| |
The Thatched Croft, Helmsdale, Sutherland |
|
This property entry is due to expire please try:
 |
 |
Cottages sleeping
1 - 9 people
|  |
 |
|
|
|
Cottages sleeping
10+ people
| |
|
|
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 surrounding countryside is abundant with wildlife. Buzzards are seen frequently from the kitchen window, as well as deer in the garden and sometimes dolphins 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 time of year you can see puffins nesting at Dunnets Head, hear the deer roaring at rutting season and possibly see the northern lights.
There are also several wonderful beaches within a few minutes from The Thatched Croft that offer expanses of empty sand, rock pools and the opportunity for fossil hunting. If you are interested in history or archaeology, there are lots of sites of interest within easy reach, from prehistoric Scotland to the notorious Highland Clearances. 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. 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 (double on the bottom, single on top) plus 1 double sofa bed
- Bathrooms - 1 with bath and electric shower
- Dishwasher
- Washer/dryer
- Microwave
- TV, DVD, radio/CD player
- Wood burning stove
- Central heating
- Travel cot and highchair available
- Enclosed garden with picnic bench
- Sorry no pets
|
- Helmsdale 1 mile
- Airport - Inverness 70 miles
- Railway station at Helmsdale
- Helmsdale has a pub and several restaurants
- Golf - 4 courses within 25 miles, nearest 1 mile
- Fishing - river 1 mile, loch 20 miles
- Shooting - 20 miles
- Horse riding - 11 miles
- Mountain biking - from doorstep or 16 miles
- Timespan Heritage Centre
- Gold-panning
- Fossil hunting
- Beach 1 mile
|
Accommodation:
On entering The Thatched Croft there is a small vestibule providing a warm dry place for all those jackets, boots, hats and all the essentials for enjoying the outdoors. A cosy seated area around the wood burner is situated to one end of the original house with TV and DVD and radio/cd player as well as a selection of books and games to provide relaxing evening entertainment. Additional sleeping is provided here with a double sofa bed.
The seating area leads open planned into the kitchen. With a range styled electric cooker and a good selection of kitchen gadgets the chef of the day should feel right at home. The tall fridge freezer will store fresh and frozen foods alike and the whole family can gather around the table for dinner. There is a dishwasher for all the washing up and a washer dryer for laundry.
The door from the kitchen leads down a hallway at the rear of the croft firstly the bathroom with handbasin wc bath and electric shower. Further down the hallway is the second bedroom with two south facing windows. This is a bright sunny room and has a triple bunk (double on the bottom and single on the top). There is a built in hanging rail and shelves to store all your belongings. At the end of the hallway is the master bedroom with a double bed, wardrobe, dressing table, located in the original barn the room has windows to two aspects providing stunning sea views to the Moray Firth and the surrounding hills.
The Thatched Croft is a B Listed traditional croft house looking as it would have generations ago from the thatched roof to lime rendered walls to hand made windows and doors. The croft has been sympathetically extended and renovated to provide an L shaped building with timber clad vaulted ceilings exposed beams and keeping the original feel but with all the benefits of modern insulation and central heating to provide a warm and cosy home from home.
Externally there is a large car park leading to and enclosed split level garden with a picnic bench and the most stunning views to the sea and surrounding hills.
Directions:
From the south, 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.
Cost and availability:
Short breaks welcome Check in time is 3.30pm, check out by 10.30am.
To book this unique thatched cottage near Helmsdale, click the enquiry button below and see the availability and prices.
|
|
The Thatched Croft, Gartymore, Helmsdale, Sutherland, KW8 6HJ Scotland. |
