NEW FOR SUMMER 2023 - Cairnbaan House is an inviting renovated holiday home full of history, character and charm, set in a superb location overlooking the Crinan Canal in the peaceful village of Cairnbaan. This traditional stone cottage has a charm of it’s own, originally built in the 1800's.

The area is steeped in history and surrounded by beautiful scenery, with access to the Crinan Canal, that meanders through stunning scenery, a wonderful waterway waiting to be explored. Enjoy leisurely walks along the banks of historic Crinan Canal. An ideal holiday base for families or couples looking to explore the West Coast of Argyll, Scotland.

Filled with quality furnishings and a Scottish flair throughout. Soak up the atmosphere of the open living and dining area that creates the heart of the home.  After a day of exploring settle in and enjoy this wonderful space featuring it's original interior features with a glass of wine, or cosy up and gaze through the windows to enjoy the ever-changing canal views. The window ledges have cushions to cosy up and watch the sail boats pass by.

The kitchen is well-equipped with fridge freezer, dishwasher, electric oven and hob, microwave, Nespresso coffee machine. From the kitchen there is a small sun room lobby, ideal for a quiet reading space.

There is a washing machine for the convenience of longer stays.

There are two well appointed double bedrooms with cushioned window ledges to soak up te views. One double room can be converted to a twin bed. Please request at time of booking.

Bedroom 1: King bed or Twin conversion, wardrobe , canal views
Bedroom 2: Double bed, wardrobe, canal views

The family bathroom features a vanity, walk-in shower and toilet.

Oil heating and electricity is included.

Bed linen and towels included.

Your front door opens up to the outdoor paved terrace with views overlooking the Crinan Canal. The perfect location for morning coffees, afternoon ice-cold G&Ts, or a cold beer while taking in the scenes and watching the sail boats pass through the canal. A perfect spot to catch the afternoon sunshine.

Guests have access to nine miles of canal pathways suitable for leisure walking, running and cycling. This historic area includes a magical network of paths, lock gates, towpaths and shoreline to wonder around including the famous Crinan walk taking visitors to the heart of Knapdale forest before reaching a high point at Castle Dounie.

Nestled on the famous Crinan Canal Cairnbaan House is a short drive of 2.5 miles to Lochgilphead where you will find local welcoming pubs, shops and cafes..

Nearby visit Kilmartin village, rich in archaeological and historical remains of Neolithic and early Bronze Age monuments. Visit standing stones, burial cairns, castles and famous gardens. Visit the bustling town of Oban, seafood capital of the west coast, just 30 miles north.

Explore further afield and experience the Mull of Kintyre and Islay and take the passenger ferry from Tayvallich to the island of Jura (summer only) and sail from Oban to Mull and Iona.

For anyone interested in the understanding the early history of Scotland, a visit to the Mid Argyll is a must. Steeped in history and surrounded by beautiful scenery, Cairnbaan is the ideal holiday base for exploring the West Coast of Argyll.

One well behaved dog is welcome GBP 20.00 per stay. No enclosed garden. Please pre-book.

Car parking is next to the property.

Strictly no smoking allowed. No parties or events.

Smoke alarm, Carbon Monoxide Detector, Fire extinguisher, Fire blanket.

Use of cleaning chemicals that are effective against Covid, Linens, towels and laundry washed in accordance with local authority guidelines, Guest accommodation is disinfected between stays.


History of Cairnbaan House: Cairnbaan House situated at Lock 8 of the Crinan Canal functioned as a General Store for over 100 years. Prior to the building of the store, in the late 19th Century, there had always been a shop at Lock 8 from the early days of the construction of the Crinan Canal. Known as Cairnbaan Store it remained a functioning shop up until the beginning of the 21st Century when it was then converted into a house taking up the name Cairnbaan House. First owned by Neil Smith, Great Uncle of the current owners, the Ross family have preserved the building’s history, by retaining its original features. Stepping through the door is like stepping back in time.

The construction of the Crinan Canal was authorised by an Act of Parliament in May 1793. Building of the Canal which runs from Ardrishaig to Crinan began in 1794 and was completed in August of 1809. The idea behind the project was to enable trading vessels from the Clyde and the West Highlands to avoid the circuitous passage round the Mull of Kintyre. The Crinan Canal has been nicknamed ‘Scotland most beautiful shortcut.’

Cairnbaan Store sold nearly everything, quite literally from aneedle to an anchor, and you could buy tickets for passage to America on the boat ‘The California’ pictured in the frame in the living room. The California was sunk by German U-boats in 1917 on her return journey from New York to Scotland. The store also had two petrol pumps which were located on the other side of the canal where the bus stop is today. Cars had to sound their horn for service and you can see the original sign in the kitchen today above the sink.

Cairnbaan and Mid-Argyll are a magical place to stay and explore.

LICENCE NUMBER: AR00119F EPC: F