FOR a romantic or get-away-from-it-all break, the setting of the Taychreggan Hotel in Argyll is truly awesome.
A 35-minute drive from Oban and nestling in its own 40-acres of garden and woodland right on the shoreline of Loch Awe, the upmarket four-star hotel oozes class and comfort, while maintaining a relaxed atmosphere.
Unfortunately we had to peer pretty intensely through sheets of heavy rain on our arrival to take in the wonderful view over the loch, but a dry spell the following morning revealed its true, tranquil splendour.
That tranquility makes it easy to understand why the Taychreggan - originally a humble drovers' inn - has been awarded an AA "Romantic Hotel" accolade.
The entrance area and orangery are bright and airy - a nice touch being the various sized wellies lined up for guests in preparation for the unpredictable West Highland weather.
The well-stocked bar and drawing room are cosy and more traditional and there is also a snooker room with full-size table.
A range of 18 comfortable, traditional and individually furnished rooms are on offer with various bed sizes from double to super king-size and views, some of the loch and others of the woodland.
The best loch views are from the first floor junior suites, which have a sitting area and large beds.
Our room for the weekend was the extremely spacious and airy master suite, which had a partial view of the loch. A comfortable lounge area contained a couch, armchair and table with a wall-mounted flatscreen TV for entertainment.
In the adjoining large sleeping area was a striking four-poster double bed - although light or restless sleepers should beware as it was rather creaky.
A large whirlpool bath for two was the centrepiece of the spacious and bright ensuite bathroom, and the only criticism would be a few raised or cracked floor tiles.
Nice touches included a small decanter of sherry to welcome you as well as fluffy robes to lounge in. Tea, coffee and biscuits were provided and housekeeping staff also carry out a turn-down service in the rooms while guests are at dinner.
Staff in all areas of the hotel were friendly and efficient, without being intrusive and the relaxed atmosphere of the drawing room allowed guests to get to know each other after dinner over coffee and a drink.
The hotel is experimenting for the first time this year with remaining open over Christmas with a special festive weekend package if there is sufficient interest - and for those seeking peace and quiet mixed with fine dining, it is certainly an option well worth considering.
The food served at the Taychreggan Hotel is superb and deserving of the two AA rosettes award it holds.
The dining-room, bright and airy with fine views in the morning for an ample breakfast choice, looks somewhat austere an in the evening in the dark winter months. That is is mainly down to the spartan decor, but the dishes served more than make up for the lack of atmosphere.
A five-course dinner costs £45 a head - and the quality of the fareand its presentation is first class.
The seared Oban scallops starter on our first night were cooked to melt-in-the mouth perfection and delightfully accompanied by while chocolate, caviar and beetroot.
The main course of Argyll pork fillet was also delicious with its well-matched accompanying mini-pork pie, black pudding, cabbage, cervil root and apple.
With banana panacotta and an iced redcurrant parfait with ice cream and honey cake to follow, that was going to be a hard act to follow.
But it was trumped by the following evening's menu.
Duck breast followed by a seafood plate of poached west coast lobster, quail's egg, caviar, chicken liver parfait and truffle raised the bar.
A main course of Argyll lamb, rump, belly and sweetbreads with Scottish kale, haricot beans and artichoke soared over it.
And waiting was a mouthwatering choice of dessert of rich chocolate brownie or gingerbread pannacotta with caramelised banana.
Coffee and a drink in the drawing room completes a chilled-out evening in the knowledge a quiet and cosy room bedroom awaits.
Location, location, location...
This part of Argyll boasts magnificent scenery and there are spectacular views from several roads around Taychreggan.
Inspiring views for very little effort can be found on the Forestry Commission trails a 20-minute drive away at Dalavich where marked walks vary from 45 minutes to two-and-half hours and skirt the shore of Loch Avich and thundering Avich Falls.
For the more adventurous there are several Munros a short drive away, with the nearest being Ben Cruachan. The mountain is home to the underground world of electricity generation with an interesting visitor centre run by Scottish Power which is a good all-weather attraction.
Guided tours take visitors through the tunnels into the heart of the hill and the power station's massive generators powered by the water from beautiful Loch Awe.
FACTFILE
Taychreggan Hotel, Argyll
Location - Kilchrenan, by Taynuilt in Argyll, two-and-a-half hours from Inverness.
18 ensuite traditionally furnished rooms.
Prices (November to March) range from £59 per person per night including breakfast for a standard room; £88pp for a junior suite with loch views; and £102pp for the master suite. Various breaks packages are also available.
A five-course table d'hote dinner in the 2 AA rosette restaurant is £45pp.
For details, call 01866 833211 or visit www.taychregganhotel.co.uk
