Aros,
Isle of Mull.
Argyll.
PA72 6JB
Telephone:
01680 300389
Facsimile:
01680 300595
Email:
Graham@ellis389.fsnet.co.uk
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THE
SMIDDY FLAT
&
THE
COTTAGE FLAT
Click here for tariff and booking
form
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THE
SMIDDY FLAT
As
you would expect, this building was a smithy, but whether it was the one
that was built by Lachlan MacQuarie when he founded the village, then called
Jervisfield after his first wife, is open to doubt. It was in use
until after the end of World War Two and the horses came in through the
kitchen window! After several uses (a 1946 Bedford lorry used to
live about where the kitchen is) including a shop, it was converted to
its current use in 1998. The Smiddy gets early morning sun which
adds to its friendly atmosphere.
ACCOMMODATION
All the rooms
are on the ground floor and there are no steps.
The sitting/dining room has a wood block floor with rugs; there is
a studio couch that will convert into a bed if needed. Heating is
by night store heaters and coal effect stove. Colour TV & Video
(Tapes can be hired from the Spar shop in the village).
Bedroom with double bed, and a built-in wardrobe with mirrored doors
and dressing table with stool; there is also a night store heater.
Bathroom with panelled bath. WC, shower, heated towel rail, shaving cupboard
with mirror and shaving point. Kitchen, with electric oven and four
ringed hob with grill.
In addition, the following are provided: dishwasher, microwave, fridge/freezer,
toaster, and electric iron with ironing board. There is an electric
hair dryer in the bedroom. The rent includes all linen, towels etc
and electricity, but a supplementary charge will be made during the period
from mid - October to Easter.
THE
PUFFER FLAT
Once part of
the blacksmith' s house, it was the Puffer Aground Restaurant from 1975
- 1995 and converted to its present use in 1998. The restaurant had
a maritime theme and it seemed appropriate to continue with this, so it
has been retained. The sitting/dining room, partially panelled with
a beamed ceiling, contains portholes from a vessel well known in Mull and
the oil paintings of lan Orchardson, depict old friends that sailed these
waters for many years.
ACCOMMODATION
The flat is generally similar in layout and furnishings to that of
the Smiddy, except that the kitchen has a fridge and the king sized bed
converts to twins. As with the Smiddy, the flat is let with all sheets
and towels and similar arrangements apply with regard to charges for electricity
during the mid - October to April period.
FURTHER
INFORMATION
Car parking is available on site.
A cot and high chair can be loaned if required on request, prior to
your visit.
A folder of information on things to do is in each flat. If however,
you have some particular interest you require information about, please
tell us before you come, so that we can try and find out about it.
There is a coin operated phone box nearby at the Post Office, and reception
for mobile phones is getting better.
Facilities for washing and drying clothes are available.
Groceries - you don't need to bring lots of food with you, as local
shops can produce most things. If you would like any supplies of
bread, milk, butter etc put in for you in advance of your arrival, we would
be delighted to do this for you - if you would send or fax a shopping
list (01680 300595).
Well behaved dogs and cats are welcome on the strict understanding
that they are well behaved, and on condition that any damage or
misdemeanour is fully compensated by the owner before departure.
DEPOSITS
10% of the total cost of the holiday should be paid when you book; the
balance four weeks before you are due to arrive. Deposits are not
refundable, so you may like to think about Holiday Insurance. Please
make all cheques payable to 'THE PUFFER AGROUND' and send to:
The Smiddy House, Aros, Isle of Mull. Argyll. PA72 6JB.
Don't forget if you have any queries, please ask ! I look forward to
welcoming you to Mull and the flats. GRAHAM E ELLIS.
A
LITTLE ABOUT MULL & SALEN.
It has to be said
Mull is an island for the discerning, for those who enjoy its quite magnificent
scenery, the ever changing light on the hills and lochs. It seems
to be gaining increasing favour among bird watchers who have lots to see
and for those perhaps less knowledgeable but who enjoy a walk and are happy
to see what turns up. An otter maybe or seals basking on a rock.
Most of the roads are single track so travel is unhurried, and the island
is bigger than most folk think, bigger than the Isle of Man or the Isle
of Wight, and in neither location can you expect the chance of the sight
of an eagle.
The
village of Salen is more or less in the centre of the island mid-way between
Craignure and Tobermory, which means it has the great advantage of being
able to set off exploring in several different directions, without going
over the same ground twice, a fact that the legendary Edwardian Baddiley's
guide noted over 80 years ago! His guide was aimed largely at cyclists,
and of course it still applies to-day, more so perhaps as each year more
cyclists come to our Island.
Salen has a
strong Australian connection in that it was founded by General Lachlan
MacQuarie (1761-1824 ), sometimes called the Father of Australia.
He followed Captain Bligh of Bounty fame, as Governor General of New South
Wales, introducing for the first time, liberal principles in running the
Colony. He is buried not far away at Gruline, in a very impressive
mausoleum.
GETTING
HERE
Ferries to Mull
run from OBAN - CRAIGNURE (40 minutes sail) or from LOCHALINE -FISHNISH
on the Sound of Mull (15 minutes sail). Bookings from Oban can be
made by phoning Caledonian
MacBrayne on (01680) 812343 or (01631) 566688. Reservations
are not possible on the Lochaline service. Fishnish ferry is cheaper
than the Oban crossing, even though it involves a five minute ferry crossing
at Corran, and another 30 miles driving, but the scenery is well worth
it!
Salen is 11 miles from Craignure and 6 miles from Fishnish.
Click here for tariff
and booking form
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