Cross Tides is the quintessential seaside cottage. Situated in a quiet backwater lane in the fishing village of Hilton and with gardens that open directly onto the shoreline, this pretty 19th Century stone cottage is ideal for couples. There is a cosy living room downstairs with welcoming open fire and a second living/dining room upstairs with a dining table, comfy seating and stunning sea views, ideal for sitting and watching the ever changing seascape and the small fishing boats along the shoreline. There are two pretty bedrooms and a modern shower room on the ground floor. The terrace garden is attractively set with tubs and flowering plants. A small gate opens onto the beach and small fishing harbour.
The village of Hilton is one of several pretty ‘seaboard’ villages that straddle this lovely Ross-shire coastline. They all possess beautifully kept seafronts and little harbours, with rocky outcrops interspersed with stunning sandy beaches. This coastline is completely unspoilt and provides an idyllic seaside holiday away from the crowds.
Dolphins and porpoises are regularly seen in the bay and even the occasional basking shark and Beluga whale have been spotted close to shore. Just a short walk from the cottage there is an excellent pub, restaurant, café and a small local store. The area is an outdoor enthusiast’s paradise. Cycling, hill walking, golf, fishing, horse riding, sailing, canoeing and surfing are all enjoyed locally. Within ten minutes’ drive lies the oldest Royal Burgh of Scotland. Predominantly built of local mellow sandstone, Tain is a charming historic town and offers an excellent selection of small shops, restaurants, cafes and pubs as well as a wide variety of sporting and recreational facilities, including tennis courts, golf club and bowling club, all of which are available to visitors. This part of the Highlands is easily accessible for exploring the whole of the north.

Seascape is situated right on the edge of the sea in the pretty hamlet of Hilton. This pretty 19th-century stone terraced property enjoys spectacular, uninterrupted seascape views from the cottage and gardens. Located next door to the owner, it is a truly romantic seaside cottage for two. The attractive open plan living space looks out across the shoreline, where dolphins and porpoises are regularly seen. There is plenty of comfortable seating in the living area, and the bright modern kitchen is very well equipped and complete with a breakfast bar. A door leads out from here to a secluded patio garden with outdoor garden furniture. Cottage stairs lead up to the charming double bedroom where a small table and chairs at the far end look out across the sea, taking maximum advantage of the amazing views. There is a modern shower room on the ground floor. Opposite the cottage, across the tiny backwater lane, there is a delightful terrace garden overlooking the sea. With flower pots, tubs and outdoor garden furniture, it provides an ideal spot to enjoy a drink whilst watching the small craft bobbing on the bay in the tiny harbour.
Seascape is ideally located in this quaint seaside village and just a short walk to the adjoining ‘seaboard’ villages of Balintore and Shandwick. There is a pub, village shop, restaurant and café all within easy level walking distance along the seafront. The shoreline along this coast boasts wide sandy beaches interspersed with rocky outcrops. The area is an outdoor enthusiast’s paradise with sailing, canoeing, surfing and fishing all local pastimes, and there is a slipway opposite the cottage, ideal for launching kayaks and small craft. Mountain biking, hill walking, golf and horse riding are also enjoyed locally. Just 10 minutes’ drive away is the pretty sandstone town of Tain, the oldest Royal Burgh of Scotland. Here a larger selection of shops, supermarkets, restaurants, cafés and pubs are available, as well as wide variety of sporting and recreational facilities. This part of the Highlands is also easily accessible for exploring further afield. Head north to the wild open landscapes of Caithness, west to the crystal clear waters of the Atlantic Ocean, or south to Inverness, the capital of the Highlands which is less than an hour’s drive away. Beach 50 yards. Shop 1 mile, pub and restaurant ¼ miles.

Garden Cottage is a delightful country cottage, situated in a quiet no through lane that leads directly down to a stunning sandy beach. It has been fully refurbished in 2018 and is attached to the owner’s traditional stone farmhouse, set in 16 acres and surrounded by fields, with horses and sheep grazing close by. Whilst rurally situated, it is just 1 mile from the thriving small town of Tain with all its facilities and amenities. This charming rose-clad cottage really does offer the best of both worlds.

