The owner is very up-front, stating that Kelpie Cottage is 'a work in progress' and one has to agree that to be the case. There is a lot of work required to finish off this charming if quirky old cottage and bring it up to scratch. While loved by the owners (understandably), it does need a little TLC. Once this has been done though, it has the potential to be an even better wee place to spend a holiday whilst on the Island. The day we arrived there had unfortunately been a mix up with the (new) cleaner and so the cottage had not been touched following the previous let. However, after a quick phone call and a coffee we returned about an hour later and everything had been sorted. We found the cottage very comfortable and ideal for touring the island, due to its central location. One can walk to the local bars/restaurants in Tarbet in just a few minutes and it's nice not having a long drive from, or to the ferry.

Sorry, but this cottage is not ready as a holiday let. Yes the owner does say the work is ongoing, but it's not up to a letting standard. There has to be one heck of a lot of work this winter if the owner hopes to put up the prices. There is no view (check google earth) The path leading to the cottage is hazardous (steep and slippy). There is not one room that has yet been completely finished. Odd things that should have been done, like the bathroom door not shutting, wiring stuffed behind the kitchen door, only one rug on the cold floors down stairs. The kitchen is equipped with old stuff from the back of the owners cupboards. The frying pan for example was small, badly scratched and dented, it swivelled round on the hob. We couldn't use the dirty oven gloves or tea towels. I could go on but needless to say we won't be back.

We stayed at Kelpie Cottage for four days at the start of July and found it to be a great location from which to explore the island.

The cottage is still undergoing renovation as per the description but we didn't find anything that lessened our enjoyment.

In particular, the two bedrooms upstairs retain original features and were comfortable and very well presented.

The kitchen is modern and well stocked and the living room is very cosy.

In terms of location, everything in Tarbert is within a 10 minute walk (even with a two year old!).

Our daughter loved the playpark in the school across the road - it was trumped only by the beach at Luskentyre!

Can't wait to go back and see the fully finished cottage!