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The Thatched Croft
Helmsdale, Sutherland |
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The Thatched Croft nestles high on the hillside in the small crofting community of Gartymore, and it provides fantastic views across the Moray Firth and surrounding hills. Close to the river Helmsdale, one of the best salmon rivers in Scotland, there is plenty to do from fishing, shooting and walking to gold-panning, mountain biking or just relaxing on one of the beautiful beaches. It is well situated to use as a base to tour further afield and there is a wealth of history and wildlife within easy reach.
The countryside surrounding the cottage is abundant with wildlife. The bird life is fantastic: buzzards can be seen frequently from the kitchen window, as well as the occasional deer in the garden and sometimes even a dolphin or porpoise out in the Firth. If you wander a little further afield there are otters, seals, salmon leaps and nesting ospreys. At the right times of year you can watch puffins off the cliffs at Dunnets Head, hear the deer roaring at each other across the hills or if you are lucky, watch the aurora borealis (northern lights).
There are also several wonderful beaches within minutes of the cottage that offer expanses of empty sand, rock pools and even the opportunity for fossil hunting. If you are interested in history or archaeology, there are lots of sites of interest within easy reach, some of which date back to the notorious Highland Clearances, others which are much older. Also, there are several heritage centres and museums which offer a wealth of information on both a local and national level.
Contrary to popular belief, the east coast of Sutherland boasts one of the lowest rainfalls in the UK, and is blessed with a lower midge-count than the west coast (although for the midge haters, Avon's skin-so-soft is definitely useful!) There are hundreds of miles of meandering roads to explore, and without the traffic that many people have to contend with everyday, driving or riding will once again become a pleasure. The scenery is spectacular, and if touring is your thing, most of the Highlands are reachable in day trips from the cottage.
- Sleeps - 4/6
- Bedrooms - 2 (1 double, 1 triple sleeper bunk (small double on the bottom, single on the top) plus 1 double sofa bed
- Bathrooms - 1 with bath and electric shower
- Dishwasher
- Washer/dryer
- Microwave
- TV, freeview, DVD, stereo
- Wood burning stove
- Central heating
- Travel cot, highchair and fire surround available
- Enclosed garden with picnic bench
- Portable barbeque
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- Helmsdale 1.5miles
- Airports - Inverness 70 miles, Wick 40 miles
- Railway station at Helmsdale
- Helmsdale has a pub and 3 restaurants
- Golf - 4 courses within 25 miles
- Fishing - river 1.5 miles, loch 20 miles, sea 11 miles
- Shooting - 20 miles
- Horse riding - 11 miles
- Bowles - 16 miles
- Mountain bike trails - 15 miles
- Sorry no pets
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Other local amenities include the Timespan Heritage Centre, 2 general grocers, 2 gift shops, library with internet access, post office, stunning views, lots of hill walking, annual Highland Games, gold panning and fossil hunting.
Accommodation:
The Thatched Croft is a 'B' listed traditional croft house that has been sympathetically extended and renovated, providing an 'L shaped'
building which has two bedrooms, bathroom and an open plan kitchen/living area with entrance vestibule. Externally, the front of the house looks
as it would have done generations ago with hand-made sash windows and lime render. While the bedrooms and bathroom have a slate roof
(something which would have been far too expensive for the original occupants),
what would have been the living areas of the house still has
a thatched roof, complete with stones collected from the local beach used to weigh down the netting and hold the thatch secure against the
winter storms.
Internally, the ceiling follows into the apex of the roof, leaving beams exposed and giving a bright and airy feel, the walls and ceiling are cladded in a similar style to the original, and there are varnished floors throughout. All of the rooms in the croft provide spectacular views across the Moray Firth. But with the rustic charm come none of the discomforts, the croft is insulated to modern standards, has a well equipped kitchen and bathroom, as well as central heating and a wood burning stove to provide a really cosy place to stay.
There is a small vestibule on entering the house providing a warm and dry place to store hats, coats, boots and all the essentials for enjoying the wonderful outdoors. A cosy seating area around the wood burning stove is situated to one end of the original house; with TV, DVD and CD player as well as a selection of games and books to provide relaxing evening activities. Additional sleeping is provided in the form of a double sofa-bed. The seating area leads onto the kitchen. With a Range-style electric cooker and a good selection of kitchen gadgets, the chef of the family should feel right at home. The fridge freezer is on hand to store the catch of the day, and the whole family can gather around the kitchen table at meal times. There is even a dishwasher to help make clearing up easy, after all who wants to spend their holiday washing dishes? There is also a washer-dryer for your use, after a day at the beach with the kids it is invaluable!
A door leading off the kitchen takes you down a hall at the rear of the house which leads first to a spacious bathroom, located in what was originally known as 'The Good Room' which was added to the house in the 1900's. Today there is a modern fitted bathroom, with an electric shower. Further down the hallway the second bedroom is found at the rear corner of the house with south facing windows. This is a bright and sunny room, it is located in the modern extension and has a 'triple sleeper' bunk bed (small double at floor level and single bunk above) to allow maximum flexibility of sleeping arrangements. There is also a built in hanging rail and shelves to store your belongings. The master bedroom is situated at the end of the hall. With high ceilings, soft rugs and throws and fabulous views, this is a luxurious room with double bed, wardrobe and drawers. Located in the original barn, it has windows on two aspects, providing stunning sea views and if you are lucky a show of the Northern Lights.
Externally, there is a large car park leading to a split-level enclosed garden with picnic bench which overlooks the sea and surrounding hills.
Directions:
From Inverness, travel north on the A9 following directions to Wick. Follow the A9 through the village of Portgower. Take the second turning on the left, there is a little cream house next to the turning, and a farm on the right hand side. This turning is the only one signed to Gartymore. The single track road climbs steeply up the hill, follow it to the cross-road, and go straight across, continuing up hill. As you climb the hill, you will pass a turning to your right and the road will level out, the driveway to The Thatched Croft is immediately on your right.
What's included:
All electricity, heating and logs for the stove are included in the rental price. Bed linen and towels are provided. A welcome pack of tea, coffee, sugar, milk, egg, bacon, butter and a loaf of bread provided free of charge for bookings of 7+ nights.
Cost and availability.
Stays of any duration (up to a maximum of 21 nights), starting on any day will be taken if the croft is available, on a first come-first served basis. Check in time is 3pm, check out by 10.30am.
Previous guests have described this house as a luxurious haven, a home from home, and a refuge from life. Everyone has said that they wished they could stay longer, and one even offered to buy it! To the owners' knowledge, this is the only listed thatched building remaining in Sutherland, and it is definitely the only one available as self catering accommodation.
To book this unique Sutherland thatched cottage for an idyllic holiday, click the
enquiry button below and see the availability and prices.
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The Thatched Croft, Gartymore, Helmsdale, Sutherland, KW8 6HJ Scotland. |
