The Cottage Residential Music Studio: Alt-holidays for (alt-) Musicians

The marketplace can sometimes cater to extreme niche tastes. For example, it's possible to acquire your very own dinosaur bones, fried burger-scented candles, even mementos of strangers' weddings. But now, courtesy of Craig and Celene McIntyre at The Cottage Residential Music Studio, we have a product catering to those who like to play music, and go on enjoyable breaks away (yeah, weirdos. The world is full of them!).

The McIntyres have linked a refurbished self-catering stone cottage (sleeps 5-6) on the shores of Loch Fyne in Argyll with a purpose built rehearsal and recording studio. It's more affordable than you would imagine, a popular choice is the weekend break for 2 nights at £250 for up to 5 people (call in advance if there are going to be more of you to discuss with Craig).

The well-equipped facilities can be used to record and produce tracks, but it's more than just a recording session - it's a different type of getaway. Musicians can bring their friends / partners for a holiday and a jam or they can engage in full audio recording projects. The spectacular surrounds of Loch Fyne offer opportunities for fishing, hill-walking or hanging out in the hotels and restaurants in local village of Cairndow or the nearby town of Inveraray. The place is already proving popular; Acts such as the Low Miffs, Sabai, Aerials Up and Powertrip have made the trip, with many subsequently becoming repeat visitors.