The cottage is beautifully presented throughout. The main living area is open-plan, and this lovely room looks out across the garden and has plenty of comfortable seating and a large dining table at one end. The fully fitted kitchen at the other end is extremely well-equipped and the bedrooms are attractively presented. As well as the cottage garden with sitting-out area, there is a further fully fenced paddock/field for visitor’s sole use. This provides an ideal space for dogs as well as a children’s games/play area.

There are superb beach and forest walks direct from the property, and just 100 yards away is a stunning sandy beach which is completely unspoilt and invariably deserted. Tain Golf Course is situated on the periphery of the grounds, and the cottage is within easy walking distance of the club house, which is open to visitors. The thriving small town of Tain, Scotland’s oldest Royal Burgh, is built predominantly of mellow sandstone, and has a number of supermarkets as well as a good selection of pubs, restaurants, cafés and shops.

For those who enjoy a ’wee dram’, Glenmorangie, Dalmore and Balblair distilleries are all close by and open to the public. The pretty seaboard villages of Balintore, Shandwick and Portmahomack are just a 10-minute drive away, and there are numerous sandy beaches within a short drive. Golfers are spoilt for choice with Tain, Alness and Golspie courses within close proximity, and the renowned Royal Dornoch Golf Club is also nearby, which is ranked 5th in the world.

Wildlife is abundant in the area with deer, otters, seals, dolphins and a wide variety of interesting and unusual birds all seen in the locality. The region is justly famed for its wild beauty and there is plenty to explore in every direction. The cottage is also close to the renowned North Coast 500 route. The area is known for its archaeological sites, and at the nearby Tarbat Discovery Centre there is a fascinating display of Pictish, Norse and Medieval artefacts. Beach 100 yards. Shop, pub and restaurant 1 mile.

The name Solus Na Madainn, which means "Morning Light" in Scottish Gaelic, perfectly encapsulates the essence of this lovely cottage. This cosy abode boasts a warm and inviting atmosphere, perfect for couples, small families, or friends looking for a peaceful getaway. The two bedrooms are thoughtfully furnished and provide a restful night’s sleep, ensuring you wake up refreshed and ready to explore the stunning surroundings. The cottage’s interior is tastefully decorated, blending modern comforts with traditional Scottish charm. The open-plan living area features a well-equipped kitchen, a dining space, and a comfortable lounge with a wood-burning stove. Large windows allow ample natural light to flood in, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside. One of the highlights of Solus Na Madainn is its beautiful garden, a haven of serenity. Here, you can enjoy your morning coffee or an evening glass of wine while taking in the stunning Scottish landscapes. The garden is a great spot for birdwatching, and if you’re lucky, you might spot some local wildlife.
Easter Ross itself is a region of outstanding natural beauty, with rugged coastlines, rolling hills, and historic towns. The cottage is ideally situated for exploring the nearby Black Isle, Cromarty, and the stunning Glen Affric, which offer numerous opportunities for outdoor activities like hiking and cycling. Whether you’re looking for a romantic escape or a family adventure, Solus Na Madainn in Easter Ross is a welcoming and picturesque retreat, offering the perfect blend of comfort and natural beauty. It’s an idyllic place to experience the magic of the Scottish Highlands and create lasting memories. Beach 7¾ miles.

