House Rules
Outside
The Garden
You are welcome to use the garden. If you are interested there is a wide variety interesting plants in the garden. If you look up to the forest edge you will see at least twelve different varieties of tree.
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Patio table and chairs
There is a wooden table and chairs outside the entrance of the cottage. If they are not out they will be in the garage. There are seat cushions for the chairs in the garage. If it rains, please put the cushions back in the garage.
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Upper garden
There are several seating areas up behind HollyTrees. One up under the edge of the Forest, one around the summer house and a picnic area just below. If you are eating in the picnic area please make sure you clear the area of food and do not use the BBQ in this area. This is a semi wild area so please keep it free of rubbish because it is frequented by deer. Please note that the steps up to the upper garden are rough with no guard-rail and care needs to be taken.
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BBQ
There two small charcoal BBQs in the garage. You are welcome to use them, but please only use them on the hard standing or patio. Please do not take them up the hillside, for safety reasons.
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Garage
The garage doors will be left unlocked for access to the table, chairs cushions and BBQs. There is an interior door which will remain locked. If you are bringing bikes and want to lock them in the garage when you are not riding, please do so. The key is hanging on a hook in the kitchen next to the door to the sitting room..
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Wildlife
Deer are frequent visitors to the garden around HollyTrees. You also have a good chance of seeing rare red squirrels. There are otters in the river. The Holy Loch is a freshwater and seabird sanctuary. Dolphins are regularly seen off Dunoon in the summer months. If you are eagle-eyed you may also see some major birds of prey.
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Midges and ticks
Western Scotland and the Highlands are notorious for midges. There is not much you can do about them if they are around. They don’t like the wind. There are some citronella candles in the kitchen cupboard and insect repellent, if you are eating out. This is an area for deer ticks, particularly down by the river. It is important that you check yourself for ticks if you have been out in the long grass or bracken and make sure you remove them quickly. If you don’t do this you need to be careful about how they are removed.
Heating and Hot water
Please be mindful of energy usage. The heating is preset to come on twice a day, early morning and evening. It can be overridden if necessary, but please do not leave it on this setting. The boiler is a combi boiler and hot water is produced when a hot tap is turned on. The family bathroom has an electric shower, the red switch outside the bathroom needs to be switched on before showering.
Shopping
There is a Premier mini-market at the Jet garage on junction of the main road and Shore Road. This is well stocked for the basics and more. You will have passed it on the way to HollyTrees. There is a short cut over the little Iron bridge about 200 yards from HollyTrees and through the holiday village. For more substantial shopping, the Morrisons supermarket in the centre of Dunoon has pretty much everything. If you need any hardware, Walker’s (also with a cafe) is on the main road into Dunoon.
Bus Routes
The 489 bus service runs between Dunoon and Argentinny, passing right in front of HollyTrees.
Ferries
There are two ways to get “across the water”. The A83 takes you around Arrochar and Loch Lomond to Glasgow. The preferred way is by Western Ferries. The route runs from Gourock to Hunters Quay (Dunoon). The service is regular and reliable except in the most severe weather. The voyage takes about 15 minutes and there several sailings per hour. The timetable is available on-line. You can purchase tickets in advance or on board.
Wet Weather and Boots
Please use the boot trays by the front door for your wet shoes and boots. It would be appreciated if you did not wear outdoor shoes in the rest of the house.