Firstly, the location of the village of Dalavich is truly remote and unspoilt. It is 35 minutes off the nearest main road- down twisty, single track lanes. At the end of your drive, you turn off into the wooded area in which the cabins are situated. As you wind your way through the woods and other cabins, Lochside Lodge eventually comes into view and you are greeted with the spectacular image from the website.
The Lodge is perched on the shore of Loch Awe, with the water's edge only 20m away. The cabin is one of several that all have direct, private access to the water. Each property is clearly demarcated from the next, and they are about 50m apart. As such, the rear decking area (and, therefore, hot tub) is slightly overlooked from both sides. Additionally, there is a communal boat launch area to the left hand side of the property that is accessed via a gravel track alongside the cabin. With this said, during the seven days we stayed here, we only saw a handful of fishermen launch their boats and few people throwing sticks into the water for their dogs.
The view from the elevated rear deck is wonderful. We witnessed some of the most spectacular sunrises over the calmest of waters. And, of course, the same views can be taken in from the hot tub. The wood-fired hot tub was a revelation; so much so that we ordered one for our home whilst there! Easy to light, get up to temperature and maintain (you need to keep an eye on it though), it seemed so much more appropriate in this rural location than a jetted modern tub.
There was just my wife and I travelling this time, so we had plenty of space inside the Lodge. There are two good sized double rooms (one on the mezzanine level) and a bunk bed room. There are two shower rooms (one en-suite, on the mezzanine level). The kitchen is functional and equipped to good standard to cook most meals. The open plan dining/sitting area is a good size and has air conditioning for the warmer weather or a log fire for the colder months.
There are basic provisions available from the village shop, firewood from the lovely Irene (also in the village) and the main shopping town of Oban an hour away. We didn't get to try the on-site community bar/restaurant but did eat at the Kilchrenan Inn about 25 minutes back towards the main road. Very good gastropub with good ales and wines.
We will definitely look to return in the future and would recommend to anyone looking for a base in this beautiful area.