Completed in 1840, Rhives House is one of the oldest properties in the village of Golspie It is noted for its distinctive “crow-step” gables and Scottish baronial drum tower. Set just outside the village it provides a peaceful place to get away from it all but remains within walking distance of the various shops, inns and cafes dotted along the village high street.
Golspie is well connected to public transport both by road and rail. Situated at the start of the footpath up to Ben Bhraggie, Rhives House offers spectacular views down over the village, across the Dornoch Firth and beyond to the Cairngorms.
Rhives House has just two rooms so booking is advised. “The Linnet” is a cosy double room which also accommodates a single bed and has its own adjacent shower room, all housed in a quiet and peaceful area of the property. “The Finch” is a spacious family room boasting a king-sized bed, plus two singles, a seating area and a private shower room opposite. All accommodation is on the ground floor, is non-smoking and features TV and tea/coffee facilities.
A beautiful, expansive lounge is available for guests to either meet fellow travellers, watch TV or sit and read selections from the ever-expanding Rhives House Library. Free Wi-Fi is on hand throughout the property for sharing holiday snaps or catching up with e-mail.
Outside there is ample, secure off-street parking and a large garden in which to sit and marvel at the magnificent almost two-hundred-year-old cedar tree situated within the grounds. A picnic bench is provided and safe stowage of bicycles is also available.
Attractions
Golspie is an attractive village, an essential stop for those exploring the North Coast 500 (NC500). By car it is situated approximately an hour north of Inverness, the capital of the Highlands but can also be reached via train and bus. The village itself has four well-stocked convenience stores, two cafes and several pubs as well as a hardware shop, chemist, post office, butcher, fishmonger, bank, two gift shops and a public library. For the more active guest there is a tennis court, a bowling green, rowing club and a leisure centre with swimming pool and gym.
Golspie’s spectacular links golf course, designed by the legendary James Braid, established in 1889 is ranked among the top 100 courses in Scotland. Cycling enthusiasts can take advantage of the Wild Cat Trails which meander through the forests around Rhives House and Ben Bhraggie is highly recommended for even the less experienced hill-walker, affording splendid views in every direction from its peak. Loch Fleet is a National Nature Reserve where Ospreys can be seen nesting and lucky wildlife enthusiasts may catch a glimpse of otters, basking seals and many species of wild fowl. Just outside Golspie, budding archaeologists can explore Carn Liath an Iron Age broch and keen-eyed visitors may spot fossils on the shoreline below. The stunning fairy-tale castle of Dunrobin, home of the Countess of Sutherland is open to the public during summer, when it also offers regular falconry displays. Approximately two hours’ drive to the north is the famous John O’ Groats, a must-see for any visitor to the Highlands, the gateway to the spectacularly rugged Orkney and Shetland Isles, reached by ferry.
