Situated on the south side of Strath Oykel, cradled by moors and hills, The Steading is an idyllic holiday cottage born from a tasteful conversion of a traditional farm building. With its timeless design, this retreat provides a tranquil escape in the heart of the Oykel River valley.
Quick Info
Sleeps: 4 | Bedrooms: 2 |
Changeover Day: Sat | Pets Allowed: No |
No smoking | Bathrooms: 2 |
Travelling from Bonar Bridge in Sutherland, just 11 miles away with its full range of facilities and a golf course, the road to Lairg beckons, leading you to the hidden gem that is The Steading. Poised in a commanding position above its only visible neighbor, this enchanting retreat stands proudly on a grassy terrace, accessible via a steep shared drive.
Step into The Steading's open-plan living area, where large picture and roof windows create a natural ambiance. French doors lead to a gravel terrace with comfortable furniture, offering a perfect spot to soak in the surrounding beauty.
Every detail within this space exudes warmth, from the traditional latched doors to the wooden fire surround. The overall ambiance is one of coziness and charm, creating a welcoming retreat where the beauty of natural wood intertwines with modern comfort.
The single-level layout reveals two impeccably finished twin bedrooms, each boasting breathtaking views of the valley and hills. The larger of the two bedrooms also indulges in an en suite shower room, providing a touch of convenience.
The main bathroom itself becomes an intriguing visual delight, adorned in a style that effortlessly transports fishermen to the anticipation of a rewarding day's angling. As well as fishing, golfing and hiking, the nearby mountain bike trails at Carbisdale and Balblair offer a rewarding challenge for downhill enthusiasts.
Every corner of The Steading is crafted to elevate your experience, inviting you to revel in the beauty of nature and the comforts of a thoughtfully designed haven. This is not just a retreat; it's an immersive escape into the embrace of Strathoykel's enchanting landscape. Your journey to tranquility begins at The Steading, a truly unique holiday cottage.
The Oykel is a well-known salmon river, which is bound to be of interest to fishermen and the scenery in the immediate area is surprisingly gentle for a place so far north.
The river valley is a broad one, flanked by wildflower meadows and woodlands, but in the background there are tempting views of Ben More Assynt, reminding you that more rugged territory is not so far away. Those seeking more gentle exercise will find lovely woodland walks at Roseland woodland trails, at Raven's Rock Gorge or the Cassley Falls. Back down the road, too, are the impressive Falls of Shin.
The Steading is set in a convenient spot for exploring the remote countryside of the north west Highlands. If you cross the river to join the A837, it will take you over to the west coast, either to Ullapool (38 miles), the stunning mountain scenery of the Coigach, to Lochinver or even to Scourie and Laxford Bridge. On this road there is a hotel at Oykel Bridge (9 miles). To the south east are the glorious beaches and championship golf course at Dornoch (24 miles) and the possibility of heading right up the coast to John O' Groats.
You could head directly north from Lairg, where there is a pony trekking centre, just over 40 miles to the very north coast at Tongue. There are some wonderful deserted beaches there and you could even go right along the top to Durness, stopping off at the famous Smoo Cave on the way. Those interested in wildlife should visit the RSPB site at Forsinard, in the midst of the amazing and unique Flow Country, arguably the largest area of blanket bog in Europe, where, in summer, you can hope to see the hen harriers, golden plovers and greenshanks which come here to breed.
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
Single Storey
Open plan living area with TV/DVD, CD player, electric coal effect stove, electric cooker, fridge/freezer, dishwasher, washing machine and microwave etc
Twin bedroom with en suite shower, WC and wash basin
Twin bedroom
Bathroom with bath and hand shower, WC and wash basin.
What's included
- Linen (Single Bed)
- Free
- Sets of towels (per person)
- Free
- WiFi
- Free
- Cot (excluding linen)
- Free
- Highchair
- Free
Services
Bed linen and towels are INCLUDED. The first £20 of electricity INCLUDED with any additional usage payable by meter reading at the end of your stay. Heating is by oil CH (first £30 INCLUDED) and electric coal effect stove. WiFi is INCLUDED subject to provider. Sorry, no pets or smoking in the cottage.
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 11/10/2024 to 14/10/2024
From 18/10/2024 to 21/10/2024
From 19/04/2024 to 22/04/2024
From 03/05/2024 to 06/05/2024
Changeover Day: Sat
Rental - Date Range | Sleeps 4 |
20 Apr 2024 - 03 May 2024 | £595.00 |
04 May 2024 - 24 May 2024 | £695.00 |
25 May 2024 - 31 May 2024 | £795.00 |
01 Jun 2024 - 21 Jun 2024 | £695.00 |
22 Jun 2024 - 19 Jul 2024 | £795.00 |
20 Jul 2024 - 23 Aug 2024 | £795.00 |
24 Aug 2024 - 13 Sep 2024 | £695.00 |
14 Sep 2024 - 04 Oct 2024 | £595.00 |
05 Oct 2024 - 25 Oct 2024 | £695.00 |
26 Oct 2024 - 19 Dec 2024 | £495.00 |
20 Dec 2024 - 27 Dec 2024 | £795.00 |
28 Dec 2024 - 05 Jan 2025 | £795.00 |
06 Jan 2025 - 05 Jan 2026 | POA |
06 Jan 2026 - 05 Jan 2027 | POA |
06 Jan 2027 - 05 Jan 2028 | 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.
Reviews
(Supplied Independently through Feefo)
Thoroughly enjoyable holiday spent in most attractive surroundings.
Our response:
We’re so pleased that you enjoyed your stay and hope you choose to return.
The Stedding is well appointed, comfortable and warm. This is our third visit and hope to be back before long. An ideal...
Our response:
You get the best of both worlds at The Steading - great location for the East and West. Don't be a stranger and we look ...
Read MoreWunderschönes, gemütliches und sauberes Cottage mit einer herrlichen Aussicht über das Oykeltal. Gut ausgestattet und wa...
Read MoreThe cottage was spacious and well equipped and the host was really helpful.
It was everything that the brochure said it was.
Guest Comments
'Just returned from a wonderful week at The Steading. The cottage is in a very quiet location - we felt relaxed as soon as we walked through the door. An abundance of really lovely walks and quaint towns to visit. The owners were very friendly and went out of their way to ensure we were comfortable and offered helpful suggestions for places to visit, activities for all ages and places to eat.'
Maynes party
Guest Comments
'Just returned from a wonderful week at The Steading. The cottage is in a very quiet location - we felt relaxed as soon as we walked through the door. An abundance of really lovely walks and quaint towns to visit. The owners were very friendly and went out of their way to ensure we were comfortable and offered helpful suggestions for places to visit, activities for all ages and places to eat.'
Maynes party