Dog-Friendly Scottish Highlands

This detached and quintessential, romantic hideaway lies deep in the Sutherland hills on the owner’s croft with sheep and beef cattle. Over 200 years old and accessed by a track, it has 2ft thick stone walls and traditional tin roof, and has undergone a unique and innovative conversion, together with an adjoining stone barn. Transformed into a holiday home offering a bright and contemporary living space, it retains the very best of its original charm. A large wood burner and uninterrupted views across miles of open hillside, as well as a hot tub on the elevated decking outside, add to the experience.
The stunning main living area is open plan, with a large wood burner at one end and a well-equipped, contemporary kitchen with handmade units at the other. Steep ladder stairs lead up from the kitchen to a bedroom, which occupies the whole of the mezzanine area. Very low double doors open through to the ground floor en-suite bedroom, but due to the height and depth of the stone wall, it is advisable to access this bedroom from the part-covered walkway around the perimeter of the cottage. This charming bedroom has a hairdryer provided and a feature claw-foot bath, as well as an adjoining en-suite. At the opposite end of the cottage is a bright shower room, accessed via the part-covered decking. Another bedroom (also with hairdryer provided) is located within a separate stone barn conversion 20m from the main cottage, and enjoys the same incredible views down the glen to the hills beyond. Capercaillie Cottage is superbly well equipped and furnished, with deep leather sofas and high quality appliances throughout. It is set within 1 acre of grounds, with raised decking and hot tub located just outside the main entrance, with a feature ornamental pond below.
The owners work 300 acres of the surrounding croftland and hills, which you are welcome to explore with their prior permission. Wildlife is prolific in the area, with red deer, pine martens and abundant birdlife, including rare red kites, golden eagles, oystercatchers and curlews. Whilst the location is completely secluded, the charming village of Rogart is 4 miles away, with its thriving village pub and restaurant, shop, post office and railway station. Visit historic and archeological sites, as well as romantic castles such as Dunrobin, seat of the Dukes of Sutherland. Mountain biking along lovely forest trails, golf, fishing and various watersports are all available. The picturesque seaside town of Dornoch, with its award-winning sandy beach and championship golf course, is just 20 minutes’ drive away. For the less energetic, sit back, relax, enjoy the hot tub and watch the ever-changing scenery from this inspiring and totally unspoilt location. Beach 12 miles. Shop, pub and restaurant 4 miles.

Set in open countryside, above the charming seaside village of Portmahomack, Sheaf Dale is a beautifully presented cottage with a private hot tub in the gardens and a rear gated parking area, ideal for trailers with canoes, bicycles or other equipment. This single-storey, terraced, whitewashed stone cottage is tucked away along a quiet lane on the owner’s working arable and sheep farm. It has been painstakingly restored and renovated throughout and provides a good standard of accommodation in a peaceful yet accessible location. The large, airy living room looks out across the fields, and there is a spacious, well-equipped kitchen/dining room, with plenty of room for up to six guests. The master bedroom features a super kingsize bed and a wall-mounted TV, and both the double bedroom and the bunk bedroom are superbly presented with colour-coordinated soft furnishings. Exposed stone walls and large canvases of the local area add to the property’s charm. There is a secluded lawned garden with a sandstone patio area that leads down to the feature hot tub, making this an ideal property for couples, honeymooners and families wishing to have a relaxing, pampering holiday.

The picturesque seaside village of Portmahomack is just 1 mile away, with its sweeping sandy beach and stunning mountain backdrop, it is a superb spot to walk, picnic, swim or kayak. There is a small harbour with a pier, ideal for a spot of crabbing or fishing. The village has a good selection of amenities, including a shop, pub and café, as well as a renowned seafood restaurant. A traditional links golf course, Tarbat Golf Club which is open to visitors, is just a short walk away and there are numerous other renowned golf courses in the area including Royal Dornoch and Tain Golf Course which looks across the Dornoch Firth to Dornoch. The region is renowned for its archaeological sites and at the nearby Tarbat Discovery Centre there is a fascinating display of Pict, Norse and Medieval artefacts. Within a 10-minute 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 out of local sandstone, Tain is a charming historic town which offers an excellent selection of small shops, restaurants, cafés and pubs, as well as a wide variety of sporting and recreational facilities. Nearby places of interest include the whisky distillery centre, home of the famous Glenmorangie Distillery where you can take a tour and sample the single malt, the famous Falls of Shin, one of the few places to see salmon leaping close to hand, and the enchanting town of Dornoch, with its magnificent cathedral, sandy beach and championship golf course.

This lovely cottage is ideally located for exploring the whole of the Highland region. When you return at the end of the day, relax in the hot tub whilst you drink in the uninterrupted views across the countryside to the sea beyond. Beach 1 mile. Shop, pub and restaurant 1 mile.
Sheaf Dale can be booked together with The Paddock (UK5049) and Grieve’s Cottage (UK12250) to accommodate up to 15 guests.

