Guests say
Barn Owl Cottage receives high praise for its cleanliness, comfort, and tranquil rural setting, making it an ideal base for exploring the Highlands. Guests consistently mention the well-equipped and beautifully maintained cottage, the peaceful surroundings rich in wildlife, and the warm, welcoming host. While some noted limited local dining options and the need for a car, the overall experience is overwhelmingly positive, with many guests eager to return and recommend the property to others.
Guests repeatedly describe the cottage as very clean, well presented, and beautifully maintained, with no negative comments regarding cleanliness.
The peaceful rural location is highly valued, offering easy access to the Highlands and nearby Tain. Some guests mention the need for a car and limited local eateries, but overall the setting is considered a major asset.
The cottage is frequently described as comfortable, cosy, warm, and a home away from home, with guests appreciating the relaxing atmosphere and quality furnishings.
The cottage is praised for being well equipped and furnished, with everything needed for a pleasant stay. A few minor comments note the effort required for the gates and the lack of some local amenities, but overall satisfaction is very high.
Guests mention a warm welcome from the host, helpful local advice, and thoughtful touches such as a welcome tray. While these gestures are appreciated, please note that such gifts or extras are not guaranteed for every stay.
About this property
An ideal base for couples wishing to explore the wild beauty of the Highlands, with beautiful beaches just 10 minutes away.. All on the
Ground Floor:
Open plan living space.
Living area: 28" Freeview TV, DVD Player, French Doors Leading To Garden
Dining area.
Kitchen area: Electric Cooker, Microwave, Fridge, Dishwasher, Washing Machine
Bedroom: Kingsize (5ft) Bed
Ensuite: Cubicle Shower, Heated Towel Rail, Toilet.
Electric panel heaters (underfloor heating in shower room), electricity, bed linen, towels and Wi-Fi included. Welcome pack.. Enclosed lawned garden with patio and garden furniture. Private parking for 2 cars. No smoking. Please note: There are two steps to the garden (can also be accessed by a slope).. Situated on a quiet lane and overlooking open countryside, Barn Owl Cottage is a detached, single-storey cottage. Set in the grounds of the owner’s home, it has its own private garden and enjoys lovely views across fields to the hills beyond. It is situated in a small hamlet which lies between Portmahomack and Tain, in the heart of rural Ross-shire. This bright accommodation is beautifully presented throughout and provides an ideal base for couples. An entrance porch leads through to the main open plan living area, and French doors open onto the pretty sandstone patio with lawn beyond - an ideal spot for alfresco dining or relaxing with a glass of wine. Adjoining the main living area is a very attractively presented kingsize bedroom with colour co-ordinated soft furnishings. An en-suite shower room with underfloor heated tiles completes the picture.
The region is justly famed for its wild beauty and there is plenty to explore in every direction. The pretty seaboard villages of Portmahomack, Shandwick and Balintore, with their lovely sandy beaches, attractive harbours and pretty stone cottages, are just 10 minutes’ drive away. The more energetic might prefer to walk directly from the cottage to the shoreline in the nearby hamlet of Inver. There are numerous forest walks and mountain bike trails in the locality. The cottage is also close to the renowned North Coast 500 route. Golfers are spoilt for choice, with traditional and well known links courses at Royal Dornoch, Tain, Golspie and Brora. Wildlife is abundant in the area, including deer, pine marten, osprey and red kites all seen locally. On Loch Eye, just 15 minutes’ walk from the cottage, there are numerous birds to be seen, including a large number of resident swans on this Site of Special Scientific Interest.
The area is renowned for its archaeological sites, and at the nearby Tarbat Discovery Centre there is a fascinating display of Pictish, Norse and Medieval artefacts. Just 3 miles away lies the oldest Royal Burgh of Scotland, Tain. Predominantly built of local mellow sandstone, this charming historic town offers an excellent selection of small shops, restaurants, cafés and pubs, as well as a wide variety of sporting and recreational facilities, including tennis courts, gardens, golf club and bowling club, all of which are available to visitors. Nearby places of interest include the whisky distillery centre, home of Glenmorangie single malt, the famous Falls of Shin, one of the few places nearby to see salmon leaping, and the enchanting town of Dornoch with its magnificent cathedral, sandy beach and championship golf course. Beach 1 mile. Shop, pub and restaurant 3 miles.
Free WiFi
Nearby points of interest
- Glenmorangie Distillery
- Brora Golf Club
- Brora Heritage Centre
- Brora Beach
Reviews (23)
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Kinnaird
Barn Owl Cottage is in a great location to enjoy the peace and quiet of the Highlands around Tain. The cottage is cosy and comfortable. You can watch birds and wildlife from the patio doors leading out into the garden. The cottage is a great base to explore the surrounding area and you don't need to travel far too enjoy the countryside, beaches, forest walks and places to eat and drink. (We went in late September so take care to check if coffee shops etc are open on the days you want to visit.) The host was lovely and helpful.Absolutely lovely wee cottage, perfect for two and would highly recommend it.
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Douglas Kerr
Everything was excellent. We can have no complaints
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Margaret Cooper
A lovely well kept wee cottage . Peaceful and relaxed week. Comfortable, and a very kind welcome tray. Friendly but not intrusive hostess. Would be happy to return .