Charleston House is all about getting amongst the elements, eating well and chilling out in the beautiful Scottish Highlands. Whether you are looking to explore the spectacular scenery of Wester Ross and the Gairloch area on foot, wheels or water, we offer a comfortable home, away from home.
Open all year round, Charleston House is perfectly situated on the infamous North Coast 500 (NC500) route overlooking Flowerdale Bay, and brings you the best in modern comfort within one of the oldest period buildings in the area.
Charleston House was built in 1776 and is one of the oldest, continuously inhabited buildings in the area. It was built by a fish merchant from the East Coast of Scotland (possibly Aberdeen), named Charles Cumming. His Christian name was given to the house and the area - Charles Town.
Originally there was a residence on the top two floors of the house, with the ground floor given over to fishing purposes - a net store and possibly a fish curing room. The dual purpose of the property also explains why the garden of the house is small relative to the size of the house. In the garden of the house was a fishing shed, later a bakery.
Following WWII, the house has been run as a boarding house, Inn and restaurant, and more latterly as a holiday let. Purchased by the current owners in early 2017, the house was given a thorough renovation, turning it into its new guise as a Luxury Boutique Licensed Guest House.
Apart from the exterior staircase and new entrance, the present exterior of the house is as it was in the 18th century.
All of our guest rooms include direct views of the beautiful Flowerdale Bay, a private en-suite bath / shower room (including luxury toiletries), original and limited-edition artwork, high definition flat screen TV & DVD player, free WIFI, USB charging points, hair dryers, high thread count cotton bed linen and towels, and tea & coffee making facilities.
Room 1 - Shirley - king sized bed, dressing table, hanging for clothes, drawers for storage, chaise lounge and coffee table. The bathroom has a slipper bath and shower, which overlooks Flowerdale bay, a hand basin and toilet.
Room 2 - Patricia - double bed, dressing table, hanging for clothes, drawers for storage, coffee table and seating. Shower cubicle, hand basin and toilet in the bathroom.
Room 3 - Clare - twin bedded with two single beds, dressing table, hanging for clothes, drawers for storage, coffee table and seating. Shower cubicle, hand basin and toilet in the bathroom.
Room 4 - Ginevra - king sized bed, dressing table, hanging for clothes, drawers for storage, coffee table and seating. Shower cubicle, hand basin and toilet in the bathroom.
Dining Room
We know that meal time is a key part of any holiday, and our dining room provides the perfect spacious environment for both large and small groups - a modern setting, with a few qwerky twists.
The Bar
The ideal space to relax after a long day exploring the area, perhaps with a little tipple from our collection of locally sourced drinks, at the honesty bar. Available drinks range from a collection of single malt whiskeys, Scottish gins and bottled ales, to a considered wine list. With comfortable seating, a log burning fire and a range of boards games, you can be sure of a cosy setting, even if mother nature decides otherwise outside.
Storage & facilities for sports equipment
We have secure storage for bicycles, as well as under cover storage for the likes of sea kayaks & canoes. We also have a drying room, ideal for walking boots, clothing and the like - please let us know your requirements when booking so we can accommodate where possible.
Animals
We appreciate that many of our four legged friends like the outdoors even more than us, and so we welcome dogs at Charleston House, as long as accompanied by well-behaved owners. Please let us know when booking.
Being surrounded by a wide range of fantastic local produce, and located on the doorstep of a working harbor, where possible we look to source ingredients in the immediate area and provide a range of locally influenced dishes that draw on the time of year.
Breakfast
To ensure you are well fueled for the day ahead, we provide a broad selection for breakfast, from a range of cereals and fresh fruit & yoghurt, to more hearty offerings such as our signature kedgeree, omelet Arnold Bennet, and full Scottish breakfast. Please let us know any specific dietary requirements when booking.
Evening meals
Particularly in the off-season when local eateries tend to be closed, evening meals are available by arrangement, with the menu of the day custom made for you. Specific dishes vary depending on your particular tastes as well as the availability of local produce, but include locally caught langoustines, lobster, oysters, crab, scallops, and fish as well as highland beef, venison, lamb, pork, chicken, and a selection of local cheeses.