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Failte Kyles of Bute
Colintraive, Argyll and Bute
Sleeps: 8
First letting through The Travel Chapter: 2016
Duncan and Anne are long-term residents of Switzerland but are of British and Irish heritage. They spend a lot of time in the great outdoors, and Duncan is particularly passionate about sailing. That, and his connection to Scotland via his grandparents, was behind the couple’s decision to buy a property in Argyll and Bute.
It’s easy to understand why the location of Failte, in the picturesque coastal village of Colintraive, appealed so strongly to the couple. The house is situated on the shores of the eastern Kyle of Bute - a sheltered waterway that, with its western sister, separates the Isle of Bute from Argyll. The area’s sailing grounds are world-renowned and Failte has its own shoreline with a private mooring. There are stunning views over the Kyles, the Isle of Bute and the Cowal Peninsula and as well as sailing, guests enjoy mountain biking, hiking and fishing in the nearby mountains, forests and lochs.
“The property’s position is fairly unique, with direct and private access to the shoreline of the eastern Kyle of Bute - an Area of Outstanding Beauty and tranquillity. We fell in love with the house and the setting.”
The couple didn’t initially set out to own a holiday property. But until they are able to spend more time in the house in the future, Duncan says, “letting the property has been a good way to cover running costs and, potentially, finance more improvements over time.”
They spent two years re-configuring and renovating Failte before letting the property through The Travel Chapter in the summer of 2016.
While the region’s natural beauty is undoubtedly the biggest draw – Anne describes the combination of sea and mountains, light and shade as “spellbinding” - they feel that it is the “combination of the setting and the efforts we have made by investing in the property and giving a good visual impression that are the main selling points.”
Whilst there are many upsides, one potential challenge to owning a holiday let in the Highlands is that the season could be somewhat shorter than elsewhere. Anne acknowledges that in the winter, "the factors of short days and inclement weather are not easily overcome.” Most bookings at the moment fall between March and the end of October, with the addition of good demand at Christmas and Hogmanay. However, there are things that can be done to boost the out-of-season appeal. In addition to a very effective central heating, they have installed two wood burning stoves and plenty of logs to make the place cosy. That is much appreciated, particularly by guests from the cities.
“We work hard to ensure the house is warm and comfortable for winter guests.”
Anne and Duncan also believe that small touches can make a big difference to guests’ enjoyment. So they commissioned a customised Ordnance Survey map, with Failte positioned in the centre. This gives visitors a good overview of the surroundings, allowing all members of the party to participate in planning day trips. They also provide binoculars for guests to help them spot some of the region’s abundant wildlife, together with a whiteboard and coloured pens to encourage visitors to record their sightings. “They have participated with great enthusiasm and we have no doubt that it’s added to their overall enjoyment, ” says Anne.
The couple enjoy the feedback they have received for, “the very special atmosphere that Failte gives all her visitors”, and say it is particularly satisfying to know that their efforts have contributed towards a memorable holiday for their guests. There are tangible benefits too in the form of a good number of return visitors who clearly appreciate what the house has to offer.
There are challenges, of course, primarily the distance when things go wrong and a scarcity of reliable tradesmen. They recommend finding a, “dynamic and client-oriented caretaker,” and say that they have been blessed in finding someone who has very actively engaged in the project from the outset.
Their other key recommendation is to invest at the outset in fixtures and fittings that can withstand greater wear and tear than would be experienced in a normal home. When things do get broken, as they inevitably will, have a secure place where items are accessible to a caretaker who might need to replace broken crockery or glasses.
“A property that is well-maintained, clean and tidy will be treated with more respect. If wear and tear is allowed to escalate, your guests will take less care themselves.”
Overall, though, the couple have been pleasantly surprised with the degree of respect that visitors have shown to the property.
Anne and Duncan have found working with The Travel Chapter to be a very positive experience. They describe their points of contact as being, “hands-on and enthusiastic from the outset,” and that was a significant factor in deciding to place Failte with the company. Most important has been the consistently high level of bookings, together with an operations team that Duncan describes as, ”efficient and always contactable.”
“The annual weekly rate reviews are thorough, ensuring that we have secured meaningful increases in rental income without discouraging guests.”
What does the future hold? Quite simply, over the next five years, the couple are looking forward to reaping the benefits of the energy and funds they have put into the property since they acquired it.