by Kendra Ballantyne | May 31, 2022
Merlin Cottage, built in 1874, is a quaint two-bedroom farm cottage located in the rural area of Loth, Sutherland.
Situated between the villages of Brora and Helmsdale, the property is set back from the A9 and lies nestled into the surrounding hills and farmland. South-facing, the cottage looks over neighbouring fields towards the North Sea.
Featuring 2 bedrooms on the first floor of the property, a double room with king-size bed and cozy single room provides comfortable space for 3 guests. There is also a Z-bed available which can be made up to make room for an additional guest.
The kitchen, lounge/dining area and shower room are located on the ground floor of the cottage.
A large, shared driveway lies to the front and side of the cottage with ample parking space for two vehicles.
Pets are always welcome at Merlin Cottage, however, please note that the garden is not enclosed and that dogs should be kept under control at all times as the cottage is surrounded by fields containing livestock.
Just 300 meters from Merlin Cottage lies Crakaig beach. With areas of sandy shoreline and rugged rock pools this quiet beach is perfect for both exploring and relaxing as the waves lap the shore. Keep an eye out for dolphins, seals, orca and otters, all are frequently spotted in the area.
Nearby villages Brora and Helmsdale provide plenty to see and do including local amenities such as grocery stores, libraries and medical centres. Some must-see attractions include Timespan museum in Helmsdale, Gold Panning at Kildonan and the Brora Heritage Centre and Clynelish Distillery in Brora. If you don’t fancy cooking you really are spoilt for choice with nearby restaurants and cafes serving delicious menu’s using local Highland produce and you’ll find fresh seafood, crab, langoustines and lobster frequently available at Helmsdale harbour.
The east coast of Sutherland is every golfers dream with world-famous courses on the doorstep. Merlin cottage is just 6 miles north of the famous James Braid Brora Golf Course, and 20 miles north of the Royal Dornoch Championship and Struie Golf Courses. Helmsdale also boasts a fun 9-hole course but is by far better known for its excellent salmon fishing.
We love the area in which we live and work, if you’d like any further information on the local area, please give us a call on 01408 515105 and we will be more than happy to help.
https://w3w.co/regal.estimated.angers
by Kendra Ballantyne | Jun 9, 2022
3 Mackay Road is a modern and spacious two-bedroom self-catering property on the west end of the town of Dornoch, Sutherland.
Situated on the outskirts of the town the property sits in a quiet, residential area just a 5 mins walk from the centre of Dornoch.
As you walk through the door at 3 Mackay Road you are greeted with a light and spacious hallway with the downstairs WC through the door directly ahead of you.
This property features a bright open-planned lounge, kitchen and dining area, creating the perfect space for relaxing after your day spent exploring the beautiful Scottish Highlands.
Both bedrooms, located on the first floor, benefit from zip & link beds that can be configured as super-king beds or single twin beds prior to your stay, providing a comfortable space for 4 guests. The master bedroom also benefits from an ensuite shower-room.
The family bathroom with shower over the bath is located on the first floor and an additional WC is located on the ground floor.
The enclosed rear garden with outside seating area makes the perfect spot for enjoying a spot of the Scottish sunshine. There is a BBQ available for guest use.
No need to leave your four-legged friends behind, dogs are always welcome at 3 Mackay Road.
There are two allocated parking spaces for guests available at the property.
If you’re looking for a Highland adventure, an active family getaway or peaceful relaxing retreat, Dornoch, situated on the north coast of the Dornoch Firth, is a popular destination with something for everyone.
Known for its sandy beaches, historic town centre, world-renowned golfing, stunning scenery and magnificent walks and wildlife Dornoch is a destination with all this and very much more.
The active community have a host of events during the course of the year. The local pipe band plays in the town centre on Saturday nights between now and the 10th September. Dornoch also hosts a busy, vibrant community market that takes place on 2nd and 4th Wednesdays of the month between May and September.
Days can simply be spent meandering the many independent shops that line the streets of the town centre of Dornoch that surround the magnificent Dornoch Cathedral. Looking to take something back home to remember us by? You’ll find lots of locally produced clothing, gifts, accessories and of course whisky to choose from.
