Dog-friendly Ross & Cromarty

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.

Academy Street Cottage is tucked away in historic Tain in the Northern Highlands of Scotland.
Built in the 18th century, this traditional cottage is full of character and also has everything you’ll need for a comfortable stay. The cottage has two bedrooms, a set of twin beds on the ground floor and a double bed on the first floor. There’s a shower room with a shower cubicle on the first floor. The rest of the ground floor is made up of a spacious living room with cute woodburner and a kitchen/dining room. There’s a door from the kitchen/dining room to the rear enclosed garden which is perfect for long balmy evenings as well as dogs who are more than welcome.
Academy Street Cottage is a part of the historic centre of Tain, which received its first Royal Charter in 1066 making it the oldest Royal Burgh in Scotland. The sandy buildings are from different periods and it really is a joy to wander around the town. Tain remains a bit off the beaten track because the A9 bypass zoomed potential visitors beyond the town. It’s everyone else’s loss, because staying in Tain is a real treat and you’ll be so glad you decided to stay at Academy Street Cottage. There are restaurants, cafés and bars, as well as lots of independent shops to enjoy. Greens is a local café/bar/restaurant that’s a firm favourite and one you must check out when staying in Tain. The town also offers up a golf course designed by Open Championship winner Old Tom Morris. A hidden gem of a course and one that you’ll fall for no matter what your score.
Royal Dornoch is also just 10 miles away and a little further you have the James Braid masterpieces of Golspie and Brora to try too. Academy Street Cottage is a perfect golfing base. The cottage is also a great base for those wanting to venture up and into the Northern Highlands. The NC500 skirts Tain, so you can swiftly join it and get exploring amazing places far and wide. There’s so much to see in the far north, and all places are within reach of Academy Street Cottage - you could even confidently day trip to Orkney if the weather was calm! Book now and rest assured of a lovely stay at Academy Street Cottage. Beach 10 miles.

Welcome to The Old School House Annex an amazing retreat on the outskirts of Tain, where luxury meets comfort in this stunning two bedroom, two bathroom attached property. The layout of the property allows for a degree of independence and privacy making it perfect for two families to share but have their own individual space, with the kitchen and living rooms available to both. The property provides several versatile spaces for entertainment and relaxation - either as an inviting area for cosy evenings after a busy day exploring or for gatherings and socializing, equipped with Smart TV and comfortable sofas. The downstairs double bedroom is more akin to an apartment in its own right - stepping through the French doors you are taken into an open-plan room offering an expansive, stylishly designed area for relaxation and entertainment with its own dining area and Smart TV. Adjacent to the downstairs bedroom is the kitchen, living areas and well-appointed bathroom, designed with both style and functionality in mind.
The upstairs master bedroom presents a haven of opulence, featuring a plush king size statement bed, this tastefully decorated room has spectacular views across the countryside and beyond. An en-suite bathroom offers a shower over bath, a washbasin and toilet. One of the most enticing features of this luxurious haven is the private hot tub, nestled on a spacious terrace and directly accessed from the downstairs bedroom. Relax under the stars, enveloped in the soothing warmth of the bubbling water, offering an unrivalled experience of indulgence and serenity.
This property prides itself on being more than pet-friendly, providing a warm welcome to furry companions. With ample space for exercise within the 2 acres of ground and nearby woods for walks, your pets will relish their stay as much as you do. Beyond the comforts of this lavish abode, Tain offers a myriad of activities and attractions. Explore the historic Tain Museum, its famous Glen Morangie Distillery or stroll along the serene shores of the Dornoch Firth and Easter Ross Peninsula, or indulge in a round of golf at any of the nearby golf clubs including the renowned Royal Dornoch Golf Club. For adventurous souls, nearby hiking trails and outdoor adventures await amidst the stunning Highland landscapes. The beautiful beach at Shandwick is just 7 minutes drive away, perfect for a family day out. Indulge in the local cuisine at charming cafés and restaurants, savouring the flavours of the region’s fresh produce and delectable dishes. Additionally, the vibrant local markets offer a glimpse into the community’s culture and craftsmanship.
Many guests use this property as a base for exploring the NC500, Isle of Skye, Orkney Isles, Inverness, Loch Ness, Culloden and beyond.

Nestled in the picturesque landscapes of Tarrel, Portmahomack, this charming holiday cottage offers a serene escape for travellers seeking tranquillity and natural beauty. Boasting three beautiful bedrooms and two well-appointed bathrooms, this retreat comfortably accommodates families or groups of friends looking for a relaxing getaway.
Upon entering, guests are greeted by a warm and inviting ambiance, enhanced by the crackling wood burner that promises snug evenings after adventurous days exploring the region. The spacious living/ dining area is a beautiful space with a huge bay window taking in the views, comfy sofas beside the wood burner and extendable dining table, making it the perfect space to relax after a day of exploring your surroundings. The three double bedrooms are all beautifully decorated with luxurious bedding and towels. On the ground floor there is a family bathroom, whilst upstairs there is a modern shower room. There is a well-equipped kitchen providing everything you require for your family holiday. Step outside onto the cottage’s grounds and behold the breathtaking views of the sprawling countryside, where rolling hills meet the distant horizon, creating an idyllic backdrop for morning coffees or evening stargazing sessions. This pet friendly haven welcomes furry companions, ensuring that every member of the family can revel in the holiday experience.
Nearby walking trails provide ample opportunities for leisurely strolls with your four-legged friends, allowing you to soak in the fresh air and stunning vistas together. For those seeking exploration, Tarrel and its surroundings offer a plethora of attractions and activities. Portmahomack itself is a quaint coastal village, offering a charming beach where you can enjoy leisurely walks or engage in water activities like kayaking or paddle boarding. History enthusiasts will be delighted by the nearby Tarbat Discovery Centre, where ancient Pictish heritage comes to life through exhibits and archaeological discoveries. The Tarbat Ness Lighthouse stands proudly nearby, offering panoramic views of the coastline and the North Sea. Food aficionados can indulge in local cuisine at nearby restaurants, savouring fresh seafood delicacies or traditional Scottish dishes. For golf lovers there is a golf course at nearby Tain and a 20-minute drive to The Royal Dornoch. Whether you’re seeking relaxation amidst nature’s beauty, historical discoveries, or exciting outdoor activities, this holiday cottage in Tarrel, Portmahomack, offers a perfect haven to create cherished memories with loved ones. Beach 2 miles.