Most people have a mental picture of their ideal Highland cottage. Usually it goes something like this: it should be traditional, full of character, warmth and comfort, in an idyllic and secluded location on moorland among the hills and near water, peaceful, with only the sound of the birds to break the silence, and with glorious panoramic views.
Easy to imagine, often not so easy to find. But Ballindalloch (not to be confused with the village of the same name way over on Speyside) ticks all these exacting boxes. Standing completely alone at the end of a track (some care required) on the edge of the Monadhliath Mountains at South Loch Ness, yet just 18 miles from Inverness itself, it has wonderful views of the surrounding hills and nearby loch, which is a breeding ground for a wide range of moorland and wading birds.
It snuggles among trees in its own large, secluded garden* (furniture, barbecue) , a stone-built, beautifully presented croft cottage which inside has been furnished with great care and attention. Inside there is a spacious sitting room with open fire, a dining room which has French doors to the garden, a well-equipped galley kitchen and a further sitting room. Upstairs are two more most inviting bedrooms and a family bathroom.
The cottage is a perfect retreat for the most relaxing of holidays. Walkers can depart straight from the door into the surrounding mountain country, where they may spot eagles, osprey, buzzards and hen harriers as they go. As if that were not enough for bird enthusiasts, they will find that large numbers of geese overwinter on the shores of nearby Lochs Mor and Farraline.
Yet for all the peace and seclusion, you are not so very far from all the more organised attractions of this wonderful area. Loch Ness is close by and, in addition to its famous and elusive monster, offers boat trips and cruises, while in the area there is also horse riding and mountain biking through the Great Glen. From there, too, you can head off to the west coast and Skye.
Inverness is a most vibrant city, with all manner of leisure facilities, theatres, cinemas and excellent shopping and eating places. For a change from birdlife, you can look out for the dolphins under the Kessock Bridge there, as they pass through the narrows into the Inner Sound. And of course the fast A9 road will take you up to the beautiful Black Isle, or further north to Sutherland and even up to John o'Groats.
Heating is by electricity. Electricity, bed linen all INCLUDED and towels may be hired. Sorry, pets are not accepted and smoking is not permitted within the cottage. There is a telephone for incoming calls. Water is from a treated private supply. Sorry, no children under 4.
*This has a pond, so care is required with children.