The Barn at The Old Manse is a superb conversion of an 18th-century stone barn, set in the grounds of a historic listed building dating back to the 1780s which the owners run as a B&B. Set in a large 2-acre woodland garden, it provides a very good standard of accommodation in a tranquil yet accessible location. The main living area is a stunning room on the ground floor converted from the old barn into a beautiful open plan living area, whilst retaining many of the original features. High ceilings, original oak beams and deep-silled windows are complemented by a large wood burner, wood flooring and colour co-ordinated soft furnishings throughout. Stairs lead up from the living room to a mezzanine floor above, providing a second living room, which also doubles as a second bedroom with a deep leather sofa that converts to a double bed if required.
Set away from the main house, with its own pretty patio areas, both front and back, The Barn enjoys peace and quiet as well as stunning views across the open countryside. Visitors are welcome to wander the woodland grounds and enjoy the pretty walks all around. The Barn is situated in the small hamlet of Kildary, just 28 miles north of Inverness, with numerous lovely walks direct from the door. The thriving small town of Tain, Scotland’s oldest Royal Burgh, is 5 miles away. There are a number of supermarkets here, as well as a good selection of pubs, restaurants, cafés and shops. For those who enjoy a ’wee dram’, Glenmorangie, Dalmore and Balblair distilleries are all close by and open to the public. The pretty Seaboard villages of Balintore, Shandwick and Portmahomack are just 10 minutes’ drive away, and the beach at the Royal Burgh of Dornoch lies just 15 miles to the north. Golfer’s are spoilt for choice, with Tain, Alness and Golspie courses within close proximity and the renowned Royal Dornoch Golf Club nearby, which is ranked 5th in the world. Further afield, both Ullapool and John o’ Groats are a scenic 2-hour drive. Wildlife is abundant in the area; red kites and buzzards frequently wheel overhead and owls are often heard in the garden at night. Deer are also regularly seen close by. Beach 6 miles. Shop 5 miles, pub and restaurant ¼ mile.
Scottish Letting Licence number: HI20022F.

Tucked away on a quiet farm lane, The Paddock is a traditional terraced, single storey stone farm cottage located on a working, farm 1 mile from the charming seaside village of Portmahomack. The pretty cottage garden overlooks the owner’s farmland, with distant sea views. The cottage looks south over the Moray Firth and Moray Coast with views of Cairngorms and Ben Rhinnes. The accommodation is beautifully presented, with a large living room with lovely views across the open fields. The bright, kitchen/dining room is fully fitted and very well-equipped. There are three generously proportioned bedrooms, all thoughtfully decorated with colour co-ordinated soft furnishings. Exposed stone walls and large canvases of the surrounding area add to the cottage’s charm and ambience.

Portmahomack is a thriving seaside village with a fishing harbour and pier, as well as a superb sweeping sandy beach; the mountains beyond act as a stunning backdrop. Portmahomack is the only village on the east coast of Scotland that faces due west and has spectacular sunsets. The village has a renowned seafood restaurant as well as a café, local store and a lovely traditional links golf course, Tarbat Golf Club, which is open to visitors. The area is renowned for its archaeological sites and at the nearby Tarbat Discovery Centre is a local heritage centre and museum, with a fascinating display of Pict, Norse and medieval artefacts, as well as a gift shop. Within 15-20 minutes’ drive lies the Royal Burgh of Tain, established as a Royal Burgh in 1066, and the Tain Museum houses the famous original Tain Silver Collection. Predominantly built in local mellow sandstone, Tain is a charming historic town and offers an excellent selection of small shops, restaurants, cafés and pubs as well as a wide variety of sporting and recreational facilities, including Tain Golf Course which looks across the Dornoch Firth to Dornoch. Just outside Tain you will find the renowned Famous Glenmorangie Distillery, where you can take a tour and sample some of the famous whisky. Beach 1 mile. Shop and restaurant 1 mile, pub 0.5 miles.
The Paddock can be booked together with Sheaf Dale (UK5740) and Grieve’s Cottage (UK12250) to accommodate up to 15 guests.

