Dog-Friendly Scottish Highlands

The Stable Cottage is an attractive, architect designed conversion of an historic Listed building, formerly a stable and grain loft for the old water mill which is situated close by.

The Stable Cottage and the nearby Mill Cottage (ref W42412) are situated approximately 200 yards from the sea and are within easy walking distance of the centre of the famous village of John O’ Groats. The ideal base to explore this lovely part of the Northern Highlands, John O’ Groats is famous for being the most north easterly point of Britain’s four corners, renowned for magnificent coastal scenery, unspoilt beaches and coastal walks. A breath-taking array of bird life is close at hand. Seals, dolphins, orca and minke whales are frequently seen. Even otters make an appearance, feeding on the rocky shoreline.

Take a day trip to the Orkney Islands with ferries a few minutes away from the cottages. Visit Duncansby Head, the Castle of Mey, Thurso and Wick. See the world class seabird colonies and the awe inspiring Stacks of Duncansby. For the energetic mountain biking, fishing, sailing and windsurfing are available. Both the Mill Cottage and the Stable Cottage are operated by the John O’ Groats Mill Trust, a charity aimed at maintaining these historic buildings for the benefit of visitors and the community. Shop, pub and restaurant ½ mile.

Nestled in the picturesque surroundings of John O’Groats, this charming cottage welcomes guests with its inviting ambience and rural vistas. The heart of the home is its open-plan living space, seamlessly blending the living and dining areas with a well-equipped kitchen, creating a perfect setting for convivial gatherings and culinary delights. With two elegantly appointed double bedrooms, a cosy twin bedroom, and a sleek shower room boasting a convenient shower cubicle, comfort and relaxation await at every corner of this idyllic retreat.
In the quaint village of John O’Groats and its surrounding area, a wealth of captivating experiences awaits eager adventurers. Embark on a mesmerizing journey to witness the iconic John O’Groats Signpost,marking the northernmost point of the British mainland, where visitors can capture timeless photographs against the breathtaking backdrop of the North Sea. Explore the rugged coastline with invigorating walks along the picturesque cliff paths, offering panoramic views of the Orkney Islands and the majestic Scottish Highlands. Delve into the region’s rich history at the nearby Castle of Mey, the former residence of Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother, boasting splendid gardens and fascinating exhibitions.
For wildlife enthusiasts, boat tours offer the chance to spot diverse marine life, including seals, dolphins, and even whales, while birdwatchers can marvel at the array of seabirds that call these coastal waters home. After a day of exploration, unwind in charming local eateries, savouring freshly caught seafood and hearty Scottish delicacies, while relishing the warm hospitality of this enchanting corner of the world.

Drummuie House is a beautiful, 200-year-old, detached stone house situated in its own 1-acre grounds in an elevated position and commanding superb views across the sea. This large and elegant house was built by Captain Robert Sutherland, a Napoleonic war veteran. It has been painstakingly restored and renovated and provides a high level of luxury in a superb setting. All the rooms are generously proportioned, with high ceilings and large original windows. The spacious farmhouse-style kitchen is bright, contemporary and and extremely well equipped. The dining room is simply stunning, with a solid wood dining table running the length of the room, seating up to 10 people with ease. The main living room has a superb wood burner and lovely deep sofas. There is a games room on the ground floor with a professional slate bed pool table. The Highland Wildcat Trail, a mountain bike trail which features the longest descent in the UK from the summit of Ben Bhraggie and the longest technical single track climb is located behind the property.
All the bedrooms are on the first floor. The two main double rooms are particularly sumptuous: one has a four-poster bed and the other a sleigh bed, both en-suite. With three further bedrooms and two bathrooms, Drummuie House is ideal for larger families and groups. The spacious and mature gardens are fully enclosed and ideal for children and pets. The holiday property is situated on the edge of Golspie, and is just a short walk from all the amenities this seaside resort has to offer, including a beautiful sandy beach and scenic walks. There is a variety of small shops, pubs and restaurants. Tennis, bowling and a public swimming pool are also available. It is within close proximity of many golf courses including the Royal Dornoch Championship Course. Sea and loch fishing, boats trips, kayaking, karting, or mountain bike trails are all within easy reach. Just 3 miles south of the village is the nature reserve of Loch Fleet, with an abundance of wildlife, including seals, ospreys and other birdlife. Shop, pub and restaurant ¼ mile.