It’s no surprise given the quality of ingredients available locally that you will be spoilt for choice when it comes to choosing where to eat and drink in Dornoch.
We love the area in which we live and work, if you’d like any further information on the local area, please give us a call on 01408 515105 and we will be more than happy to help.
https://what3words.com/assemble.whisker.saloons
by Kendra Ballantyne | Mar 21, 2022
Crossing Cottage, built in 1883 as accommodation for local railway workers, is a stunning semi-detached red-brick cottage made from original Brora bricks, located in the heart of the village of Brora.
This comfortable self-catering property provides the perfect space for a friends or family vacation, with plenty to explore in the surrounding area. The cottage features 2 double bedrooms, a warm and cosy lounge with a multi-fuel burner, a separate dining area, fully equipped kitchen and a family bathroom. The property is easily accessed with on-street parking available directly at the front door.
Situated close to Brora’s long sandy beach in the centre of the fishing village, Crossing Cottage has a good selection of small gift shops, cafes and restaurants. Nearby amenities include a renowned James Braid championship golf course, fishing, horse riding, tennis courts and bowling green. Water sports such as paddle boarding and kayaking are available nearby with hire and instruction. Be sure to take binoculars as an abundance of wildlife can often be seen along the nearby shoreline, including dolphins, seals and occasionally otters and orcas.
Crossing Cottage can accommodate 4 guests in 2 bedrooms on the first floor, both of which have king-size beds. The family bathroom is located on the ground floor, and features a corner bath and shower. A multi-fuel burner is located in the living room, perfect for those winter evenings relaxing on the sofa with a wee dram of the local tipple, Clynelish. Oil central heating is located throughout the property for your comfort and linen and towels are provided.
The kitchen is fully equipped with electric oven, hob, microwave, fridge, dishwasher, washing machine and tumble dryer for your convenience.
To the rear of the property the mature garden is fully-fenced, perfect for your four-legged friends, so they can enjoy holiday fun as well. Outdoor seating is available for guests, nestled out of the way of any breezy Highland weather.
The cottage is every rail enthusiasts dream, with The Far North Line running nearby. The most northernly train line in Britain runs from Inverness to Wick and is amongst the most scenic, with trains trundling past the property just eight times a day. Can you spot this property’s unique railway feature in the garden?
https://what3words.com/crinkled.valuables.parsnips
by Kendra Ballantyne | Aug 5, 2021
Sitting on the seafront at Golspie with stunning views across to Portmahomack this extended 3 bedroom self-catering cottage has a spectacular two-story glass extension that takes full advantage of the changing views of the sea. Whether it be a summer day or a winter’s day the peace and calm from sitting watching the ever-changing scenery is breathtaking.
The house is tastefully decorated with neutral colours, handcrafted driftwood pieces and a nautical theme throughout. There are three bedrooms a double (with en-suite) on the ground floor and a further 2 bedrooms and a bathroom on the first floor. There is a cosy lounge with a multi-fuel burner and formal dining area overlooking the sea and a mezzanine area for even further vistas.
Parking is to the rear of the property as well as access to an enclosed garden.
The front of the house is situated on the main street, close to all local amenities and the rear of the property is set next to Golspie beach. The village is nestled below Ben Bhraggie, and if you venture up the lovely walk, you’ll find the monument of the Duke of Sutherland at the top and stunning 360-degree views across Sutherland and to the North Sea.
There are various other walks, including the Big Burn Waterfall and along the beachfront to the famous Dunrobin Castle. There are local gift shops, coffee shops, pubs, restaurants butchers, fishmongers and The Trawler Fish & Chip shop. Locally made Capaldi’s ice cream shop offers delicious treats to reward yourself after a long day exploring all Golspie has to offer.
https://what3words.com/roofs.paddlers.speaks
Pets Allowed.
by Kendra Ballantyne | Aug 5, 2021
Easter Craigs is a comfortable 4-bedroom self-catering holiday home that is ideally situated as a base for a thoroughly relaxing vacation.
The house sits in an acre of woodland gardens in the peaceful surroundings of the crofting community of Backies and is south facing, catching any sun in the sunroom and the kitchen/dining room. Scenic and often spectacular views may be enjoyed from most rooms in the house, over the Dornoch Firth, Portmahomack and Tarbat Ness lighthouse, Ben Bhraggie and Dunrobin Glen, with clear days opening the vista to the Moray coast and even the distant Cairngorms.
