This delightful, picture book, detached cottage is situated in a tiny hamlet near Dalcross, some 5 miles east of Inverness, and has been imaginatively and most beautifully redesigned and refurbished by the owners as a charming retreat for two people.
To the front, there is a sunny, south facing conservatory sitting room with doors to the enclosed garden, which is a delight and which affords views of the Moray Firth at the foot of the hill. At the bottom of the garden is a decked area where you can see all the way to Caithness! A couple of steps lead from the conservatory- sitting room up to an elegant dining room with a modern kitchen off, then there is a beamed double bedroom and shower room. All very romantic, cosy and sublimely comfortable.
The immediate surroundings have much of interest to offer. Four miles away, out on the point, is Fort George, one of the garrison defences built after the '45 rebellion and perfectly preserved. Here, you look straight across the narrows to Chanonry Point; this stretch of water is arguably the prime site in the country for watching dolphins as they swim past on their way to the inner sound. In the direction of Inverness, in the care of the National Trust, is the site of the Battlefield of Culloden, which remains atmospheric and evocative even on the brightest days. Nearby too is Castle Cawdor, of Macbeth fame.
Inverness is a great city with a real 'buzz'. It offers all sporting facilities, theatres and concert halls, a wide range of shops and excellent restaurants. You don't even need to go into town for most of your needs - there is a big retail park with multi-screen cinema on the right side of town for the cottage.
Further afield, you can explore all the sunny Moray coast with its golden sands and quaint fishing villages, go inland to the Whisky Trail, or west to Loch Ness, and the lovely glens Glen Affric or Glen Cannich. Less than two hours will have you among the mountains of Torridon, or in Skye, or even up in John o'Groats. The road links from this part of the world are really excellent.
Inverness Airport is quite close to the cottage, but on most days is not particularly obtrusive. There is little or no night flying and Heathrow it most certainly ain't!
Bed linen, towels and electric night store heating are INCLUDED in the rental. One well behaved pet is welcome by arrangement. Smoking is not permitted within the cottage.
