Rowan Cottage,
Sutherland

Sleeps 6

Rowan Cottage is a 200-year-old stone house in 17 acres of private grounds (sheltering ospreys, falcons, seals, deer) stretching along the shore of the Dornoch Firth 2 miles south of the villages of Bonar Bridge and Ardgay (shops, hotels) in the stupendous coastal countryside of Sutherland 45 mins drive north of Inverness.

At the side of a burn which descends through miniature waterfalls and rocky pools into the Dornoch Firth, it has its own very pretty large enclosed garden (furniture/barbecue) ideal for pets and children, and is side-on to the holiday home of the owner who is only occasionally in residence.

Within a 12-mile radius you have wonderful sandy beaches; excellent golf courses including The Royal Dornoch Championship Links, Highland rivers asking to be fished (clubs and rods can be provided); a salmon leap at the spectacular Falls of Shin.

To the north you can enjoy a wildlife cruise from John o' Groats (2 hrs drive), and/or visit the Orkney Isles, Scapa Flow, etc. To the west via lovely Strath Oykel you can visit Ullapool and Lochinver and the north-west coast including the very beautiful "Assynt" area to view or climb the famous mountains "Stac Polydh", " Suilven", "Quinag" and "Canisp".

Heating is by excellent CH from the gas-Rayburn (first £15 included), and a wood-burning stove. Bed-linen and towels are included. Pets are welcome.

As in many places in the Highlands, the local water supply runs through peat soil and can appear very brown, particularly after heavy rain. While its quality is still probably better than many places in the south, if you are concerned about the colour you may prefer to bring bottled water to drink.

Accommodation (sleeps 6):

Downstairs:

• Sitting room with TV/Video, wood-burning stove and French windows onto patio and garden.
• Kitchen/Dining room with gas (Rayburn) cooker, microwave, deep-freeze, dish-washer, washing machine, etc.
• WC and basin.

Upstairs:

• Double-bed room.
• Double-bed room.
• Bunk beds (3ft wide).
• Bathroom with Bath, WC and basin.

Accommodation availability:

Rowan Cottage: