Dun na mara

Remote, minimalist and very stylish Edwardian house with wild views, a touch of the Orient and some shaggy ginger-haired neighbours

Channelling both the spirit of the sea and the zen of the Far East, Dun na mara is an ode to relaxation. The Edwardian house was built in 1911 for the shipping magnate Andrew Weir, who wanted a house with a spot to moor his yacht. Nearly a hundred years later, this white house inspires sighs in every motorist driving through Benderloch: it's one of those houses that it's impossible to pass without wanting to live there.

The hotel is run by Suzanne and Mark, a couple who met in Hong Kong while working as architects, and their love of space and the Orient has produced a hotel with a very clear, clean, sense of style. These Eastern details encourage feelings of inner peace: buddhas, chopsticks and bowls decorate the 7 rooms, and the views of Ardmucknish Bay towards Mull are spectacular. It's ideal for a few days getting away from it all, or as a stop on a tour of the west coast of Scotland, particularly those visiting Skye, Mull and the Western Isles.

Highs

• The views. You might see porpoises, cormorants, deer and highland cows from the windows, but even if the wildlife is missing, the sea is fabulous
• The eastern detailing. Very zen, very minimalist and very contemporary
• Large bathrooms – they're the same size as bedrooms in some hotels!
• The atmosphere – it feels like a private bolthole, complete with CD, DVD and book library
• Walking down on the beach. Wonderful

Lows

• No children under 12 – though this could be a high for some!
• Limited food and no bar. They only serve breakfast, and the nearest restaurants are in Oban
• You need a car to get here and around, though you can get a taxi from Oban train station
• You’re left to your own devices, so you need to bring entertainment or plan what you want to do in advance