Guest Rating
Those looking for a stylish, contemporary setting for a seaside break will love The Harbour Lookout, set in the charming village of Gardenstown overlooking the beach, harbour and Gamrie Bay on the sunny Banffshire coastline.
Quick Info
| Sleeps: 4/8 | Bedrooms: 4 |
| Changeover Day: Sat | Pets Allowed: No |
| No smoking | Bathrooms: 3 |
| Licence No: AS-01178-F |
What looks like a traditional cottage from the outside provides a welcome surprise on entry as it has been thoroughly refurbished and decorated in tasteful, soothing tones throughout. The spacious entry hall merely hints at the quality of the accommodation that is to come and it is a real pleasure to open the front door and find the wonderful sea vista spread out right in front.
Downstairs at the front of the house the en suite double bedroom has an amazing view out to the sea and cliffs beyond that is a delight to wake up to. The other double bedroom on this level shares a ‘Jack and Jill’ shower room that can be accessed from its side or from the twin bedroom with its adult size bunk beds.
The chic kitchen with its breakfasting island and bright and airy sitting room are both positioned up on the first floor to best advantage of the coastal views. A fire crackles away in the modern wood-burning stove at the heart of the sitting room with comfy seating that is ideally placed for toe toasting, an elegant dining area alongside and double doors opening out onto a small deck.
From the sitting room an open staircase leads up to the spacious master suite at the top of the house where the large double bedroom has further lovely sea views and the benefit of a contemporary en suite shower room. Unusually for this village the house has parking just outside or, if not, additional parking is available just 50 metres away.
Gardenstown is very pretty with a nice, relaxed atmosphere that is easy to settle into. Supplies can be picked up from the shop just down the road and it is a short walk down to visit the beautiful sandy beach that just begs to be explored, particularly as this area is known as one of the sunniest in Scotland!
A great way of experiencing the coastline is from the water and boat trips run out from the harbour in order to do just that, keeping an eye out for the local wildlife along the way. The pub in the village has tasty meals on offer as well as a well-stocked bar and a warm welcome. It also has a claim to fame as it is said to be where Bram Stoker stayed back in 1896 to finish his famous Dracula novel.
MacDuff (8 miles) has a supermarket for further provisions and a stop off for some proper seaside fare of fish and chips is always a good plan. The MacDuff Marine Aquarium showcases the local marine life, offering a close-up look that both children and adults alike are sure to be fascinated by.
Golfers have either the wonderful, clifftop 18 hole course at the Royal Tarlair Golf Club in MacDuff or the immaculate parkland course at the Duff House Royal Golf Club in Banff to choose from.
The Troup Head RSPB Reserve is east along the coast at Crovie and in season it is home to thousands of breeding seabirds such as gannets, kittiwakes, guillemots. There are even colourful puffins to look out for and dolphins and porpoises to spot out in the water.
Local Events and Attractions
Please note: while we make every effort to be as accurate as possible, the actual position of the cottage indicated on the map above and the proximity of the amenities in the Local Info section cannot be guaranteed to be precise and should be used as a guide only.
Accommodation
First Floor
Double bedroom with en suite bathroom with bath, separate shower, WC and wash basin
Double bedroom
Bunk room with two (full size) bunk beds
Jack and Jill Shower room with WC and wash basin.
Second Floor
Sitting/ Dining room with wood-burning stove and Smart TV
Kitchen with electric hob and oven, fridge/freezer, microwave, dishwasher and washer/dryer
WC with wash basin
Third Floor
Double bedroom (king-size) with en suite shower room with WC and wash basin.
What's included
- Linen (Double Bed)
- Free
- Linen (Single Bed)
- Free
- Sets of towels (per person)
- Free
- WiFi
- Free
- Cot (excluding linen)
- Free
Services
Bed linen and towels are INCLUDED. Electricity is INCLUDED. Heating is by oil central heating (INCLUDED) and wood-burning stove (starter pack INCLUDED. WiFi is INCLUDED. Sorry, pets are not accepted. No smoking.
Please note: For The Harbour Lookout, the tariff for 4 persons is based on two bedrooms only being made available.
Weekly Prices
The weekly guide prices for this property are shown below. Use the availability & book sidebar on the right to select your holiday or calculate short break rates (where available).
From 09/10/2026 to 12/10/2026
From 16/10/2026 to 19/10/2026
From 26/03/2027 to 29/03/2027
Changeover Day: Sat
| Rental - Date Range | Sleeps 4 | Sleeps 8 |
| 30 May 2026 - 26 Jun 2026 | £795.00 | £850.00 |
| 27 Jun 2026 - 17 Jul 2026 | £995.00 | £995.00 |
| 18 Jul 2026 - 28 Aug 2026 | £1,095.00 | £1,095.00 |
| 29 Aug 2026 - 11 Sep 2026 | £850.00 | £895.00 |
| 12 Sep 2026 - 02 Oct 2026 | £750.00 | £795.00 |
| 03 Oct 2026 - 23 Oct 2026 | £850.00 | £895.00 |
| 24 Oct 2026 - 19 Dec 2026 | £695.00 | £695.00 |
| 20 Dec 2026 - 27 Dec 2026 | £1,195.00 | £1,195.00 |
| 28 Dec 2026 - 05 Jan 2027 | £1,195.00 | £1,195.00 |
| 06 Jan 2027 - 29 Jan 2027 | £695.00 | £695.00 |
| 30 Jan 2027 - 26 Mar 2027 | £750.00 | £795.00 |
| 27 Mar 2027 - 16 Apr 2027 | £850.00 | £895.00 |
| 17 Apr 2027 - 30 Apr 2027 | POA | POA |
| 01 May 2027 - 28 May 2027 | POA | POA |
| 29 May 2027 - 04 Jun 2027 | POA | POA |
| 05 Jun 2027 - 25 Jun 2027 | POA | POA |
| 26 Jun 2027 - 16 Jul 2027 | POA | POA |
| 17 Jul 2027 - 27 Aug 2027 | POA | POA |
| 28 Aug 2027 - 10 Sep 2027 | POA | POA |
| 11 Sep 2027 - 01 Oct 2027 | POA | POA |
| 02 Oct 2027 - 22 Oct 2027 | POA | POA |
| 23 Oct 2027 - 19 Dec 2027 | POA | POA |
| 20 Dec 2027 - 27 Dec 2027 | POA | POA |
| 28 Dec 2027 - 05 Jan 2028 | POA | POA |
| 06 Jan 2028 - 05 Jan 2029 | POA | POA |
| 06 Jan 2029 - 05 Jan 2030 | POA | POA |
| 06 Jan 2030 - 05 Jan 2031 | POA | POA |
Please note: Prices are calculated based on your party size at the time of booking. If your party size changes for any reason after booking, please let us know so we can ensure the accommodation provided meets your exact requirements.
