No. 20 is billed as the glamorous, new, chintz-free face of bed and breakfast – and we have to agree that it’s a pretty fitting description!
Its owners, Catriona and Tobby Kane, have brought together all the ingredients for a truly unique boutique B&B experience, from super comfortable bedrooms where you’re guaranteed a great night’s sleep, to delicious, freshly prepared breakfasts catering for all tastes. When you add a great location (just a short hop from Loch Lomond) and thoughtful touches – such as the tea and homemade scones with strawberry jam that greet you on arrival – to the mix, you have the recipe for a truly memorable stay. Oh, and did we mention that Catriona has a great eye for interiors? The rooms are decorated and furnished in a chic, timeless style that pays homage to the period elegance of this attractive Victorian townhouse but has bags of 21st century appeal too.
No. 20 is located one mile from the centre of Helensburgh, and is just a five-minute drive from the shores of Loch Lomond and the stunning wilderness that is the Trossachs National Park. Though you’re unlikely to tire of exploring the natural beauty on your doorstep, if you’re drawn towards the bright lights of the city, Glasgow is only 40 minutes away.
Visit Scotland has awarded No. 20 a four star rating.
On arrival, you can take your complimentary afternoon tea up to your room or enjoy it by the roaring fire in the lovely guest lounge, where there’s a 36-inch TV, a great choice of magazines and a selection of board games. Like the rest of the house, it’s decorated and furnished in a contemporary mix of old and new. The overall effect is classy yet relaxed and welcoming. It’s a world away from the sterile environments offered by larger hotel chains.
If you’re staying for a few days and would like to experience the fantastic afternoon tea again (believe us, you will), you can order it for just £3.50 per person.
There are three spacious guest rooms to choose from:
The Heron is a super king-sized room with easy chairs by the window so that you can sit and watch the waves lapping at the shore. Fluffy white robes are provided for the quick nip next door to your own private bathroom, which has a separate bath and shower.
The Oyster Catcher has an en suite shower room and a lovely lounge area offering sea views.
Guests staying in The Cormorant have the option of a king-sized bed or twin beds. There’s also an en suite shower room.
All three rooms have comfortable beds dressed in luxury linen, moody lighting; flat-screen televisions; free, wireless internet access; hair dryers; irons; luxury Sea Kelp toiletries; fluffy white towels; radio alarm clocks complete with iPod/iPhone docking station; tea and coffee-making facilities and biscuits; and ice cold water by the bed.
Prices start at £85 per night, based on two people sharing.
Made with locally-sourced produce, the breakfast menu includes a full Scottish breakfast – complete with haggis and potato scones – or lighter options, such as pancakes with smoked bacon or Loch Fyne smoked salmon in scrambled eggs. It’s served between 7am and 9am on weekdays, or from 8am until 9.30am on weekends. If you would like breakfast outside of these hours, a continental option can be supplied. Special dietary requirements can be catered for.
You have found a wonderful place to stay and Boutique and Breakfast is committed to giving you a personalised service so that you can find the right room at the right price. Simply fill in our enquiry form and within 24 hours you will receive a response from No.20 tailored to your needs. This will be in the form of either a telephone call or an email.