The living room is connected to the sun and dining rooms by sliding doors and has a Nordic style open fireplace built from the red sandstone of the former croft house. There is an entrance lobby and boot room, and a hallway giving access to the living areas and stairs to the first floor. There is a good-sized bedroom with a daybed and desk on the ground floor that can be used for sleep, leisure and work purposes. There also are a shower and a utility room downstairs, with dish washer, washing and drying machines, and storage facilities. Upstairs, there are two spacious double bedrooms, a children’s room with a bunkbed, and a bathroom. An oil-fired boiler heats the central heating and the water.
The garden is laid out in terraces with lawn and flowers, shrubs and a majestic mature beech tree to the rear of the house. Remnants of the former croft house have been integrated into the garden, with hydrangea and succulents growing over the old stonework. At the front of the house is an extended woodland area with a small stream running through the lower part of the garden. Almost directly below the house runs a small spring, which trickles through the garden to the stream. There is plenty of outdoor space for children to explore, whilst the garden provides a home to a range of birds, mice and voles, and is visited by local roe deer and badgers. There is ample parking for three cars.
There are plenty of things to do locally, and Easter Craigs gives easy access to local beaches and golf courses, Golspie and the Big Burn walk, Dunrobin Castle and gardens, Brora, Loch Fleet, Ben Bhraggie’s foot and cycle paths, and Dornoch. The area has much to offer nature and bird lovers. Osprey, seals and seabirds can frequently be seen at Loch Fleet, and birds of prey circle above the house and along the hills behind it. Visitors can also explore local history, from the local Brochs to the stone carvings left behind by the Picts. Further afield, John O’Groats, Cape Wrath, the northern and Assynt hills and beaches, Handa Island, Lochinver, Ullapool and Inverness are all less than two hours’ drive away.
Please note, the location of this property is remote and does have single track roads leading up to it, check the map before booking.
by Kendra Ballantyne | Aug 5, 2021
No. 1 Links Apartment is situated on the ground floor and looks over the famous Brora Links Golf Course, a world-famous James Braid course and only 20 yards from the course clubhouse, the Links sits next to the long sandy beach and the mouth of the River Brora and has views out to the Moray Firth.
The apartment has 2 double bedrooms with en suites and an open plan living/dining/kitchen ideal for socialising. Two sets of patio doors open from the main lounge onto a patio area with outdoor seating overlooking the links and the other doors leading out to a patio area that catches the evening sun.
There is an abundance of top-class golf courses easily accessible from Brora, including the Royal Dornoch course (ranked in the top 5 courses in the world) and the Championship Castle Stuart Golf Links. Golspie Golf Course and Tain Golf course are only a short drive away.
There is more to Brora than Golf, the history that can be seen at the Brora Heritage Centre, outdoor pursuits such as horse riding, kayaking, paddleboarding, hill walking, beachcombing and rock climbing to name a few and a trip to the Clynelish and ancient Brora distillery is exceptional.
Brora has excellent access to the rest of the Highlands being on the east coast and only a couple of hours away from the west and north coasts, ideal for day trips.
by Kendra Ballantyne | Jun 23, 2021
Fisherman’s Rest, a quaint self-catering apartment lies nestled in the heart of the fishing village of Helmsdale. This lower-ground floor apartment features 2 bedrooms, a shower room and an open plan living/dining and kitchen area.
Fisherman’s Rest is close to all local amenities, the local grocery store, pubs and restaurants, and lies just yards away from the River Helmsdale, renowned for excellent Salmon fishing.
The village of Helmsdale has all the local amenities you could ever need, including a grocery store, library, 9-hole golf course, Timespan museum and local history archive, pubs, restaurants and medical centre all within walking distance from the cottage.
Helmsdale is a friendly and community driven village. The area is renowned for its beautiful scenery and sits on the NC500 route. The quality of fishing and availability of fresh seafood and crabs from local fishing boats makes Helmsdale an extremely popular holiday destination.
