Herdsman Cottage

Overview

This is a charming, luxurious, beautifully renovated cottage with exposed wooden beams and a vaulted ceiling. It is cosy in all seasons with thick, stone walls, multi-fuel stove and double glazing, and has lovely views across the Black Isle to Ben Wyvis.

Located just 5 minutes drive north of Inverness, on the Black Isle, this peaceful cottage is superbly situated for exploring the Moray Firth, the Black Isle, the Northern Highlands, the Great Glen, the Isle of Skye and the West Coast.

Newly converted with great imagination from an old cottage and byre, this delightful cottage combines traditional charm with modern comforts. Both the double and twin bedrooms have en-suite facilities with under floor heating and heated towel rails. (The cottage sleeps 4 people). Natural wood and co-ordinating soft furnishings feature throughout. The kitchen which is part of the open-plan area, is very well equipped with integrated dishwasher, fridge, oven and hob. It also has a microwave, freezer and washer/drier.

Ascending a pine staircase from the dining area, there is a bright gallery overlooking the lounge where one can sit quietly with one of the many reference books, listen to CDs or do a jig-saw. Bed linen, towels and a starter pack of fuel are provided.

Outside the cottage there is a a patio area where guests can relax and enjoy the flora and fauna. Highland cows and calves graze the fields near the cottage (Highlanders are bred and reared on the croft.), and Red Kytes, which nest in the nearby woodland, soar over-head. There is an attractive large garden planted with shrubs and trees to attract wildlife.

There are pleasant walks from the cottage and a network of footpaths and cycle paths on the Black Isle. There is a lockable bike and ski store and a drying room available. For golfers, there are 10 courses within easy reach and for skiers, Aviemore is just 45 minutes away. The nearest village, Munlochy (1.5 miles) has a general store, PO, pub, and cafe, and the hourly bus between Inverness and Cromarty stop 300 yards from the cottage. Avoch (5 miles), a conservation fishing village, has regular boat trips to view the Moray Firth Dolphins.

The cottage is eco-friendly, it has been awarded a "silver" green tourism award. It is insulated to a high standard; re-cycled materials were used in its renovation and now it has phorto-voltaic cells producing electricity on bright days.

The Herdsman's Cottage is ideal for anyone of limited mobility; parking is beside the cottage, and there are no external or internal steps to be negotiated. Children are welcome and a high chair, and travel cot are available on request.

The Black Isle has many interesting coastal villages and attractive beaches. The nearest swimming beach is Rosemarkie (8 miles) where there are miles of lovely sand at the end of which is Chanonry Point where you can view the Moray Firth's famous school of dolphins. There is a nature reserve at Munlochy Bay (2 miles).

Herdsman's Cottage is an idyllic holiday cottage for people of all ages and interests. A great base to explore the beautiful countryside of the Highland, to relax and re-charge your batteries. It is a homely, and welcoming cottage.