Press Reviews

Scotland on Sunday - Weekend Pass
23rd October 2005

KATY TURNER

WHEN you think of seaside hotels, moth-eaten candlewick bedspreads and ferocious landladies usually come to mind. Abbot's Brae couldn't be further from this image. Gavin and Helen Dick bought over the hotel nine years ago and have created a modern oasis in the heart of traditional bus-tour hotels.

Originally built for a wealthy Glasgow glass merchant, the house sits in its own established woodland garden, high on a hill overlooking the West Bay. There are only eight bedrooms here, so every guest can expect personal attention.

Getting there
Follow the A8 to Greenock and then take the Caledonian MacBrayne ferry to Dunoon. Once off the ferry, turn left and the well-signposted Abbot's Brae is about a mile along the bay.

Eating in
Gavin does all the cooking himself and believes passionately in using local produce. As a consequence, his menu is seasonal and reflects the best the area has to offer. His local wild venison pâté was one of the best I've ever tasted. It seemed doubtful that the rest of the meal could possibly live up to such an opener, but we shouldn't have worried. Our slow-cooked lamb shanks and steamed fillet of cod more than fulfilled the promise. Gavin is generous with his portions and I'm afraid I'm unable to tell you about his puddings, as there was no way I could fit one in - but the home-made tablet with the coffee was mouth-watering.

Room service
All the rooms are individually designed and named after local areas, with each having photographs relating to its place-name and the history of the area. We spent one night in the Kilmun (which has a beautiful view out over the garden) and one in the Benmore (which is a sea-facing room with a luxurious four-poster and a breathtaking view of the bay).

Plus
Even though this was the first time we had visited Abbot's Brae, we were greeted by name, like old friends - as was everyone else we saw checking in. Gavin and Helen have created a truly friendly hotel. The staff are chatty, helpful and keen to offer suggestions on local pubs, restaurants and other attractions.

Minus
This may sound selfish, but the only minus for us is that we have to actually tell anyone that Abbot's Brae exists. The Dicks have retained the house's original charm, making it a true retreat and it should be one of our best-kept secrets. (If this doesn't cut it - and I doubt that it will - I should point out that the incredibly steep drive can be a bit off-putting for the inexperienced driver.)

Location, location, location
Set on a hill, at the top of a steep drive, you can enjoy the spectacular view of the bay or concentrate on the tranquillity of the garden - where the only disturbance is likely to be from deer or squirrels. If you can drag yourself away from the hotel, Dunoon's centre is only a ten-minute walk away. The Cowal Peninsula is full of attractions - from the ancient home of the Lamonts, at Castle Toward, to the annual Cowal Games, in August - there is something for everyone to enjoy. The Botanic Gardens are a particular delight - helped along by the marvellous café, also run by Gavin and Helen.

What's the damage?
A garden room is available from £40 a night, while a sea-facing room starts at £50 a night for bed and breakfast. A three-course dinner, with coffee and hand-made tablet, is £23. There is a Romantic Break package, which covers two nights' dinner, bed and breakfast, with chocolates and a chilled bottle of champagne in your room on arrival, and costs from £219 per couple.

http://scotlandonsunday.scotsman.com/spectrum.cfm?id=2119512005