Just 50 yards from the sea, commanding superb views of Loch Inchard and the mountains beyond, this detached bungalow is located in this popular north west fishing village. There are excellent opportunities for hill walking and climbing, bird watching and fishing, plus boat trips to seal colonies, Cape Wrath Lighthouse and Handa Island Bird Sanctuary. There are two grocery shops and a few pubs and restaurants in the area. There are several beautiful white sandy beaches all within easy reach, and for golfers there is a challenging golf course 17 miles away in Durness. The cottage is bright and cosy and suitable for holidays throughout the year. Shop, pub and restaurant 0.5 miles.

Achd is a traditional, detached, croft holiday cottage, standing alone within its own fenced garden area, with many original features, whitewashed stone walls, sloping ceilings and wood panelled walls in the bedrooms imparting much comfort and charm, and located just ½-mile from the village. There is much to do for the outdoor enthusiast (a free slipway for small boat landing is available) with several munros, low level walks, kayaking, sea angling and pony trekking. The sunrise and sunsets are truly stunning and Handa Island, Eas a’ Chual Aluinn and the pristine sandy beaches of Achmelvich, Clachnessie and Sandwood Bay are all within driving distance. Shop, pub and restaurant ½ mile.

Cor an Easan is a traditional croft cottage, situated in a stunning location with superb sea views. This detached two storey holiday cottage is accessed via a short track in the pretty hamlet of Melness. Overlooking a superb sandy bay and surrounded by majestic mountain ranges, the cottage provides peace and tranquillity and is an ideal base from which to explore this wonderful and totally unspoilt region. The nearby village of Tongue enjoys spectacular views across the sea, with the mountains of Ben Hope and Ben Loyal in the distance. There is a slipway and harbour for small boats within a mile of the property. Horse riding is available at nearby Torrisdale sands. The area is renowned for its loch, river and sea fishing. Permits are available locally for salmon, sea trout and brown trout, and boats are also available to hire. Beach ½ mile. Shop 1 mile, pub and restaurant ½ mile.

Originally the village school that served a small rural community in north west Sutherland, The Old School House has been transformed into a delightful stone cottage surrounded by its own enclosed landscaped cottage gardens. The lounge runs the length of the cottage. With the original high ceilings, large windows and Victorian fireplace, this superb room has a warm, welcoming ambience and provides plenty of space for guests to sit and admire the view whilst enjoying a wee dram or two in front of the open fire. There is a large double bedroom with a super king sized bed, a twin room and a small third bedroom with bunk beds for two children. They are all attractively presented with colour co-ordinated soft furnishings. The gardens are a real delight, with a stone slab path leading up through the flower beds to a garden seat from which there are spectacular views across the bay to Handa Island and the Outer Isles. The mountains of Foinavon, Ben Stack and Arkle are also visible.

The immediate area is haven for outdoor enthusiasts and lovers of the great outdoors generally. Hill walking, climbing, canoeing, kayaking and sailing are all local activities. There is a thriving pony trekking centre in the nearby village of Sheigra, with rides amidst spectacular scenery. Fishing in the surrounding lochs and rivers as well as sea fishing is a popular pastime. The area is also a haven for wildlife, with seals and otters in the bay and numerous varieties of birds attracted to the region.

The beaches in this area are renowned. Sandwood Bay is particularly noted, with a wonderful walk across the machair to its secluded sweeping sands. The nearby beaches of Oldshoremore and Polin are also renowned for their unspoilt beauty. Kinlochbervie is the nearest main village. The most northerly port on the west coast of Scotland, this pretty village has an active working harbour and offers good local facilities, including a shop and post office, as well as a hotel with restaurant open all year to non-residents for meals.

