Polmaily Steading, near the village of Drumnadrochit on Loch Ness, is a very special place indeed. Converted with great flair from traditional farm buildings, its two wings embrace a central courtyard and provide quite unique and unforgettable holiday accommodation for up to 10 people.
Reached by a half mile of track, it is peacefully situated (and being far from traffic, it is ideal for children). It sits on the hillside with garden to the north and west sides, and with lovely views down the valley, while an adjacent barn provides under cover parking for at least two vehicles, with plenty more parking right at the door.
Once inside, the first thing that strikes one is the space. A sizeable porch area - ideal for shedding walking boots etc. - leads into the central point of the house - a simply enormous principal living area, which has a gallery and is in part two stories high. At its centre, comfortable sofas flank a great fireplace with wood-burning stove; beyond that, there is a dining area, and at the other end is a snooker/pool table. Beyond is an elegant double bedroom with four-poster bed and ensuite shower. Above that and reached from the gallery, are a twin bedroom, double bedroom and bathroom. At the other end of the gallery is a further sitting area with TV and DVD and French doors which open on to a first floor decking area (furniture) perfect for an evening drink as you watch the sun go down.
The other wing, stretching away from the sitting room, has a huge, state-of-the-art kitchen, again with full dining table. Beyond that, there is a utility/drying room, an office with wi-fi, a further double bedroom and yet another cosy sitting room, again with TV/DVD. (Perhaps you are beginning to realise the scope of the place!) A further staircase leads to a delightful twin bedroom with its own little seating area and en suite bathroom.
So there's the quantity - now the quality! Most of the ground floor is floored with Chinese slate, rendered very cosy by the efficient underfloor heating. The house is fully double glazed, many of the rooms have beamed ceilings, and the furnishings and fittings are of the highest standard.
One of the trees beside the house has an owl box (there is another built into the Steading itself!). Red squirrels and three shy roe deer are frequent visitors to the garden, and pine martens are also thought to call in of an evening. Those with an interest in wildlife, therefore, will have plenty to hold their attention.
Having famous Loch Ness just down the road is a further attraction for this lovely house. Drumnadrochit is quite the centre for activities on the Loch, be it sailing, fishing, boat trips or just looking out for elusive Nessie. There are riding stables there and walkers and cyclists can set off in either direction along the Great Glen Way. For the even more energetic, there are dozens of Munros and Corbetts within an hour's drive.
To the south west, by continuing along the famous Caledonian Canal, you will come to pretty Fort Augustus, where it goes through a series of spectacular locks, or on to Fort William and Neptune's Staircase at nearby Corpach. From Fort William, you can climb Ben Nevis or take the Road to the Isles, to Arisaig and Morar.
To the north, you can explore lovely Glen Affric, indulge in some urban bustle, cultural and retail therapy in Inverness, go and watch the dolphins at the Kessock Bridge or at Chanonry Point on the Black Isle, or strike even further north towards John o' Groats. And if a day on Skye appeals, then it's just a two hour trip from Inverness.
Heating is by wood-burning stove and oil-fired central heating (part underfloor). Central heating, electricity, all fuel and kindling, bed linen and towels are all INCLUDED in the rental. Well behaved pets are welcome by arrangement. A refundable householder's deposit will be required. Smoking is not permited within the cottage. Wi-Fi is available, subject to provider.