Grieve’s Cottage is a delightful traditional stone cottage situated in its own generous garden grounds with a state-of-the-art hot tub for visitors’ sole use. Situated amidst open countryside, with stunning uninterrupted views in all directions, the cottage is a wonderful place to relax and enjoy its very good quality facilities and accommodation.
This single-storey end terraced farm cottage (whose name derives from the Scottish for farm foreman) has been extensively renovated and refurbished whilst retaining its original charm, including exposed stone walls and dry stone walling. It is set at the end of a quiet private lane on the owner’s working farm. Whilst the main living area is open plan, a sense of luxury is created with deep leather sofa suites and attractive lighting. The kitchen is accessed through an original exposed stone wall. Large canvases of the surrounding area add to the unique charm of this superbly presented cottage. Outside, a gravelled path leads out to the hot tub area, enclosed by fencing and original stone walls, it is private and secluded. A charming summer house overlooking the hot tub has comfortable outdoor dining chairs and there is a table for alfresco dining by the tub.
The charming and historic seaside village of Portmahomack has a good selection of amenities, including a shop, pub, café and two restaurants and is just 1 mile away and less than a mile from the cottage you will find Portmahomack Tarbat Golf Club. With its horseshoe shaped sandy bay and superb mountain backdrop, it is a wonderful place to walk, picnic, swim or kayak. The harbour and pier are ideal for small boats, a spot of crabbing or fishing. The region is noted for its archaeological sites and at the nearby Tarbat Discovery Centre there is a fascinating display of Pict, Norse and Medieval artefacts. There are lovely walks direct from the cottage. A trip out to the local lighthouse further along the lane is a must, with the opportunity to spot seals, dolphins and numerous seabirds. The nearby town of Tain has further excellent facilities, including restaurants, supermarkets and bars. Grieve’s Cottage is ideally located for exploring the whole of the Highland region and will provide a memorable and indulgent pampering break for all. Beach 1 mile. Shop, pub and restaurant 1 mile.
Grieve’s Cottage can be booked together with The Paddock (ref UK5049) and Sheaf Dale (ref UK5470) to accommodate up to 15 guests.

Cosy, semi-detached cottage in the quiet, coastal hamlet of Inver, near Tain. Fabulous walks beside the sea. Warm and well-equipped. WiFi. Pet-friendly. Ideal base for touring. Tain 6 miles.

A fantastic mid-terrace cottage close to the high street in Tain, Scottish Highlands. Pet-friendly. Enclosed garden. Close to amenities. Inverness 35.5 miles.

This semi-detached cottage sits within its own spacious, enclosed garden. Upon entering the accommodation there is a spacious hallway with space for welly boots and coats. The kitchen has a fully fitted kitchen with everything you’ll need to rustle up hearty meals for friends and family and beyond the kitchen there’s a very nice dining room. At the rear of the property there’s a utility room with a washing machine. Also, on the ground floor is the living room with 40” Smart TV and open fire, as well as a single bedroom and a bathroom that has a large walk-in shower with rainforest showerhead and on the first floor there are two spacious double bedrooms. In the garden there’s a patio with comfortable garden furniture and a barbecue that is either coal or gas fired. Iseabail’s House is perfectly located right in the heart of Balintore, the central village of the Seaboard Villages.
Sandy Shandwick beach is only 2 minutes’ walk from the cottage and brilliant longer coastal walks stretch out right from the doorstep. It’s an ideal property for those with young ones who want to spend all their time on the beach and for those with energetic dogs eager to let off some steam. Balintore’s harbour was built circa 1890 and the village has a shop, café, inn, post office and pharmacy. It’s a small and friendly community that has made its living for centuries from fishing. Before the harbour the practice of pulling fishing boats up on the beach was common. Sitting on the shoreline at Balintore is the Mermaid of the North, an 11ft high bronze casted mermaid, while at the adjacent Seaboard Centre you can collect the Mermaid stamp for the North Coast 500 passport. Locally there is evidence of an ancient settlement, Fearn Abbey just inland from Balintore was founded in 1238 and just outside the Seaboard Villages is the Shandwick Stone, a 9ft tall Pictish cross slab dating back to 780AD and thought to be standing in its original position. It is thought to have been a navigation tool for fishermen over the centuries. Iseabail’s House makes the perfect base for a Highland holiday. You have everything you’ll want and need right on the doorstep, but beyond the Seaboard Village limits the wild and ever dramatic Scottish Highlands await. The North Coast 500 touring road is 5 miles to the north and an outstanding route showing the Highlands at its best.