Situated in the quiet Highland hamlet of Inverasdale on the stunning west coast of Scotland, Deo Na Mara (Gaelic for mist of the sea), enjoys incredible views across the sea from its large picture windows. This beautifully presented single storey cottage sits in its own pretty gardens overlooking Loch Ewe and is surrounded by spectacular hills and mountains.
The living room has deep leather sofas and wonderful views across the bay. The kitchen diner is warm and welcoming, with a Stanley Range heater and a large family dining table. There are three attractively presented bedrooms, all generously proportioned, sharing a family bathroom.
The surrounding area is an outdoor enthusiast’s paradise. Hill walking, climbing, mountain biking, kayaking, sailing and fishing are all available in the area. Canoes and small craft can be launched from the slipway opposite the cottage. There is plenty to see and do close by. The sub-tropical gardens of Inverewe are just 10 minutes’ drive away. Boat trips run from nearby Gairloch to view the amazing sea life around this coast and there are numerous superb beaches all along the coastline. Deo Na Mara is ideal for families, couples or groups wishing to explore this totally unspoilt and truly awe-inspiring part of the renowned Scottish Highlands. Shop, pub and restaurant distance 4 Miles

Escape to this delightful detached holiday cottage, part of the Old Inzievar House estate which is situated in beautiful and natural parkland, on a working farm with varied livestock, about 6 miles west of Dunfermline and 1 mile from the historic Culross village and abbey on the Forth Estuary. Fernwoodlea has been thoughtfully restored to retain many original features and provides spacious, comfortable accommodation. Ideal for relaxing and enjoying the area and all it has to offer with friends and family. You can curl up with a book in the cosy living room in front of the wood burner on cooler days or sit in the garden with a glass of wine.

If you are feeling more energetic, try the owner’s tennis court, or with permission from the owners, a tour of the restored walled garden can be arranged. This rural haven has excellent access to dog friendly walks, cycle paths, and outdoor amenities, but within easy access of Edinburgh 24 miles, Perth 33 miles and Stirling 18 miles. Shop 1½ miles, pub and restaurant 2 miles.

Big Barns Cottage forms part of a separate wing of an historic B-listed Arts and Crafts house. It is one of the original buildings on the Sutherland Estate, built for the Duke of Sutherland, whose family’s seat is Dunrobin Castle. This early 18th century crow-stepped barn was converted by the renowned architect George Devey in the 19th century. He remodelled it on the Cotswold vernacular; his aim was to convey the impression of a large country house without losing the impression of an original 18th century barn. Its historic and characterful architecture is completely unique and a joy to behold.
The cottage has its own separate entrance and front door. The solid wood door opens into a charming living room with a welcoming wood burner and original flag stone flooring. The furnishing, including many antiques, have been chosen to suit the period. There is a separate dining room, with antique furniture, in-keeping with the original building. The kitchen is small but very well-equipped. Stairs lead up to two pretty bedrooms, one with a double bed and the second with twin beds. Both enjoy views across the beautiful gardens to the sea beyond. Set in two acres of private, mature gardens, which include a large variety of rare plants and enclosed woodland, the cottage has its own separate and secluded garden area, surrounded by flowering plants, with lawn and outdoor dining table and chairs.
Native deer are often seen around Big Barns Cottage and seals swimming close to shore can be admired from the local beach, which is just a short walk away. Situated one mile away from the main road, down an unmade estate track, there are numerous forest walks, cycling routes and a wide variety of wildlife to discover direct from the cottage. There are breathtaking views across the Dornoch Firth to the far distant peaks of the Cairngorms.
Big Barns Cottage offers total peace and seclusion, yet is ideally located for exploring the best of the Highlands. Just a mile away is the renowned North Coast 500 route, which encompasses some of the most incredible and inspiring landscapes to be found anywhere in the British Isles. There is plenty to explore close at hand or further afield, including local distilleries, golf courses, fishing, kayaking, sailing, hill-walking and mountain biking. A visit to Dunrobin Castle is a must, with its fairy tale turrets and its gardens modelled on Versailles. The nearby villages of Golspie and Brora, both within 10 minutes’ drive, provide a good selection of local amenities, including pubs, restaurants, supermarkets, cafés and small shops. This totally unique historic cottage provides warm and welcoming accommodation in a truly superb setting. Beach 1 mile. Shop, pub and resturant 1½ miles.