Particularly notable are the imposing remains of the Iron Age fort at Dunadd, just outside the nearby village of Kilmartin. This served as a capital for the kings of Dalriada, and to this day bears the mark in stone of a footprint used in their coronations. In the village itself is the small but renowned Kilmartin Museum, with 'hands on' activities for children.

Moving south from here by a kilometre it is possible to jump a thousand years of history, arriving at the 18th century Crinan Canal, through which is to be had a peaceful and relaxing trip, culminating in 'serious' chocolate cake in Crinan itself, also famous for its Basin, where local fishermen land prawns, crabs and lobsters.

Closer to hand, heading out along the peninsula from Ardfern, there is the chapel at Kilmharee, with its graves of chieftains and crusading knights ; beyond this, on the way to Craignish Point, is Craignish castle where it is possible to glimpse the private garden, designed by Osgood Mackenzie.

For the more active, there are riding stables just 200m north of the house. For enquiries or bookings contact Lu and Nigel Boase directly on 01852 500 639 or 270. The stables have an all weather mange and a park which is frequently used for jumping or dressage, as well as a cross-country course. Many people, however, see riding simply as an enjoyable and natural way of exploring the beautiful countryside. The stables welcome beginners, prov ide B.H.S approved instruction, and organise regular rides by the hour or half day.

Away from dry land, the Craignish boat club in the local village of Ardfern offers children the chance to learn sailing or canoeing. Yacht chartering is available from the two busy local marinas at Ardfern and Craobh Haven as well as boat trips to the nearby islands.

For golfers, both Oban and Lochgilphead have courses. An hour away at Machrihanish is a championship course. Those after a truly extreme golfing experience can even get a morning boat to the island of Colonsay, play a round and return in the evening - that is, if they can avoid being otherwise ensnared by the pleasures of this delightful island and its tidal sister, the island of Oransay, site of the world's most beautiful oyster farm as well as a medieval monastery held by some to be one of Columba's bases before Iona.

Fishing is available in the Lunga estate's six hill lochs; in the sea, while on boat trips from Ardfern or Craobh or, with a permit, in the nearby Loch Awe. This last represents a wonderful day out. As well as offering excellent sport (the world's largest trout was caught here, and other record-breaking fish) the thirty five mile loch has a number of small islands with ruined castles, chapels and ancient graveyards, as well as the odd high-class hotel.

For those winding down from such exertions, there are a variety of places to eat and drink out. Starting within the bounds of the estate itself, Ardfern and Craobh each have their own pubs: respectively, the bustling Galley of Lorne and the justly famous Lord of the Isles, both of which also serve food. In addition to these, Craobh has a waterside caf offering breakfast, lunch and snacks; Ardfern has the transparently named Crafty Kitchen, a cafe and craft shop in one. 3km to the north, at Arduanie is the Loch M elfort Hotel with an excellent seafood restaurant as well as more modestly priced bar meals. Visitors may want to work up an appetite by taking a wal k through the Scottish National Trust owned Arduanie Garden, with its delig htful woodland and water gardens and spectacular collection of azaleas and rhododendrons.

Perhaps, though, the greatest attraction of our gentle wilderness is simply the chance to relax, to take life slowly in an atmosphere of profound calm. The weather is mild, even in winter, and guests at Lunga (and their pets ) are free to wander as they please through the woods and over the hills. The short walk down to the sea takes you to a sandy, pebbly bay, where moor ing is offered for boats of up to thirty-five feet. Beyond this, the coast line is completely wild for ten miles.

Staying at Lunga

Within the house itself, there are four self contained, self-catering flats : Stewart, Spencer, Tower and, taking its name from the house parties of the 1920s, the Bachelor wing. All are spacious, with large living rooms, well-equipped kitchens and magnificent views. There are also two en-suite guest rooms, Argyll and Locheil. The great hall serves as a communal sitting room with maps, books and magazines. The drawing room has a small stage, a Bluthner baby grand piano, ping-pong, pool, foosball, puffball and curious collection of old games. The panelled morning room is a sitting room for bed and breakfast guests, where a fire is lit most mornings and evenings an d dinner is served to small parties. For larger parties - up to thirty can be seated comfortably - the dining room is used. We have a reputation for our sumptuous meals, and specialise in large roasts of beef and local lamb , whole poached salmon, venison and game.

Just outside the house, the old Coachman's cottage has been converted for s elf-catering holidaymakers, and opposite it, in the Old Stable's Courtyard are two studio bedrooms, Crawford and Lovat, let as B&B and each with their own bathrooms and mini kitchens. One has a tiny stairway leading up to a child's bedroom. A little further out from the house and a stone's throw f rom each other are two more cottages, Dail and Fillan's : pleasant, stone-b uilt cottages each with large living room, three bedrooms and open-plan kit chen.

In season, both cottages and flats are let mostly by the week, generally from Saturday to Saturday. Other arrangements are possible, but we prefer not to let a cottage or flat self catering for less than three days. We provide good quality feather duvets and pillows, which can be replaced with non-allergenic alternatives at no extra cost, if ordered in advance. We provide freshly laudered duvet covers. We can provide sheets and blankets, or (if ordered in advance) a full linen service with beds made up ready for you r arrival, but for these we make a small additional charge. (See your tari ff for details).

Electricity is charged for by means of coin meters in the cottages and credit meters in the flats. House and water heating can be done using either main or off-peak electricity, and to help guests take advantage of this, each property has two meters. All the self-catering properties have open fires. Guests are provided with coal and fire lighters on arrival. Those who use them are charged at the discounted rate of 5, and may collect further wheelbarrows of coal and logs from the fuel store at the rate listed on t heir tariffs. Alternatively, wood may be collected free of charge from the forests of the estate. Each property is provided with its own axe, and further axes and saws are available on request.

All the properties have telephones, extensions of the house exchange. Calls between these extensions are free. Calls outside, which can be made by placing a '9' before the number dialled, are at BT standard rate.