Red Kite Lodge is a real delight, situated in the heart of the Sutherland hills on a working farm, approached via a well-maintained private track leading out to open countryside and the owner’s 50 hectares of croft land. This detached, solid wood lodge enjoying complete peace and seclusion, is presented to a very good standard throughout. The main living area is open plan with a welcoming wood burner and floor to ceiling patio doors to maximise the stunning views. The patio doors open onto raised decking, with a private hot tub and outdoor dining table and chairs. The bright, modern kitchen area is exceptionally well equipped, with plenty of space for dining. The bespoke, solid wood, raised dining table adds an interesting and attractive feature to the room. There are two beautifully presented kingsize bedrooms each with colour coordinated soft furnishings. This property is very accessible for wheelchair users, with a level entrance and modern bathroom with a claw-footed bath and accessible wet room walk-in shower.

This property is ideal for the ultimate ’get away from it all’ holiday, with pampering included. Sitting in the hot tub or relaxing with a glass of wine on the decking after a day’s sightseeing or hill walking must be the ultimate holiday experience.

The owners farm hundreds of acres of surrounding farmland and open hills where friendly cattle and sheep roam freely, and osprey, deer, pine martens, red kites, golden eagles and curlews can all be spotted in the vicinity. Whilst providing an element of privacy, the lodge is just over 1 mile to the pretty village of Rogart. It has a thriving village pub that serves meals, as well as a shop, post office and railway station.

It is ideally located for exploring the whole of the Highlands, with many places of interest within a short drive. Dunrobin Castle, seat of the Duke of Sutherland, with its gardens modelled on Versailles, is well worth a visit. Or experience salmon leaping up the famous Falls of Shin. Mountain biking, hill walking, fishing, and various water sports are all available locally. The historic seaside town of Dornoch is just 15 minutes’ drive away where there is a superb, award-winning, sandy beach, a renowned championship golf course as well as the 12th-century cathedral that dominates the central square. Beach 15 miles. Shop, pub and restaurant 1½ miles.

Newly renovated in December 2022 to a luxury standard with a large kitchen boasting top end appliances, stunning new bathrooms with under floor heating, comfortable new bedrooms with lots of storage and an updated living/dining area with three huge sofas and coffee table, a snug with a desk, bean bags and games, and a large dining table with plenty of seating to suit everyone’s needs.
This stunning, detached, lodge property enjoys a peaceful and private location approximately a mile outside the forest village of Nethy Bridge, and makes the perfect base for exploring this lovely part of the northern Highlands. Sitting on the edge of the ancient Scottish Caledonian Forest, the lodge overlooks moorland and mountains with abundant wildlife which includes red squirrels, mountain hares, red and roe deer, and many species of song birds can often be heard in this secluded setting.
Mountain Bear Lodge is 12 miles from Aviemore which is situated in the heart of the Cairngorms National Park and at the head of the Speyside Way. The whole area boasts a super range of shops, restaurants and bars along with a wide range of outdoor activities including skiing and snowboarding, (Cairngorm Mountains are within an hour’s drive. Glencoe and Glenshee are around 2½ hours’ drive) There is also mountain and quad biking, climbing and hill walking with a variety of water sports available on Loch Insh, Loch Morlich and the River Spey. Take a trip on the Cairngorm Mountain Railway or visit the Cairngorm Reindeer Centre, the Highland Wildlife Park at nearby Kingussie, the Landmark Forest Adventure Park or the RSPB Reserve at nearby Loch Garten, which are all within easy reach of the lodge.
Visit the testing Spey Valley golf course and the Dalfaber Resort with its wonderful array of leisure activities, or a day trip to the Moray coastline peppered with little fishing villages and beautiful beaches. For the less energetic, sit back in the hot tub set in peaceful garden grounds, relax and unwind. There’s a farm shop, pub and restaurant within 1 mile.

Unusual single-storey detached cottage with superb views over Loch Insh and the Cairngorms. Open fire, hot tub, spacious accommodation, superb rural location. Aviemore 6 miles.

A spacious log cabin with hot tub, surrounded by hills and mountains, four miles from Newtownmore. Fabulous Cairngorm National Park location, stunning scenery and wildlife. Kingussie 3 miles.

Enjoying a peaceful setting with wonderful views across open countryside towards the Cairngorm Mountains, this spacious detached house has been equipped and furnished to a very good standard to ensure as relaxing and comfortable holiday as possible. Set in the heart of the beautiful Cairngorms National Park, Truim Cottage makes the perfect base for exploring the lovely part of the Scottish Highlands. Located close to Aviemore, Kingussie and Newtonmore, with easy access to Fort William, Oban, Inverness, the Highland capital, and the stunning beauty of the west coast and Isle of Skye, Truim Cottage is a superb point to set off from. Perfect for the outdoor enthusiast with hill walking, climbing, mountain biking, skiing and snowboarding, golf, and watersports on Loch Morlich and Loch Ericht, are just a few of the many activities available. For the less energetic, sit back, relax and enjoy the peaceful surroundings of this lovely area. Shop and pub 500 yards.

