From the moment you catch your first glimpse of Ben Lomond rising across the still waters, you know The Old Farmhouse is somewhere extraordinary. This eco-friendly retreat occupies a prime position on the private shores of Loch Lomond, offering what guests describe as one of the finest views from any self-catering property in Scotland.
The farmhouse sits on a secluded working farm at Portnellan, where the O'Neill family have created a sanctuary that blends comfort with authentic Highland hospitality. Every room except the bathrooms frames that magnificent loch panorama, whether you are waking in one of the super-king bedrooms, cooking at the kitchen table, or curling up by the wood burner in the sitting room.
Ground-floor living makes this farmhouse particularly welcoming for families or those with limited mobility. The entrance porch keeps muddy boots contained after loch-side adventures, while the kitchen beckons with a professional Rangemaster cooker featuring five induction hobs and twin ovens. A Nespresso machine provides that essential morning caffeine, and guests consistently praise how thoughtfully equipped the space is.
The sitting room centres on a wood burning stove that, combined with underfloor heating from the farm's own biomass boiler, keeps the farmhouse wonderfully warm even when snow dusts the Highland peaks outside. Upstairs, two additional super-king bedrooms share a bathroom complete with a Jacuzzi tub and separate shower, while deep windowsills offer perfect perches for watching the ever-changing loch.
Step outside onto the front deck, and Loch Lomond stretches before you. Ospreys nest nearby in summer, providing spectacular entertainment as they fish the waters in front of the house. Deer, badgers, pine martens and red squirrels are regular visitors. For something more adventurous, the farm offers speedboat tours from the private pier. Hire kayaks or paddleboards to explore the loch yourself, arrange a champagne cruise, or take a picnic to one of the islands.
The welcome here is legendary. Guests arrive to find homemade brown bread still warm from the oven, Scotch pancakes, local jam, and Scottish treats. Ask about the farm's organic beef, reared right here on the hillside above you, and available to purchase for a memorable roast dinner. You may even be treated to an impromptu bagpipe performance as the sun sets over the loch.
Balloch sits just minutes away, where Loch Lomond Shores offers shopping, dining and the Sea Life Centre. The train from nearby Balloch connects to Glasgow for day trips, and the scenic West Highland Line from Glasgow to Fort William and Mallaig is one of the world's most celebrated railway journeys. Whisky lovers can tour Glengoyne or Auchentoshan distilleries, both within twenty miles. Glasgow is an easy day trip, while Stirling Castle and the Trossachs open up endless possibilities for exploration.
Yet most guests find themselves drawn back to that deck, coffee in hand, watching the light play across Britain's largest loch. Sometimes the greatest adventures are found in simply being still.
