On the shores of the Firth of Clyde, where passing ships trace slow arcs across the water and seals bask on nearby rocks, Shore House occupies the kind of waterfront position most holiday properties can only dream of. This architect-designed retreat sits just 250 yards from Kilcreggan's Victorian pier on the Rosneath Peninsula, with direct access to the shoreline from its own garden.
Kilcreggan is a peaceful village with a character all its own. A well-stocked local shop, a proper butcher, a cosy café, and the Creggans Bar are all within a few minutes' walk. The foot passenger ferry from the pier connects to Gourock in minutes, opening up the wider Clyde coast. Helensburgh is a short drive along the peninsula, and Glasgow sits within comfortable reach for a day of galleries, shopping, or dining. To the north, the Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park stretches across some of Scotland's most celebrated landscapes.
Step inside, and the open-plan living space stops you in your tracks. Floor-to-ceiling windows frame panoramic views across the water, and no matter where you settle, whether at the dining table, on the sofa, or beside the centrally placed wood burner, the Clyde is always in your sightline. The kitchen is fitted for serious cooking with an electric oven and hob, a dishwasher, a coffee machine, and generous worktop space. Underfloor heating keeps the whole house warm underfoot, even on the coldest Scottish mornings, while the wood burner transforms evenings into something properly cosy. Guests frequently mention that on clear nights, the lights twinkling across the water create a scene worth staying up for.
Both bedrooms are generous king-size doubles with comfortable beds and quality linens. Two bathrooms, one with a bath and overhead shower, the other with a walk-in cubicle and grab rail, feature powerful showers that guests consistently single out as a highlight. Thoughtful touches run throughout: ample cupboard space, heated towel rails, and a welcome hamper on arrival.
The real magic of Shore House, though, lies outside. The enclosed garden leads directly to a small private beach on the Clyde shoreline. A superb timber deck provides the perfect spot for morning coffee, evening drinks by the firepit, or simply watching the water. Guests have spotted dolphins playing just offshore, seals lounging on the rocks, and even the occasional submarine gliding past. During summer, the PS Waverley, the world's last seagoing paddle steamer, calls at Kilcreggan Pier, and a trip aboard is something truly special.
For those eager to explore, the options run deep. Loch Lomond Shores at Balloch is within easy reach of shopping, the Sea Life Aquarium, and boat cruises on the loch. Head towards Dunoon, and you enter Argyll's Secret Coast, a stretch of sparkling sea lochs, ancient forests, and romantic ruins. The Benmore Botanic Garden, with its avenue of giant redwood trees, is well worth a half-day. Cross the short ferry at Colintraive to the Isle of Bute for Mount Stuart House and the Victorian seaside charm of Rothesay. Loch Fyne and Inveraray make for a grand day out, with the famous oyster bar a proper reward at the end of the road.
Shore House is the sort of place where you plan a week of exploring and end up spending half of it on the deck, mesmerised by the ever-changing theatre of the Clyde. More than one guest has booked their return visit before checking out.
