Sutherland, in the largely undiscovered north eastern quarter of Scotland, has some wonderful scenery, both coastal and countryside. The Mid Fearn Estate covers some 17 acres adjacent to the Dornoch Firth, 45 minutes drive to the north of Inverness. Its grounds extend along the shore, where you can see ospreys, buzzards, falcons, deer and often seals sunning themselves on the sandbars.
There, you will find Herbie's Cottage, a lovely little hideaway for two people, with a bed-sittingroom, separate kitchen and shower room. It is, in fact, a clever conversion of an old stone steading, which stands among trees is not overlooked by the main house, with lovely views of the Kyle of Sutherland, and a small river rumbling along behind it. It has oil fired central heating to keep it cosy all year round.
The kitchen area has a microwave and washing machine, and in the tastefully furnished living area there is a very comfortable double sofa bed. There is ample parking around the cottage and a car can be brought right to the door.
The area has a great deal to offer the visitor. Within 15 miles, there are some lovely, quiet sandy beaches, excellent golf courses (including the Royal Dornoch Championship Links) and good fishing in the local rivers and lochs such as Tarvie and Achilty.. You can take wildlife cruises in the Cromarty Firth from North Kessock and view the dolphins for which the area is famous, and where there are also riding stables.
Dornoch (14m) is a beautiful little town, with, in addition to its golf course, a lovely cathedral, and fabulous sandy beach. About 16 miles up the coast at Brora, is the Clynelish distillery where you can taste and buy one of the finest and most hard to come by of malt whiskies. The better known Glenmorangie Distillery is closer by at Tain. At Ardgay too, you are excellently placed for heading both north and west, north to John O'Groats (visit the Queen Mother's beloved Castle of Mey, or why not pop over to Orkney while you're there?) and west to Ullapool (47m) and Lochinver where the glorious mountains of Suilven and Stac Pollaidh beg to be climbed, or viewed at the very least! Or go even further northwest to Cape Wrath, mainland Scotland's northernmost tip.
There is an hotel and shop and a railway halt at Ardgay, and Inverness has all facilities.
Oil-fired central heating and electricity are INCLUDED. Bed linen and towels are INCLUDED. Pets are welcome.
As in many places in the Highlands, the local water supply runs through peat soil and can appear very brown, particularly after heavy rain. While its quality is still probably better than many places in the south, if you are concerned about the colour you may prefer to bring bottled water to drink.
