Doune Cottage, Garelochhead, Argyll and Bute

Set high on a wooded hillside above the shimmering Gare Loch, Doune Cottage is a beautifully conceived, Scandinavian-inspired longhouse crafted almost entirely from timber. Designed and built by its engineer, this three-bed house combines exposed structure, warm materials and thoughtfully framed views to create a serene retreat with a contemporary alpine sensibility. Larch cladding, a crinkly metal roof and a refined, hand-finished interior lend the building a quiet, natural presence anchored in the mountainous landscape.



The Tour



Inside, a dramatic open-plan volume forms the heart of the house. Rising to the roofline, the 60 sq m dining and living space is structured by the visible cross laminated timber frame, gently delineating areas for cooking, gathering and relaxing. A step down demarcates the cosy sunken living area, while the northern wall is lined with crafted storage and shelving.



The kitchen is anchored by oak block worktops, hued cabinetry and a central island with a Schott downdraft hob, giving the space a fashioned and practical character. A reclaimed-brick terrace with uninterrupted southern views of the water and surrounding mountains lies adjacent, perfectly positioned for barbecues and firepit gatherings.



Along the corridor lies a handy entrance hall with generous space for coats and boots, along with the ground-floor shower room featuring black-accented fittings and white hexagonal mosaic tiles with black grout.



Three bedrooms are arranged across the two floors. Two ground-floor rooms have leafy outlooks, one with a beautifully finished en suite of white vertical tiles and red clay flooring. Above, a generous mezzanine, lit by large rooflights, acts as an additional work or yoga space, while a cosy cinema room provides a dedicated retreat.



The main suite occupies the upper eastern end, pine-clad with extensive built-in storage and a bathroom with a deep soaking tub and sublime views into the treetops.



Outdoor Space



Outside, the sloping plot has been shaped with sustainability in mind, using gabion retaining walls and naturalistic planting of heathers, ferns and young broadleaf trees. Layered paths weave through the terraces, leading to the expansive brick patio with a fire pit oriented directly towards the sweeping loch and mountain panorama.



A small, unfinished studio ready to be connected to the power supply offers future potential as a workspace or garden room.



There is also plenty of space for parking on the approach.



The Area



The hamlet of Garelochhead lies on the doorstep, with the local SPAR providing for everyday needs. Nearby Helensburgh offers further amenities and architectural interest, including Mackintosh’s celebrated Hill House, while The Perch Café and The Rhu Inn are much-loved local food spots.



The immediate area is rich in woodland trails, hillside walks and water-based activities, with Loch Lomond just 20 minutes away and Glen Coe an easy hour’s drive north.



Despite its rural calm, Doune Cottage offers excellent connectivity: Glasgow is around 45 minutes by road, and Edinburgh, via the central belt, can typically be reached in under two hours, making the house a rare combination of seclusion and accessibility.



Garelochhead lies on the famed West Highland Line, with trains running through dramatic Highland scenery and quick, direct links to Glasgow, placing the city’s galleries, restaurants and international airport comfortably within reach.



Council Tax Band: F