of Furnace lies less than two miles south of the farmhouse. The village has a pub that serves good ale and bar food in the summer season. There is a village shop and post office and a public telephone.
There are a number of woodland walks in the forest of Argyll and more strenuous walks on the hills. The Arrochar Alps are a short drive from North Craleckan and there are a number of other Munroes and Corbetts nearby.
The county town of Lochgilphead is about 17 miles south of the farmhouse. The local swimming pool is open to the public. The town has a number of shops and restaurants, including a food supermarket suitable for a major shop. Lochgilphead is at the head of Loch Gilp and numerous species of duck and other waders can be seen at low tide.
A few miles beyond Lochgilphead is the historic Kilmartin Glen that sports visible traces of human habitation dating back over 5000 years. There are a number of historic sites to visit. Further south is the peninsular of Kintyre and the ferries to the islands of Islay, Jura, Gigha and Arran. There are three whiskey distilleries on Islay open to the public.
Other local places to visit: Cruachan underground power station, Loch Fyne Oysters (superb fish restaurant on the shores of Loch Fyne) Ardkinglass Woodland Garden, Arduaine Garden, Crarae garden, Kilmory Woodland park, Tarbert harbour and castle, Crinan canal and the Sealife Sanctuary near Oban.
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