Something for all the family awaits you here at St Leonards. Choose one of the four lovely barn conversions for your family holiday and learn something new during your stay here. The barns are located on a horse riding school, where all the family are encouraged to give horse riding a try. Once in the saddle you will want to take it up when you get back home. The lovely heated outdoor swimming pool is a great hit with families with children, and the Jacuzzi and sauna are favourites with adults. St Leonards certainly is a holiday base with a difference, situated in a wooded valley, it provides a comfortable and relaxing holiday for people of all ages though out the entire year. All the cottages are set on the edge of a courtyard over looking the stables and surrounded by 23 acres of private grounds which is also home to a ½-acre coarse fishing lake, or for something more energetic why not take part in a game of paintball available on site. There is plenty of birdlife here including kingfishers, so you often awaken to the sound of the dawn chorus!

It is an ideal location for touring the both north and south Cornish coasts and close to the Devon/Cornwall border so you can explore both counties from one base. Whether you wish to take it easy in our pool and bbq area, have a swim, ride a horse, try paintball or even go fishing on the River Kensey close by, there is plenty to keep you entertained and make you want to get out and about and feel invigorated by the fresh Cornish air. Perfect for summer, spring, autumn or even winter holidays, all the cottages have been very comfortably furnished and equipped, featuring pine furniture, comfortable beds and woodburners, making them a cosy and welcome home to come back to.

Out and about in the region you can head west by car to the Widemouth Heritage Coast and visit mystical Tintagel and Port Isaac Bay, or head east towards Dartmoor’s wilderness; whichever direction you travel in there is sure to be something new to see. Launceston, 2 miles, once the ancient capital of Cornwall, has shops, a steam railway, castle, golf and an indoor leisure centre. A variety of golf courses locally. A splendid family location with something for everyone, all guests will be well placed for touring both Devon and Cornwall. Launceston, for all amenities, 2 miles. Playstation 3 is available to hire from the owner. Shop 1½ miles.

"River views and a wealth of glorious countryside combine to make this a wonderful setting for lovers of the great outdoors..."


Perfect for a relaxing break, Ness Castle Estate lies in the heart of magnificent game fishing and golfing country, and with lovely walking on the doorstep, it is an ideal location for nature lovers and sporting enthusiasts alike. River Lodge (ref SYYA) is a magnificent, detached, ‘Colorado’-style lodge providing complete relaxation and seclusion for larger parties. For smaller parties, Weir Cottage (ref SXXS) and Red Squirrel Lodge (ref SYYB) are single storey and adjoin one another, whilst spacious Ghillie’s Lodge (ref SYYC) and Benula Lodge (ref SYYM) stand detached. All have river views and are just minutes away from the city of Inverness.
Your Ness Castle Lodges experience can be augmented with personalised beauty treatments with their specially appointed therapist. Take time out to enjoy a full day of pampering, or book a morning session to set you up for the day. From facials and Swedish massage to relaxation techniques, eyelash tinting and more treatments like Hopi Ear Candles, a spa session - or two! More information on what’s on offer is available on arrival.
Culloden Battlefield, Cawdor Castle, Loch Ness cruises and dolphin spotting on the Moray Firth are among the myriad of delights within easy reach. For those wishing to explore a little further afield the magical Isle of Skye, visiting the beautiful, romantic Eilean Donan Castle on the way, or a leisurely boat trip to the Orkney Isles which offer beautiful, rugged scenery with an abundance of wildlife and many archaeological sites make great days out. Whisky lovers can visit one of the many distilleries on the famous Strathspey Whisky Trail, sampling some of the finest whiskies in Scotland. At nearby Inverness, visitors will find a wealth of historic and cultural attractions as well as good shopping, bars and restaurants. Salmon fishing, by arrangement is 1 mile. For those wishing to explore a little further, day trips to the Orkney Isles, Isle of Skye and Glencoe are possible. Beach 16 miles. Shop 1 mile, pub 2½ miles.

Set on the fringes of Aviemore village, a wonderful location for enjoying the great outdoors in the heart of the Cairngorm National Park, these superbly appointed and beautifully furnished properties offer a very high degree of comfort. Sitting in a quiet cul de sac, they are ideal for family gatherings. All of the four properties (refs S4401, S4402, S4615 and S4538) enjoy their own private hot tub (each for 4 people) and S4401, S4402 and S4538 have a digital, infrared sauna with music and colour system, Freeview TVs and hairdryers in all bedrooms. Aviemore is a renowned centre for outdoor pursuits – excellent climbing and hill walking, competition standard mountain bike tracks, water sports on Lochs Morlich and Insch and, of course, skiing and snow boarding in season are just some of the activities on offer. The fishing and golf are similarly excellent, with trout fishing available all year at Rothiemurchus Estate, 2 miles, or hire equipment (at cost, licence required) for salmon fishing at the River Spey (seasonal). Sled dog rides, train trips to the resort at the top of the mountain, and the Strathspey steam railway are also found here and Britain’s only freely roaming reindeer herd can be spotted against the stunning backdrop of Glenmore. Shops, good restaurants, themed bars, live music are all within ½ mile. Other great attractions in the area are The Highland Wildlife Centre with Amur tigers, wolves and polar bear, The Landmark Centre, Tree Zone; an incredible aerial adventure and Aviemore Highland Resort Leisure Centre with its own wavepool, water slides and cinema.