Old Manse Cottage

A traditional Highland cottage in beautiful natural surroundings. Spacious and bright, features include a huge 17th century fireplace, set alongside modern comforts such as a wood burning stove, open plan kitchen, shower room and king bedroom. Private garden and parking. A fantastic base to discover beautiful Highland walks and landmarks. Fans of Traitors and Outlander are in for a treat! Strathpeffer village with restaurants and shop (1 mile), Inverness (18 miles), North Coast 500 (2 miles). The space The Cottage is a true Highland getaway, full of rural charm and history. Once a working farm croft, it has been fully renovated into an impressive open plan space, combining modern comfort but keeping many traditional features.. Within minutes drive in every direction, you can experience the scenery so famously connected to the Scottish Highlands - lochs and rivers, crashing waterfalls, mountains, castles and the coast. Birds of prey and deer can often be seen from the back garden. Walk from your front door and discover delightful local nature walks and the Victorian Spa village of Strathpeffer, with choices for a drink and a meal out. The Cottage living room, dining area and kitchen form an impressive open plan area. Lots of windows, carefully selected lighting and high ceilings make the space bright and airy but also encourage that cosy feel when you want to settle down with a good book or prepare a special meal. The cottage has a well equipped modern kitchen, with the chance to dine at an antique ship mapping table, where you will never feel short of space! Or, sit in the kitchen window seat with a glass of wine and admire the gigantic beech trees. The Cottage has one double bedroom. The king size bed has a very comfortable mattress. There is a chest of drawers, a chair, wall hooks with hangers and carpet. The room has plenty of light with two windows and full length curtains. We provide all linen and towels for your stay. We can add a travel cot on request. The bathroom is a really unique space. It has an electric shower so water is always hot, a wash basin, heated towel rail, toilet and washing machine and iron. The back porch has several coat hooks and a place to put your shoes on in comfort. It leads out to a back garden and seating area. There is modern electric heating and double glazing throughout, as well as the wood burning stove (we supply one basket of logs and kindling for each stay). The cottage has free WiFi and a 32 inch internet TV. The approach to The Cottage is up a small private road. This turns into the driveway of The Old Manse, covered by flowers in spring and lined by trees. The Cottage is quickly on your right, with it's own small private driveway. By your front door is a grass lawn and garden rockery with a seating bench. To the side and around the back of The Cottage is a larger grassed area of lawn. The garden overlooks a small area of mixed woodland and a grazing paddock. The back garden also has views of The Old Manse, walled garden and surrounding fields. There is an outside seating area at the back door and a bench to the front. You can walk directly from the cottage, through our fields to enjoy many walking routes away from main roads. The Cottage garden gets plenty of Scottish sunshine! The cottage has a padlocked shed in the garden that you can use for bicycles if you wish to. This also contains garden furniture for your use. Kids - We will happily provide a travelcot for one baby/toddler. We also have a highchair. Please be aware the wood burning stove is easily accessible to little people and the fireguard doesn't provide a complete barrier, so guardians must take responsibility for their child's actions near the stove. Our pets - we have a cat and two labrador dogs who may wander the shared driveway area. They are all very friendly! There are sheep and currently a cheeky Shetland pony in the field behind the cottage. Guest access The cottage has a private driveway for parking and a private garden for guests. There is direct access into our back fields, which lead to a footpath for walking into Strathpeffer village, passing Castle Leod (home of the true 'Outlander,' Mackenzie Laird), surrounding woodland and hills. Other things to note Guests - There is one king size bed for two people. A travel cot is available free on request; suitable for up to a 2 year old child. Check in is 4pm. Check out is 10am. If nobody is coming in on your day of departure, I can sometimes extend your checkout time, please ask. Firewood - we provide a starter basket of firewood with each booking. More firewood is available locally to purchase in Dingwall at Frank Nicol, the fuel garages and supermarkets. Special occasions - if you would like me to pre-purchase any special items for a special birthday or occasion to welcome your arrival, please let me know. Animals - we don't accept guest pets, sorry. Our neighbour runs a small holding with various animals, which you may hear when outside during your stay. Mostly this is a vocal peacock. We have sheep and a Shetland pony in our field, they're friendly, if a little cheeky! Our cat and two friendly dogs may wander by to say hello. Bedding - we use a warm feather (down) duvet. If you require a lighter summer duvet, or non-feather duvet, please let me know. Heating - the cottage is over 300 years old in parts, originally a croft and animal byre as part of the Castle Leod estate. There is a wood burner and electric heating throughout. The main area has original slate and stone, so we advise that you bring slippers for your comfort. The bedroom is carpeted. Weather expectations - The Highlands of Scotland are supremely beautiful but also cooler than other places in the UK at any time of year; an extra jumper is always advisable if you're used to southern climes!