Pets are always welcome at Fisherman’s Rest. Though the apartment lacks a garden there are an abundance of local walks, beaches and hills for you to explore.
https://what3words.com/yachting.flattens.motorist
Pets Welcome
by Kendra Ballantyne | Jun 18, 2021
Darna House is a beautiful new-build property situated just a mile south of the Royal Burgh of Tain.
This modern property boasts 4 bedrooms making it the perfect home-from-home for friends and families to share quality time together in the Highlands.
Sitting just off the NC500, in the heart of Easter Ross, Darna House offers the peace and tranquillity associated with a semi-rural location but with the added bonus of being in a great position from which to explore the Highlands.
Whether you prefer sandy beaches or rock pools the choice is yours with Portmahomack, Dornoch Beach, Shandwick Bay and Tain Links are all close-by. If golf is your ‘thing’ then you’ll have your pick with Tain and Tarbat Golf Courses nearby and the world #1 ranked Royal Dornoch Golf Club just a short 15min drive north.
Other nearby outdoor activities include horse riding, mountain biking, fishing and paddle-boarding. For coastal walks or forest rambles be sure to check out WalkHighlands.co.uk for suggestions.
The detached house is very spacious and provides seating for 8 in the open-plan kitchen, dining and sitting room with bi-fold doors leading out to a partially covered area with outdoor seating.
One double bedroom and shower room is on the ground floor and a further three bedrooms and family bathroom are on the first floor.
Two of the rooms can be set as twin or Super king size beds, the third bedroom is set as a double, and the fourth bedroom is a twin.
You’ll find Asda, Tesco, Lidl, Co-op and Home bargains are all located in nearby Tain as well as the local butchers and bakers.
For something to remember your holiday we recommend visits to Anta, The Tain Pottery and to Glasstorm – with workshops on site it’s a great opportunity to see their wears brought to life.
If you don’t fancy cooking choose from any of the many local eateries such as Greens Restaurant, Platform 1864, The Carnegie Hotel or the Patchwork Paradise Vintage Tea Room & Gift Shop.
by Kendra Ballantyne | Mar 17, 2021
No. 18 The Links is a stunning two-bedroom self-catering beachside apartment located just 20 yards from Brora Golf Club; a famous James Braid course.
The property boasts an open plan kitchen /living room with ample space to relax. Each bedroom has two single beds and an en-suite, perfect for a golfing get-away.
The two Juliet windows allow you to feel the full effects of the fresh highland air, while enjoying the view of the 1st and 18th hole. On clear days you can see across to the Tarbatness Lighthouse and watch the dolphins play in the water.
There is an abundance of top-class golf courses easily accessible from Brora, including the Royal Dornoch course (ranked in the top 5 courses in the world) and the Championship Castle Stuart Golf Links.
Brora has excellent access to the rest of the Highlands being on the north-east coast and only a couple of hours away from the West coast, ideal for day trips.
https://what3words.com/sparrows.goggles.winded
by Kendra Ballantyne | Feb 8, 2021
No. 10 Links apartment is situated on the first floor of a gorgeous, modern apartment building and looks directly over the famous Brora Links Golf Course.
The building itself is only 20 yards from the golf clubhouse and this luxury apartment has everything you could possibly need to relax and enjoy your time in the Scottish Highlands.
The apartment has 2 double bedrooms with en suites and an open plan living/dining/kitchen ideal for socialising.
A set of Juliet windows in the main lounge offer unbelievable views of Brora beach and sea. Perfect for your morning coffee, taking in the fresh sea air and watching the golfers tee off from the first hole while the sunrises behind them. It really is spectacular.
A surround sound system will allow you to fully immerse yourself in the experience that this apartment offers.
There is a smart TV that is up to date with streaming apps. There is even a telescope so on clear days you can look out to see Portmahomack lighthouse and even some dolphins playing in the water. On nice summer days you can watch the surfers and kayakers exploring the waves.
When you arrive, a welcome pack will walk you through all the luxuries on offer in this incredible apartment.
There is an abundance of top-class golf courses easily accessible from Brora, including the Royal Dornoch course (ranked in the top 5 courses in the world) and the Championship Castle Stuart Golf Links.
Brora has excellent access to the rest of the Highlands being on the north-east coast and only a couple of hours away from the West coast, ideal for day trips.
https://what3words.com/sparrows.goggles.winded
