You can see why the Victorians flocked to elegant spa village of Strathpeffer, about 4 miles west of Dingwall near Inverness in the heart of the Highlands! It is a truly delightful place, which offers gracious houses, tennis and golf, a delightful restaurant at the back of the pump room, good hotels and a chocolate shop to die for!
Just three miles away, at the end of a minor road, beside the 3000 year old hill fort of Knockfarrel, and standing quite alone, Red Kite Cottage is a traditional cottage which has been beautifully refurbished in a modern take on Highland rural style. A particular feature is its new conservatory room with its high vaulted ceiling, from where you can enjoy enjoy the glorious panoramic views and the varied and interesting wildlife which thrives in this lovely area. Warmed by oil central heating and asolid fuel stove, it is cosy at all seasons. Loch Ussie is just 500 metres away.
Why Red Kite Cottage? The area is one of those chosen by the RSPB for a re-introduction programme for the spectacular red kite. They are to be seen in the skies all round the cottage, recognizable by their notched tails. In fact the whole area is a bird-lover's paradise. For example, in the spring, you can go on guided dawn excursions to view the famous 'lek' or mating ritual of the elusive black grouse.
Waymarked walks start from and run past the cottage. It is also a spot popular with hang-gliders. The beautiful Black Isle, where Chanonry Point is arguably the best place in the world to see dolphins swimming past at close quarters, is within a short drive. The road to Skye and the west runs through the village, and the fabulous glens Affric, Cannich and Glen Strathfarrar are all easily accessible, as is Loch Ness to the south. To the north, you can head for John o' Groats and maybe even take a trip on the foot ferry to Orkney.
While Strathpeffer has small shops, Dingwall (4m) offers serious supermarket shopping and all facilities.
A fourth person can be accommodated on the sofa bed at an extra charge.
Oil fired CH, the first £15 of electricity, bed linen and towels INCLUDED. Pets welcome. Sorry, no smoking. With an open tread spiral staircase the cottage is not really suitable for young children.
