Classic Sea View Apt | Bute | 2 BD

Bute is a hidden gem on Scotland's western coast. You could say it is a miniature Scotland (15km long and 6.5km wide). This apartment is in an ideal location (Rothesay) to best enjoy all that this magical island has to offer. I bought this property in June 2015 and have loved spending time here renovating the apartment to its current condition. It's a Victorian building situated directly on the seafront, next to Rothesay harbour. The apartment is on the fourth (top) floor, but believe me the reward is the world-class sea view! (however I'd advise you to consider this factor if you think the stairs might be a problem for you). The apartment itself feels warm and cosy with plenty of space for up to four adults. The apartment boasts two double bedrooms located at either end of the hallway from each other, offering maximum privacy. The living room area offers a comfortable area to relax, watch television or catch up on the day's escapades around the island. The apartment has gas central heating throughout, easily controlled via an iPhone app (iPhone supplied). The kitchen offers full cooking facilities along with a nespresso coffee machine. There is an island in the kitchen that you can sit at to keep the nominated chef in your party company! Superfast Fibre Broadband is available along with an HD television and Apple TV, offering Netflix and other movies apps. An airplay enabled speaker in the living room allows you to play any music you wish via your own devices or via the iPhone or iPad that are available for your convenience. The apartment is located about a five minute walk (if that) from the ferry terminal, so it is possible to arrive via the ferry as a foot passenger. If you'd rather bring your car there is plenty of free parking just in front of the apartment building. You will be able to enjoy full access to this entire apartment. I live in Edinburgh so our contact will be over the phone or via the app, however I have a team of people on the island who help me with guest hand-overs, so help is never far away. :) For a small island, the scenery found on Bute is unusually varied with soft rolling hills, craggy heather-covered moorland, spectacular beaches and ancient woodlands. All this is surrounded by the clearest waters and glorious views of Arran Mountains, the Cowal Hills and the majestic sweep of the Clyde Estuary. Bute is also on the Gulf Stream, which means it enjoys a warm microclimate. Don't be surprised at the sight of palm trees gracing the gardens on the island. Two other things that have always kept me going back to Bute is the chance to be close to nature - wildlife abounds in Bute and I have often woken up to see deer in the garden or almost bumped into one while out walking. Seals are one of my favourite animals and I never miss a chance to go to Scalpsie Bay or Ascog to look at them up close. The other thing that draws me back is the people. It's a friendly place with a strong sense of community. You don't feel the gap between locals and visitors like you do in many other holiday destinations. You might be a visitor, but you never feel like a tourist. Literally a stone's throw away from the ferry port, this apartment couldn't be more central to Rothesay. It can be enjoyed by guests arriving on foot or if you'd prefer to bring your car, there is free parking space at the front of the building. There is an excellent bus service around the island (the open bus tour is particularly good) and there are timetables available for you in the apartment. Things to remember: Your flask, for a cup of tea as you take in the vista. Bute is often called the undiscovered Isle, which is ironic as it is the most accessible of Scotland's islands. It is only a 40 minute drive from Glasgow Airport (or 50 mins on the train from Glasgow Central) to the ferry terminal at Weymss Bay and the ferry ride takes another 35 minutes. While crossings to Bute are now on modern car ferries, you can still experience the magic of 'The Waverley', the world's last sea-going paddle steamer. It's a beautiful ship - all gleaming brass and polished wood. It still sails regularly to Bute and at ports around the British coast for day, afternoon or evening excursions. (Seasonal)