For The Harbour Lookout the tariff for 4 persons is based on two bedrooms only being made available.
Reviews
(Supplied Independently through Feefo)
The Harbour Lookout is, without doubt, one of the best cottages we have had the pleasure to stay in on our travels aroun...
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Brilliant property, lovely views, well equipped, supportive owner. A great base for exploring the Banff coast.
Our response:
Thank you for your kind words about The Harbour Lookout. We're glad you enjoyed the views and found everything well equi...
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We rented this property for a week over Christmas and had an exceptional stay. The house was beautifully decorated for t...
Our response:
Thank you for your lovely review. We are delighted to hear that you had such an exceptional Christmas stay and that you ...
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Highly recommended. Great accommodation. Spectacular views.
Wonderfully presented home
Frequently Asked Questions About Staying at The Harbour Lookout in Gardenstown
Planning a holiday in Gardenstown? The Harbour Lookout is set in this traditional fishing village on the Moray Firth coast, close to the harbour, beach and coastal walks, with Crovie, Pennan, Troup Head, Banff and Macduff all within easy reach.
What is there to do in Gardenstown?
Gardenstown is a traditional fishing village on the Moray Firth coast, with the harbour, beach, rock pools, seafront and characterful village lanes all close at hand. It is a lovely place for slow coastal days, photography, pottering by the shore and enjoying the sea views. The village is steep in places, so even short walks may involve steps or gradients.
Is there a beach at Gardenstown?
Yes. Gardenstown has its own beach and rocky shoreline right by the village. It is ideal for beachcombing, rock pooling, paddling, photography and coastal walks, rather than a large resort-style beach. Tide times are worth checking if you are planning a longer walk along the shore.
Is parking available at The Harbour Lookout in Gardenstown?
Yes. The Harbour Lookout has a parking space outside the property, which is especially useful in Gardenstown, where roads can be narrow and steep in places. There is also parking around the harbour and eastern end of the village, although spaces can be more limited at busier times. Guests with larger vehicles should be aware that Gardenstown is an old fishing village rather than a purpose-built resort, so access can feel tight in places.
Can you walk from Gardenstown to Crovie?
Yes. Crovie is very close, around 1 to 1.5 miles from Gardenstown depending on the route. The coastal walk is scenic, with excellent sea views, but the path can be uneven, steep or slippery in places, so sensible footwear is recommended. Allow around 1 to 1.5 hours if doing it as a relaxed walk with time to stop and enjoy the views.
How far is Pennan from Gardenstown?
Pennan is around 3 miles by road from Gardenstown. It is a small, picturesque coastal village and is well known as one of the filming locations for Local Hero. It makes an easy short drive from Gardenstown and can be combined with a visit to Troup Head or other parts of the Banffshire coast.
How far is Troup Head RSPB reserve from Gardenstown?
Troup Head is roughly 2 to 3 miles from Gardenstown, between Gardenstown and Pennan. It is one of the best nearby places for seabird watching, especially during the nesting season, with dramatic clifftop views over the Moray Firth. Sensible shoes and care near cliff edges are strongly recommended.
Where are the nearest shops to Gardenstown?
Gardenstown has local shops for everyday essentials, including village convenience shopping. These are generally within walking distance once you are in the village, although the steep layout means the walk back may feel more of a climb. For larger supermarket shops, Banff and Macduff are the more practical options, around 6 to 7 miles away.
Where can we eat or get a drink in Gardenstown?
Gardenstown has local options for food and drink, including the village pub and café-style choices, but opening times can vary, especially out of season. It is best to check ahead rather than relying on anywhere being open every day. For a wider choice of places to eat, Banff and Macduff are around 6 to 7 miles away.
How far are Banff and Macduff from Gardenstown?
Macduff is around 6 miles from Gardenstown, while Banff is around 7 miles. They are useful for supermarkets, fuel, takeaways, restaurants, pharmacy services and visitor attractions. Macduff Marine Aquarium is one of the easiest family-friendly outings from Gardenstown, and Duff House in Banff is also within easy driving distance.
Do I need a car for a holiday in Gardenstown?
A car is strongly recommended for most holidays in Gardenstown. The village itself can be explored on foot, and Crovie is walkable for reasonably fit guests, but a car makes it much easier to reach Banff, Macduff, Pennan, Troup Head, larger shops and other attractions along the Banffshire coast. Guests should also remember that Gardenstown is built into the hillside, so walking around the village can involve steep climbs.
Please note: distances and walking times are approximate and may vary depending on the exact property location, route taken, tide times, weather conditions and individual walking pace. Guests should check opening times, parking arrangements and local access details before travelling, especially out of season.
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