Craig is an amazing off-grid holiday cottage set in the most incredible location. We hope that you grow to love it as much as we both do. However, it will not suit everybody and it is important that you are aware of a few points before booking.
Craig has been available for off-grid holiday lets since summer 2016 and it is very much an ongoing project to improve it. If you have any concerns or require more information, then please either email or call me (07720 889 811) for a chat. I would much rather you were sure that this is the right holiday for you, than have guests come and not enjoy themselves. However, If you consider having warm duvets on the beds, and pine martens on your window sill as essential elements for your holiday then you should have an amazing time!
Power
There isn’t any mains electricity!
Consequently, Craig benefits from a modern petrol generator which will support your power needs. With each booking, we supply approximately 20 litres of unleaded petrol, which allows you to run the generator for around one hour each evening. This enables you to:
- Use the immersion heater for hot water
- Power lighting throughout the property
- Charge your electronic devices
Additional charging.
In the living room, you’ll find a solar-powered charging station. This offers an extra convenient method for powering your devices. This season, we’ve noticed that many guests have found they don’t need to use the generator at all.
Lighting Support
We ensure your comfort by providing:
- Ample LED lights
- Replacement batteries
heating system.
The cottage features a multi-fuel stove in the sitting room, which efficiently provides heat and hot water. By strategically leaving doors open, you can distribute warmth throughout the house. For extra comfort we also provide:
- Hot water bottles for bedtime
- Very warm duvets and blankets on all beds
- Sufficient heat briquettes for the first few days of your stay
Fuel Purchasing Options
For additional heat logs during your holiday, you can:
- Buy locally at the Pink Shop in Benderloch
- Purchase from filling stations in and around Oban
- Request us to supply logs at cost price if you notify us in advance
Kitchen Equipment
The kitchen is well equipped and also benefits from:
- Full-size gas cooker featuring oven and hob
- Undercounter-sized gas fridge
Comfort Tip
Since some flooring is lino or wooden, we recommend wearing warm socks or slippers for added comfort.
water
Craig is served by a nearby stream and the water treated by a small chlorination system.
access
Thanks to the recent improvements to the track (May 2019) most vehicles should have no problems coming up the track. However, sometimes we find that the track through the quarry can be a little lumpy at times. Very low cars may not be suitable.
mobile signal
You can get signal through most networks from just outside the cottages. Texts seem to send okay, and most of the time you can make phone calls but there are odd times when the signal does get weaker. I normally find that if I go slightly further up the track then I get a better, 4G signal if needed.
internet access
As you can image, there is no wifi, but there are plenty of cafes and pubs in the Oban area with free wifi so what a good excuse to treat the family to a drink or a meal. Oban town centre also has free wifi hotspots.
emergencies
We live fairly locally and will always do our utmost to help, especially in a genuine emergency. However, we do work full time so may not be able to come out until the evening. There are details in the cottage about calling the emergency services and the location information you would need to give them. This includes what 3 words. There is a very good doctors surgery and pharmacy at Connel.
what is provided?
The cottage is very well equipped, including:
- washing up liquid, tea towels, cleaning products
- salt, pepper and basic condiments
- bed linen
- a reasonable supply briquettes and kindling for the stove
- fresh air
- led lights
Please bear in mind that we try to be as sustainable as possible, and that we have to transport in all the resources that are available at the cottage.
what should we bring with us?
Warm clothes and waterproofs are essential all year round. Wellingtons are a godsend, as are slippers. Best to bring lots of old clothes for kids so you don’t mind if they get muddy and wet while exploring around the area. The cottage is old and stone built, so may not be as warm as you are used to at home.
Other things to think about bringing include:
- charging cables for phones and cameras
- any medications you may need
- plenty of dog towels
- towels for your own use
- a sense of humour and yearning for adventure
Traffic on the track.
Although the cottage is located two miles from the nearest road in a remote area, some traffic does pass by on the track. Primarily this is due to a hydro scheme built about four miles further up at Allt Easach. While the construction is complete, there remains a possibility of occasional traffic related to this project. Additionally, The Forestry Commission will soon begin clear-felling the Sitka woodland at Barrs and Cadderlie, which is at least two miles further up the track. Consequently, we do not anticipate any disturbance from this work, aside from workers passing by the cottage in the morning and evening. Fortunately, all timber will be transported by water, and the area will be replanted with native species, which is a positive development. Otherwise, the track is primarily used by walkers, mountain bikers and fishermen especially during weekends. Despite this activity, the cottage is set back from the track, maintaining a sense of privacy.